Sl No Brand Q1 H1 9M Total 1 Johnson and Johnson $24.1 $49.4 2 Eli Lilly $19.8 3 Roche $18.8 4 AstraZeneca $15.3 5 Novo Nordisk $15.2 6 AbbVie $15.0 7 Pfizer $14.4 8 Merck $14.3 9 Novartis $13.1 10 Sanofi $12.4 The first quarter of 2026 confirmed that GLP-1 drugs are still rewriting the global pharmaceutical revenue rankings. Eli Lilly posted $19.8 billion revenues, the fastest rate among the top 10 companies, driven entirely by Mounjaro and Zepbound demand. Johnson and Johns

Top 10 healthcare companies by revenues | 2026 Rank Company Q1 H1 9M 2026 revenues 1 United Health Group $111.7 $223.7 2 CVS Health $100.4 3 Cigna Group $68.5 4 Centene $49.9 5 Elevance Health $49.5 6 Humana $39.6 7 Kaiser Permanente $34.6 8 HCA Healthcare $19.1 9 HCSC $16.6 10 Molina Healthcare $10.8 Top Healthcare Companies by Revenues | 2026 United Health Group Q1 REVENUES: UnitedHealth Group reported first-quarter 2026 revenues of $111.7 billion, representing a 2% increa

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has officially authorized the marketing of Qdenga, a dengue tetravalent vaccine manufactured by Takeda, marking a significant development in India’s public health strategy. The approval introduces the first preventative immunologic tool against dengue fever in the country. This regulatory milestone follows a comprehensive evaluation of the vaccine’s safety, quality, and efficacy under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosm

On July 16, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new draft guidance that fills in critical operational details for the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price negotiation program. The document explains how pharmaceutical manufacturers will be expected to implement Medicare’s negotiated prices when they go live in 2028, with specific expectations for both pharmacy-dispensed and physician-administered therapies. For life sciences companies, this guidan

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled a comprehensive, three-pillar strategy aimed at fundamentally restructuring Original Medicare (OM) by transitioning away from traditional, fragmented fee-for-service payment models. The new framework seeks to optimize spending efficiency, expand patient-centric decision-making, and strengthen provider accountability within the Medicare Shared Savings Program. This initiative reflects the agency’s intensified focu

Takeda Reports Positive Phase 3 Results for Zasocitinib in Plaque Psoriasis Takeda Pharmaceutical has announced positive results from its pivotal Phase 3 LATITUDE PsO 3001 and 3002 clinical trials, establishing its selective TYK2 inhibitor, zasocitinib, as a high-efficacy oral candidate for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. With approximately 70 percent of participants achieving a static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) score of clear or almost clear by the 16-week mark,

Eli Lilly and Company has announced a definitive agreement to acquire clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm AtaiBeckley in a transaction valued at up to $3.8 billion. The acquisition aims to significantly expand Lilly’s neuroscience pipeline by integrating advanced neuroplastogen therapies designed to treat complex and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Key Regulatory Proposals The financial terms of the agreement include an initial $2.8 billion upfront cash paymen

The European Commission has issued marketing authorization for once-daily oral semaglutide 25 mg tablets, marketed under the Wegovy brand, for the management of obesity and weight-associated comorbidities in adults. This regulatory milestone marks the introduction of the first GLP-1 receptor agonist in oral form for weight management within the European Union, extending the drug’s existing presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahra

Key Regulatory Proposals Aetna, a CVS Health company, has released the results of its second quarterly Provider Survey, highlighting a notable shift in the relationship between healthcare payers and providers. According to the data, the average provider trust score for payers has increased to 6.1, up from 5.4 in the first quarter of the year. Approximately 38% of survey participants now rate their payer partners an 8 or higher on a 10-point scale. Operational improvements app

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Celcuity’s REVTORPYK (gedatolisib) for the treatment of HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer patients who do not possess a PIK3CA mutation. As the first therapy capable of inhibiting all class I PI3K isoforms (α, β, δ, γ) in conjunction with both mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes, REVTORPYK introduces a novel mechanism of action for a patient population that accounts for approximately 42% of all HR+/HER2- diagnoses. Also read:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced a broad regulatory proposal aimed at restructuring Medicare physician payments and accelerating the transition toward value-based care. The initiative centers on four strategic objectives: Broadening participation in accountable care models Refining payment methodologies Streamlining administrative operations Prioritizing proactive preventative medicine over traditional reactive healthcare delivery Key Regulato

The German Bundestag has officially ratified new legislation designed to stabilize the nation’s statutory health insurance (SHI) framework by imposing rigorous expenditure controls across the hospital and pharmaceutical sectors. The mandate enforces strict limitations on hospital spending growth, tied to the basic wage rate minus one percentage point through 2029, while simultaneously shifting regulatory focus toward administrative efficiency and service quality oversight. Al

