Pharmaceutical Revelations: IPOs, Price Hikes, and Regulatory Wins

A round-up of recent pharmaceutical news includes Anthem Biosciences filing for an IPO, China's defense of its COVID-19 data-sharing efforts, Merck's approval of a lung disease drug in the UK, China's attempts to improve mental health services, impending U.S. drug price hikes, and a setback for Neumora Therapeutics.

In significant financial news, Indian drugmaker Anthem Biosciences has filed for a $397 million IPO amid busy IPO activity this year. Notable investors like True North and DavosPharma are expected to offload shares as the company expands its drug discovery and testing services.

On the international stage, China defended its COVID-19 data-sharing practices after WHO's renewed call for access. Despite pressure, China claims transparency, having already shared considerable research and facilitating discussions about virus traceability progress with WHO.

In regulatory updates, Merck's lung disease therapy has secured UK approval following its recent U.S. success. Meanwhile, U.S. drugmakers announced price hikes for over 250 medicines starting in 2025, with increases largely staying below 10%.

(With inputs from agencies.)