Drug Pricing Pressure

Issue on Aug-03 : Drug Pricing Pressure

The dominant theme across the biotech news is the intense pressure on pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices, particularly in the U.S. This is driven by government initiatives such as President Trump’s Most Favored Nation pricing demands targeting major pharma firms to align U.S. drug prices with lower international prices. The industry faces regulatory scrutiny, tariff impacts, and political demands that are reshaping pricing strategies, market access, and operational decisions. Companies are responding with workforce reductions, restructuring, direct-to-consumer sales, and strategic investments to navigate this challenging pricing environment.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported a strong Q2 2025 with revenue of $3.68 billion, beating expectations by 3.6% year-over-year. Key growth drivers include U.S. sales of EYLEA HD and global sales of Dupixent and Libtayo. Despite solid recent performance, the company faces slowing revenue growth and margin pressures, with operating margins declining over five years and EPS expected to drop 20.5% in the coming year. Regeneron remains a major biotech player with a robust pipeline but is navigating near-term challenges. ( score: 9 ) link.

Moderna, Inc. exceeded Q2 2025 revenue expectations despite a 41.1% year-over-year decline to $142 million, reflecting waning COVID-19 vaccine demand. The company announced a 10% workforce reduction to manage costs amid declining sales and profitability challenges, with operating margins sharply deteriorated and a negative full-year EPS outlook. Moderna is restructuring to focus on oncology and rare diseases but faces significant headwinds in sustaining growth post-pandemic. ( score: 7 ) link.

**I-Mab Biopharma Co.

Ltd.** is a U.S.-based global biotech specializing in precision immuno-oncology. Its lead candidate, Givastomig, a bispecific antibody targeting Claudin 18.2, showed an 83% overall response rate in Phase 1b trials for gastric cancer. The company is advancing multiple clinical-stage immuno-oncology agents and recently secured strategic investment from Everest Medicines to expand its global oncology programs. ( score: 4 ) link.

**I-Mab Biopharma Co.

Ltd.** is a global biotech developing precision immuno-oncology therapies. Its bispecific antibody Givastomig has shown promising Phase 1b results in gastric cancer, with ongoing clinical programs targeting multiple cancer types. The company recently secured strategic investments to support expansion in Asia and the U.S. ( score: 4 ) link.

Sana Biotechnology, Inc. is an emerging biotech focused on engineered cell therapies for diseases like type 1 diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Clinical data from its UP421 diabetes program showed safety and tolerability, supporting optimism for its HIP platform and autoimmune pipeline. Despite being a penny stock with financial losses, Sana is viewed as having significant upside potential, bolstered by strategic partnerships and a promising pipeline. ( score: 3 ) link.

Krystal Biotech, Inc. is a commercial-stage biotech developing genetic medicines for rare diseases, notably with its product VYJUVEK for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Despite recent earnings missing estimates, the company enjoys strong institutional investor backing and positive analyst sentiment, with a bullish consensus price target reflecting confidence in its growth prospects and pipeline. ( score: 3 ) link.

Abeona Therapeutics Inc. focuses on cell and gene therapies for rare genetic diseases. The company recently received FDA approval for ZEVASKYN™, the first cell-based gene therapy for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Its pipeline includes multiple candidates in preclinical and early clinical stages targeting rare disorders, underscoring its commitment to innovative treatments for serious diseases. ( score: 2 ) link.

Ocugen, Inc. is advancing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases with ongoing Phase 2/3 trials for Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa. The company is also pursuing inhaled vaccines and regenerative cell therapy through a proposed reverse merger. Financially, Ocugen maintains a modest cash runway into early 2026 while progressing multiple late-stage clinical programs. ( score: 2 ) link.

Medicus Pharma Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotech focused on dermatological oncology, particularly non-invasive cancer treatments. The company is undergoing financial restructuring and leadership changes while advancing its lead asset SkinJect and expanding clinical trials internationally. It also plans to acquire UK biotech Antev Ltd.

enhancing its oncology pipeline. ( score: 2 ) link.

Anixa Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech developing immunotherapies and vaccines targeting multiple cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer. The company is progressing CAR-T cell therapies and cancer vaccines through clinical trials, aiming to expand its portfolio to address high-incidence malignancies with innovative immunotherapeutic approaches. ( score: 2 ) link.

Replimune Group, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech developing oncolytic immunotherapies for cancer. While it holds a strong cash position exceeding liabilities, the company is currently unprofitable with significant cash burn. This financial profile presents investment risks despite promising therapeutic innovation in oncolytic virus therapies. ( score: 2 ) link.

ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech focused on antibody therapeutics targeting toxic misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. The company maintains active clinical programs and regularly updates investors on financial results and preclinical data, reflecting ongoing efforts in neurodegenerative disease therapeutics. ( score: 2 ) link.

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. is focused on oncolytic virus therapies for cancer treatment. The company is actively engaged in clinical trials and is positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of oncolytic immunotherapies, with ongoing stock analysis highlighting potential trading opportunities. ( score: 2 ) link.

Lantern Pharma, Inc. is an AI-driven biotech specializing in targeted cancer therapies. It recently completed patient enrollment ahead of schedule for its Phase 2 HARMONIC trial in Japan, focusing on never-smoker NSCLC patients. The company leverages AI to accelerate oncology drug development and is expanding its global footprint. ( score: 2 ) link.

Zenas BioPharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing immunology-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. Its lead candidate, obexelimab, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody targeting B cell activity, designed to inhibit pathogenic functions without depleting cells, representing a novel approach in autoimmune treatment. ( score: 1 ) link.