AstraZeneca has finalized an agreement to acquire global rights to Zegfrovy (sunvozertinib), a targeted, irreversible EGFR inhibitor developed by Dizal Pharmaceutical. This strategic expansion is designed to solidify AstraZeneca’s position in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients specifically harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. Efficacy of Zegfrovy as first-line therapy in NSCLC patients with EGFR Exon 20 Insertion

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved the subcutaneous formulation of Sarclisa (isatuximab), branded as Escena, establishing it as the first anticancer therapy to utilize an on-body injector (OBI). Also read: CVS Pharmacy Joins Medicare GLP-1 Bridge and Scales Weight‑Loss Access Across the U.S Powered by the CirCLIQ platform, this new delivery method offers patients the option for either manual subcutaneous administration or automated, hands-free

A major transition is underway in the U.S. pharmacy benefit sector as corporate employers increasingly abandon traditional rebate-based structures in favor of transparent, fee-only models. Recent data from the Penta Group indicates that nearly 90% of U.S. employers are now actively seeking pharmacy benefit management (PBM) agreements that bypass legacy rebate systems to ensure that negotiated drug savings are passed directly to plan members. Also read: CVS Pharmacy Joins Medi

The FDA has officially approved a novel perioperative treatment regimen for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), authorizing the combination of Merck’s KEYTRUDA—including the new subcutaneous formulation, KEYTRUDA QLEX, with Pfizer and Astellas’ antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), Padcev. This regulatory milestone represents the first instance of a PD-1 inhibitor and ADC combination being approved for MIBC, irrespective of a patient’s eligibility for cisplatin-based chemotherapy

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a landmark proposed rule for Calendar Year 2027 that seeks to fundamentally alter the financial landscape of outpatient medicine. The proposal aims to curb federal and beneficiary spending by an estimated $5.7 billion by aggressively addressing payment disparities between Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs) and independent medical settings. Key to this shift is the realignment of 340B drug payment rates to re

Vertex Pharmaceuticals has agreed to acquire Crinetics Pharmaceuticals in an all‑cash transaction that values the endocrine specialist at about $10 dollars. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Vertex will pay $85 per Crinetics share, with the deal valued at roughly $8.8 billion net of cash on hand, and closing targeted for the third quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. Also read: CVS Pharmacy Joins Medicare GLP-1 Bridge and Scales Weight

HUTCHMED has secured conditional approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration for savolitinib, marketed as Orpathys, in a new gastric cancer indication. The decision allows oncologists to use Orpathys in adults with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma whose tumours harbor MET amplification and who have already been through at least two systemic treatment regimens. Also read: CVS Pharmacy Joins Medicare

Optum Financial has completed the acquisition of Alegeus Technologies, adding a major benefits administration platform to its consumer finance business. Alegeus runs software that powers consumer‑directed healthcare accounts such as health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement arrangements and COBRA coverage for millions of members. The deal fits within UnitedHealth Group’s broader push to deepen its presence in healthcare payments and benefit f

Novartis is moving to expand its oncology footprint with a planned acquisition of UK‑based Myricx Bio, betting on a new antibody‑drug conjugate payload class that targets N‑myristoyltransferase and could broaden options for patients with solid tumours. Also read: AbbVie to Acquire Apogee Therapeutics in $10.9 Billion Immunology Deal Novartis moves on Myricx Bio The Swiss drugmaker has agreed to buy Myricx Bio, a privately held biotech in the UK that is building ADCs around.

The European Commission (EC) has granted tumor-agnostic approval for Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) to treat adult patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive solid tumors. Because the indication is tumor-agnostic, the authorization applies to any solid malignancy meeting the HER2 IHC 3+ criteria, moving beyond organ-specific boundaries like breast or lung cancers. This European regulatory milestone mirrors recent approvals in other global markets. T

NICE has backed two notable therapies for NHS use in England, extending options in advanced cervical cancer and offering the first intervention that can delay the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes. NICE recommended Cemiplimab in Advanced Cervical Cancer NICE has backed cemiplimab as a new systemic option for adults with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer in England, adding an immunotherapy choice in a setting where outcomes are typically poor and treatments are limited.

