Abbott's Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System Used for First Time in Canada at McGill University Health Centre

Novartis agreed in September 2025 to acquire Tourmaline Bio, Inc. for approximately $1.4 billion, with the IL-6 inhibitor pacibekitug as the central strategic asset. Novartis described pacibekitug as Phase III-ready and positioned it as a complement to its cardiovascular portfolio, gaining access to its global cardiovascular infrastructure, development capabilities, payer relationships and launch expertise. The deal follows positive topline results from the Phase II TRANQUILITY trial reported by Tourmaline Bio in May 2025, in which monthly dosing at 15 mg produced an hs-CRP reduction of more than 85% and 50 mg quarterly dosing achieved a reduction of more than 86%, with all treatment arms reaching p< 0.0001 compared with placebo and adverse event rates comparable to placebo. Pacibekitug is an investigational, long-acting fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes IL-6 signaling, designed for low-volume subcutaneous administration with an extended half-life that may support quarterly dosing. Originally developed by Pfizer Inc. for autoimmune diseases including Crohn's Disease and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, the asset has since been repositioned for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, Chronic Kidney Disease with elevated inflammation, Thyroid Eye Disease and other inflammatory conditions. A new ResearchAndMarkets.com report forecasts pacibekitug sales and market size through 2034 across the seven major markets of the United States, EU4, the United Kingdom and Japan, covering cardiovascular disorders, Graves ophthalmopathy, kidney disorders and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Lupin Limited has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for its New Drug Application for Apixaban Oral Suspension 1.25mg/mL, cleared via the 505(b)(2) pathway. The oral liquid formulation uses apixaban, the active ingredient in Eliquis of Bristol Myers Squibb, and offers an alternative administration option for adult patients requiring anticoagulation therapy, including those who may have difficulty swallowing tablets. CEO Vinita Gupta said the tentative approval reflects Lupin's continued focus on developing differentiated medicines that address meaningful patient needs. Upon final approval, the product will be manufactured at Lupin's Somerset, New Jersey facility, leveraging the company's U.S.-based manufacturing expertise to support high-quality standards and supply reliability. Lupin Limited is headquartered in Mumbai, India, and distributes products in over 100 markets.

Novo Nordisk is pursuing deals to build growth beyond its core weight-loss franchise, with CEO Mike Doustdar signaling willingness to diversify as obesity and diabetes accounted for more than 90% of the company's 2025 sales. At its September 2026 Capital Markets Day, Novo said it aims to launch more than five multi-blockbuster medicines by 2030 and generate more than DKK 150 billion, or $23 billion, in pipeline sales by 2035, alongside at least five Phase 3 programs in obesity and diabetes and at least five in other therapeutic areas. Obesity sales reached DKK 82.3 billion in 2025, up 31% at constant exchange rates, but in the second quarter of 2026 U.S. Wegovy injectable sales fell 22% at constant exchange rates on lower realized prices, even as combined injectable and pill sales rose 4%. Novo is expanding its portfolio with oral Wegovy, CagriSema and zenagamtide while pursuing cardiovascular, kidney, liver and rare disease opportunities, and recent CagriSema data showed 12.4% average weight loss versus 9.1% for tirzepatide 5 mg in the REIMAGINE 5 trial. The company's diabetes value market share fell 3.6 percentage points to 30.1% in 2025, and Eli Lilly's Zepbound is expected to generate roughly $7 billion more in sales than Wegovy in 2026, according to Reuters, which also noted expected R&D returns across the industry have fallen toward roughly 9%, only modestly above an estimated 8% cost of capital.