Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
Obesity innovation pilot launches in UK via pharmacies and community platforms
- A new obesity-focused program, backed by a mixture of funding from the UK government and the private sector, will pilot holistic, community-based weight management services—including digital tools and pharmacy access—as early as the summer of 2026, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- The initiative aims to widen and simplify patient access to obesity care, reduce National Health Service costs, support people’s wellbeing and help shift the health care system toward prevention, easing pressure on medical services.
Prasad unexpectedly returns to lead FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
- Vinay Prasad’s return to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration comes just weeks after resigning amid controversy over his handling of a muscular dystrophy gene therapy and internal conflicts within the agency.
- According to Endpoints News, his return has sparked confusion and mixed reactions among FDA staff, with concerns about leadership stability, while other staff praised his defense of regulatory rigor.
Biotech IPOs in the U.S. have hit a six-month drought
- With the last public listing occurring in February 2025, this marks one of the longest dry spells since the Great Recession, forcing companies to delay initial public offering plans, shut down or seek alternative funding and deals, reports Endpoints News.
- Despite the slowdown, optimism remains for a rebound, with bankers reporting increased conversations about IPOs for late 2025 and early 2026. Meanwhile, Chinese biotechs continue to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, highlighting a shift in global biotech activity.
Pharmaceutical companies respond to Most Favored Nation policy
- A pharmaceutical company announced plans to raise drug prices in Europe in response to the Most Favored Nation policy, which pressured pharmaceutical companies to lower U.S. drug prices to match those in other developed countries. The company aims to “rebalance” global pricing to reflect innovation and value more fairly.
- According to Biospace, the company defends its U.S. pricing strategy by highlighting structural issues in the American health care system and pointing to efforts like insulin price cuts, direct-to-consumer discounts and opposition to broad tariffs, which it argues would raise costs and limit access.
Pharmaceutical tariff announcement is delayed
- The pharmaceutical tariff announcement is delayed, according to Reuters, with sources indicating it may be weeks away due to other priorities like the U.S.-Russia summit and a semiconductor investigation. Per announcements in recent weeks, the tariffs could start small and rise up to 250%.
- Global drugmakers are preparing for impacts as the potential tariff covers everything from finished drugs to raw materials. While medical goods have historically been spared from trade wars, these new tariffs could raise costs and affect patient access.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
