Global Scans · Pharmaceuticals · Weekly Summary

• [New] In 2026, the FDA's Project Optimus initiative will become the expected standard for dose optimization in oncology drug development. PharmaVOICE
• [New] After years of overpromising, 2026 will be the first cycle in which AI-native drug discovery platforms deliver clinically meaningful inflection points, not just computational milestones. PharmaVOICE
• [New] AI and other new technologies are expected to transform healthcare in 2026, driving advances in diagnostics, drug development, and workload reduction for healthcare professionals. Euronews
• [New] Medicare drug price negotiation will benefit patients with common diseases such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory conditions, or cardiovascular disease. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The pharmaceutical sector is facing policy pressures, patent expirations and tariff issues in 2026, but AI and other tech developments offer growth potential. Investing News Network (INN)
• [New] The strategic active pharmaceutical ingredients reserve was established to create a national stockpile of APIs for essential medicines, aiming to insulate the U.S. from foreign supply chain disruptions and reduce dependence on other countries for critical inputs. Precedence Research
• [New] 2026 will mark a new chapter in CNS drug development. PharmaVOICE
• [New] Merck & Co.'s oral PCSK9 inhibitor enlicitide is another pill form of a currently available injection that could drive uptake for an entire drug category. PharmaVOICE
• [New] Merck & Co's Keytruda is forecast to remain in its position as the top-selling drug brand in 2026, achievable only with the addition of a new subcutaneously administered formulation of the cancer blockbuster. PharmiWeb.com
• [New] Brand name drug maker GSK is expected to increase prices on around 20 drugs and vaccines, with price increases ranging from 2% to 8.9%. CSRxP
• [New] By 2032, algae omega-3 ingredients will be firmly embedded in global nutrition, pharmaceutical, and sustainable food systems. Cision PR Newswire
• [New] In 2026, the primary drivers will be the advancement of generative AI for de novo drug design and the use of real-world evidence (RWE) in regulatory submissions. Pharmaceutical Technology
• [New] Health benefit costs for employees are projected to rise 6.7% in 2026 - the largest increase in 15 years - as employers grapple with escalating prescription drug prices, growing GLP-1 coverage and a broader push to offer diverse, cost-saving health plan options amid mounting affordability concerns. Managed Healthcare Executive
• [New] Quantum-as-a-service initiatives are expected to grow to serve more research communities across the world in fields like drug discovery and weather modelling. Electronics For You - Official Site ElectronicsForU.com
• [New] Patent expiration concerns are creating buying opportunities for investors who appreciate Bristol's valuable drug pipeline, which includes blood cancer drug candidates iberdomide and mezigdomide. WTOP News
• [New] The pharmaceutical leader is expected to dominate 2026 through its GLP-1 franchise. Peter Fisk
• [New] Only 10% of biologics expected to lose patent protection within the next decade currently have biosimilars in development, and 27% of biologics with annual sales exceeding $500 million lack any biosimilar program despite clear commercial and patient need. Dermatology Times
• [New] State and federal policy makers could consider prohibiting confidential rebates for biologic drugs once biosimilar versions become available in the US to improve price transparency and facilitate more direct price competition. AJMC

Last updated: 13 January 2026