In this news roundup, take a look back at top moments from the pharmaceutical industry in January 2026.

The UK and Japanese governments have announced a sweeping pharmaceutical and technology partnership.

The programme will focus on pancreatic, ovarian and oesophageal cancers – three indications that often spread silently.

With two new Nipah virus cases confirmed, the pressure is mounting on the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture a vaccine.

Pascal Soriot, CEO, AZ, hailed the investment as the start of “an exciting next chapter” for the company in China.

The Office of Inspector General’s bulletin provides a framework for pharma companies selling prescription drugs direct-to-consumers (DTC).

The CMS has unveiled the 15 high-cost medications selected for the next phase of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

A new study shows how limitations in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) are driving pharma R&D teams to use AI tools, raising privacy concerns.

A growing number of Gen Z are turning to AI chatbots for sexual health advice, including the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections.

This first-of-its-kind global consortium aims to accelerate the discovery of treatments for the world’s most resistant pathogens.

Currently in phase 2 trials, BB-031 is the first new mechanistic approach to ischemic stroke treatment in nearly 30 years.

A review has provided evidence debunking claims that acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy increases the risk of ASDand ADHD.

The FDA has directed pharma companies of influenza vaccines to update their product labelling to include the risk of fever-induced seizures.

The 9% growth in 2025 could signal that the country is on track to become a more attractive destination for pharamceutical R&D.

In this monthly news roundup, we take a look back at top moments from the pharmaceutical industry. It’s time to reflect on December 2025.

Eli Lilly and NVIDIA have unveiled a first-of-its-kind AI co-innovation lab, aiming to solving the most complex bottlenecks in pharma.

The pharmaceutical industry is calling on the FDA to modernise how it tracks the long-term safety and efficacy of cell and gene therapies.

J&J successfully acquired Halda Therapeutics for $3.05bn integrating Halda’s RIPTAC platform into J&J’s oncology portfolio.

GSK announced in January that its novel chronic hepatitis B successfully met primary goals in two pivotal phase 3 trials.

CDC has formally reduced its routine childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11, marking a major shift in US healthcare, read more.

President Donald Trump has unveiled a new set of sweeping pricing deals with nine large drugmakers, according to a White House press release.

GSK has struck the collaboration to accelerate development of RNA-based therapies for neurodegenerative and renal disorders.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation, as NICE prepares to help deliver the 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS.

Industry leaders cautiously welcome the step but warn that more reform is needed if the UK is to regain its competitive edge.

Last week, the UK and US signed a zero tariff pharmaceuticals deal, but what will the deal deliver in the long term, and is all as it seems?

In this monthly news roundup, we take a look back at top moments from the pharmaceutical industry. It’s time to reflect on November 2025.

According to the body, patient participation in industry-sponsored trials has fallen by 25% between 2022/23 and 2024/25.

Crucially, 41% of these candidates target pathogens for which no vaccines or prophylactic monoclonal antibodies are currently registered.

A wearable device that can alert patients and caregivers minutes before a seizure occurs is set to launch across Europe.

The two companies have launched a collaborative research initiative to investigate anhedonia in depression, hoping to solve huge unmet needs.

Scotland has announced a major new plan to grow its life sciences sector, aiming to boost economic growth and healthcare innovation.

Novartis is the latest pharma company to announce a new plant in the US, selecting North Carolina’s ‘Research Triangle’ district as its home.

AbbVie has released ‘Second Winds’, which captures the lived experience of three people diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

The Internationalisation Award of the President of the Republic of Finland was given to Orion after a year of global expansion.

New study reveals Epstein-Barr virus’s key role in lupus. Find out what this means for vaccine research and development.

Produced by the ABC Global Alliance and VML Health, the study highlights scientific progress, yet gaps in treatment options and outcomes.

Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have made deals with President Trump to make their obesity medicines cheaper and easier to obtain in the US.

Frontier Scientific launches EU–US air corridor for life sciences, ensuring faster, safer delivery of temperature-sensitive medicines.

FDA will undertake steps to accelerate the process of developing biosimilars, while also reducing development costs. 

Read this month’s pharma news roundup, featuring brain-computer interfaces, a new world record and a cost-effectiveness conundrum.