In the first quarter of 2026, statutory health insurance funds collected about €94.4 billion in revenues and spent roughly €93.1 billion on benefits and administration. Expenditure rose by around 7.7 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, while contribution income excluding supplementary charges increased by about 4.1 percent. Across the 93 statutory health insurers, the system showed a surplus of €1.3 billion in the quarter, but this surplus largely reflects c

CVS Pharmacy is expanding its support for people using GLP-1 medicines for weight management and metabolic health, as demand for these drugs continues to rise in the United States. The company is integrating new access, clinical, and product initiatives across more than 9,000 CVS Pharmacy locations and its MinuteClinic virtual care platform, which serves most states. Also read: Top 10 Pharma Companies by Revenue in 2025 The approach brings together three elements that often l

The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has issued positive opinions for three oncology and hematology therapies, setting up potential changes in how clinicians across Europe treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, metastatic triple‑negative breast cancer and relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Pirtobrutinib moves toward broader CLL use CHMP has backed Eli Lilly’s BTK inhibitor pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca) for wide use in adults with chroni

Eli Lilly is preparing to launch a new access route intended to help some Medicare beneficiaries obtain GLP-1-based obesity treatments. The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program marks a notable change in how weight‑management medicines may be covered for older adults and other Part D enrollees. What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program? The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is a time-limited initiative created by Eli Lilly to give a subset of Medicare Part D members lower-cost access t

Merck has announced pivotal advancements across its pipeline, highlighting positive Phase 3 data for its ulcerative colitis candidate, tulisokibart, alongside a fresh European approval for its Keytruda-Padcev combination in bladder cancer. Also read: CDSCO Approves AstraZeneca's Enhertu as New First-Line Combination for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer in India Tulisokibart Hits Primary Target in Phase 3 Ulcerative Colitis Trial Merck’s Phase 3 ATLAS-UC trial met its primary objec

AstraZeneca Pharma India has secured regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to introduce a new first-line therapeutic option for adults facing unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. The approved regimen pairs trastuzumab deruxtecan with pertuzumab. Given the aggressive nature of HER2-positive breast cancer, which stems from HER2 gene amplification and impacts a significant portion of Indian patients, this approval ad

Sanofi has received approval in Japan for Wayrilz (rilzabrutinib) to treat adults with persistent or chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), particularly in patients who have shown inadequate response or intolerance to prior therapies. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare granted the authorization, introducing a new oral treatment that targets immune system dysfunction underlying the disease. Wayrilz is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor designed to act across mult

AbbVie has announced plans to acquire Apogee Therapeutics in a deal that would expand its position in immunology and inflammatory disease. The transaction would add a pipeline of clinical-stage programs focused on conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, and other immune-mediated disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, Apogee shareholders would receive $135.11 per share in cash, valuing the company at about $10.9 billion. The boards of both companies have approved t

China’s regulatory authority has approved Vanflyta (quizartinib) for adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring FLT3-ITD mutations, introducing a targeted therapy option into frontline treatment. The drug is to be used alongside standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy, followed by maintenance therapy. Also read: EULAR Annual Meeting in London, UK | 2026 The decision is supported by data from the phase 3 QuANTUM-First study, which showed that

Sanofi has secured US regulatory clearance for Tzield as a treatment aimed at modifying disease progression in children recently diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes. The authorization marks the first time a therapy has been approved in this setting to help preserve the body’s own insulin production. The US Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for Tzield for use in patients aged 8 to 17 years who have been newly diagnosed with stage 3 type 1 diabetes.

Takeda reports that its investigational oral therapy Zasocitinib achieved markedly stronger outcomes than deucravacitinib in a head-to-head Phase 3 trial in adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The findings suggest a potential shift in expectations for oral treatment efficacy in this chronic inflammatory skin disease. In the randomized, multicenter, double blind LATITUDE Atlas study (TAK‑279‑PsO‑3004), once daily Zasocitinib, a next generation, highly selective

The European Commission has published its inaugural Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA), officially activating the EU’s modernized Health Technology Assessment (HTA) framework under Regulation (EU) 2021/2282. What is the first drug assessed under Joint Clinical Assessment? Drug: Ojemda The first finalized review evaluates the targeted therapy Ojemda (tovorafenib). Target Indication: Pediatric low-grade glioma. Clinical Context: This represents the most commonly diagnosed brain

BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM New analyses suggest nerandomilast may extend survival in IPF and PPF New long-term modeling data shared from the Fibroneer program suggest that nerandomilast could offer meaningful survival gains for patients living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF). The analyses estimate that treatment with the oral preferential PDE4B inhibitor may extend median survival by several years compared with no treatment, with ad

BEST SELLING CANCER DRUGS | TOP ONCOLOGY DRUGS | 2025 BEST SELLING CANCER DRUGS 2025 Rank Brand Company Indications Revenues $ billion 1 Keytruda Merck Melanoma, NSCLC, HNSCC, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Urothelial Cancer, RCC, HCC and several other cancers $31.7 2 Darzalex Johnson and Johnson Multiple myeloma $14.5 3 Opdivo Bristol Myers Squibb Melanoma, NSCLC, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Urothelial Cancer, RCC, HCC and several other cancers $10.0 4 Tagrisso AstraZeneca EGFR positive NSCLC $7.2

