Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a liver-drug approval, pharma’s positive outlook, and more

And so, another working week will soon come to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is vague, at the moment. We hope to hang with our fast-moving short person, albeit briefly, promenade with the official mascots, and hold a listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? Spring is springing so there is ample opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Or if you prefer, you could curl up in front of the telly for a new round of binge-watching, or simply catch up on your reading. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon….

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for the first medicine developed specifically to treat a serious liver disease known as MASH, STAT writes. The pill, called Rezdiffra, is made by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, is often associated with obesity. The accumulation of fat in the liver causes inflammation, which leads to fibrosis, or liver scarring, and can progress in more advanced stages to cirrhosis, cancer, and the need for a liver transplant. Final approval will be contingent on the results of an ongoing study designed to show the drug can improve long-term outcomes for patients.

Thanks to the rising use of various blockbuster drugs, but particularly the so-called GLP-1 medications for treating obesity and diabetes, the outlook for earnings for the pharmaceutical industry is positive over the next 12 to 18 months, according to Moody’s Investor Services. The analysts also note their view reflects the belief that generic and biosimilar competition will only moderately temper growth in the near term. Beyond that timeframe, though, Moody’s expects the prescription drug pricing provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act will more significantly constrain industry growth.

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