ASTRAZENECA STRIDE Plus Lenvatinib and TACE Cuts Progression Risk by 30% in Embolisation‑Eligible Unresectable HCC Early EMERALD‑3 results indicate that combining dual checkpoint blockade and lenvatinib with TACE can prolong disease control in patients with embolisation‑eligible, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, without introducing new safety concerns. How EMERALD‑3 was designed? EMERALD‑3 is a Phase III study enrolling people with unresectable HCC who are suitable fo

Pfizer and Innovent Biologics have formed a broad global partnership aimed at advancing a new generation of oncology therapies, focusing on early-stage and newly discovered cancer treatment candidates. Also read: Top 10 Pharma Companies by Revenue in 2025 The agreement covers the joint development of 12 innovative drug programs, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) featuring novel payload technologies and multispecific antibodies engineered to enhance immune system engag

AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) has received approval in the United States as part of the first and only immunotherapy-based combination regimen for adults with previously untreated, high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who have not received Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The approval allows the use of Imfinzi alongside both induction and maintenance BCG therapy in this patient population. The regulatory decision is supported by findings from the Phase III

CVS Caremark is repositioning its GLP-1 weight management strategy to focus on both affordability and broader access, instead of simply expanding coverage as a routine update. The key operational moves are the reintroduction of Zepbound (tirzepatide) as a preferred option on its commercial formularies from October 1, 2026, and the removal of the new-to-market block on Foundayo (orforglipron), an oral GLP-1 therapy, effective June 1, 2026. These decisions indicate that CVS Car

Decnupaz (pivekimab sunirine) has received U.S. FDA approval for use in adult patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), a very rare and aggressive blood cancer with few effective therapies available. This medicine is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) and is notable because treatment can be started in the outpatient setting rather than requiring admission to the hospital. It also represents AbbVie’s first ADC approved in the hematology/oncology space.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has granted Novo Nordisk’s therapy, denecimig, designation as a “promising drug.” The therapy is intended for long-term use to prevent or reduce bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A across different age groups, regardless of the presence of factor VIII inhibitors. Denecimig, a bispecific antibody belonging to a class of protein-based therapies. It works by binding to two key proteins involved in the blood clotting process,

A study mission focused on the European Health Technology Assessment (HTA) framework, involving the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), has officially wrapped up following a visit to Italy. The initiative, titled “Supporting AEMPS in the implementation of the HTA Regulation, study visit to Italy,” was conducted under the European Commission’s TAIEX Technical Support Instrument (TSI). This engagement provided a valuable platform for both technical excha

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has issued an updated overview of medicinal products and anti-infective therapies recognized for their level of therapeutic advancement as of April 30, 2026. These updates are based on assessments conducted by the Scientific and Economic Commission, which determines whether a medicine qualifies as therapeutically innovative. Also read: Most-Favored-Nation Drug Pricing: $733B in U.S. Savings? Medicines Granted Innovative Status in Italy i

Eli Lilly has entered into three separate acquisition agreements aimed at strengthening its position in the infectious disease space, targeting both viral and bacterial threats associated with long-term health complications. The deals involve Curevo Inc., LimmaTech Biologics AG, and Vaccine Company Inc., marking a significant step in Lilly’s broader strategy to invest in innovative prevention-focused technologies. These acquisitions reflect Lilly’s renewed emphasis on comba

VERVE-102 Shows Durable LDL Reduction in Heart-2 Study, Lilly Plans Phase 2 Launch Eli Lilly has released early clinical results for its gene-editing candidate VERVE-102, highlighting the potential of a single-dose treatment to deliver sustained reductions in LDL cholesterol among high-risk patients. The investigational therapy targets the PCSK9 gene in the liver, aiming to permanently reduce its activity and lower circulating cholesterol levels. In the ongoing Phase 1b Heart

On May 22, 2026, the German Bundestag approved the Pharmacy Services Development Act, known as ApoVWG, introducing wide-ranging reforms to reinforce the country’s pharmacy network and expand patient care services. The legislation is designed to secure consistent access to medicines across Germany, with a strong focus on underserved rural regions. It combines financial support, regulatory simplification, and expanded professional responsibilities for pharmacies. Financial

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Datroway, developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, as the first TROP2-directed antibody drug conjugate cleared for first-line treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in patients who are not suitable candidates for PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor therapy. This approval marks a significant shift in how this difficult-to-treat cancer may be managed going forward. What is Datroway and Why Does This Approval Matter? Datr

As the global geopolitical landscape shifts, Europe is reassessing its position in the pharmaceutical sector, aiming to protect its strategic autonomy while maintaining global competitiveness. A joint declaration by Germany and France highlights a renewed commitment to strengthening Europe’s pharmaceutical industry amid rising international pressures and structural challenges. What Makes Europe a Key Pharmaceutical Market? With a population of nearly 520 million across the