Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lung disease — these chronic conditions don't get cured. They just get "managed" with a pill you take every single day, without a break. That means one patient is a customer who comes back to buy, every month, for the next ten or twenty years. And as society ages, the patient base grows on its own, no matter what the economy does. This is the story of the "chronic-disease drug franchise" — durable, predictable revenue, right up until the day the patent expires and the whole thing vanishes.
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Theme index· base 100 · USD total return
No index history for this theme yet.
Why is Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises moving?
Latest
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GLP-1 giants widen leads as new chronic-disease drugs win approvals
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Medicare GLP-1 enrollment surges, Lilly dominates About 700,000 seniors started GLP-1 obesity drugs since Medicare began covering them in July, with roughly 70% using Eli Lilly's medicines. This expands the patient pool for chronic-disease drug makers and locks in long-term demand for Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
Shows the biggest new demand driver for the theme: Medicare opening GLP-1 access to a huge new patient group.
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New drug approvals widen chronic-disease treatment options Eisai and Biogen won Japanese approval for at-home subcutaneous Leqembi for Alzheimer's, and AbbVie won FDA approval for Juvmo, a once-daily Parkinson's pill. Easier-to-use and new treatments grow the number of patients who can be treated, expanding these chronic-disease franchises.
Captures fresh regulatory wins that open new chronic-disease markets and make existing ones more accessible.
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Lilly's oral GLP-1 shows prevention benefits New data showed Lilly's oral Foundayo cut predicted 10-year type 2 diabetes risk by up to 57% and cardiovascular risk by 18%, and beat oral semaglutide on weight loss. This supports the idea that GLP-1s can prevent chronic disease, not just treat it, broadening the market.
Highlights new clinical evidence that could expand the chronic-disease prevention market and strengthen Lilly's competitive position.
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Alzheimer's agitation launch accelerates for Axsome Axsome said AUVELITY prescriptions hit a record as its Alzheimer's agitation launch grows, with patients 65 and older now 31% of new scripts, up from 19%. This shows a new chronic-disease franchise area gaining real commercial traction.
Provides evidence that a newly approved chronic-disease treatment is being adopted quickly, supporting the theme's breadth.
Q3 2026
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Policy wins and demand surge lift chronic-disease pharma franchises
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Medicare GLP-1 program enrollment Medicare's $50/month GLP-1 program enrolled about 700,000 seniors, with roughly 70% using Eli Lilly's drugs. This expanded access to a key chronic-disease treatment and boosted franchise revenues.
It directly drove demand and revenue for chronic-disease pharma franchises.
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New drug approvals and expanded treatment pools Approvals of Leqembi, Juvmo, and an Alzheimer's blood test widened treatment pools, offering new revenue streams for chronic-disease franchises and improving patient access.
New approvals expand the market and future revenue potential for franchises.
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International funding boosts and retail expansion China and Japan increased drug funding, while UPS and Walmart expanded access, supporting chronic-disease medicine demand globally and through retail channels.
These actions increase patient access and demand for chronic-disease medicines.
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Counterweights: subsidy cuts, plan exits, tariffs The Trump administration ended a $9.8 billion Part D subsidy, raising 2027 premiums for three in four enrollees. UnitedHealth is exiting Medicare Advantage plans covering 600,000+ members. Japan raised out-of-pocket caps, and looming 200% generic tariffs threaten affordability and access.
These factors could reduce patient access and pressure franchise revenues.
Trump Administration Picks 10 Drugmakers for New 340B Rebate Pilot
The Trump administration has selected 10 companies, including AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, and GSK, for a new pilot program that tests a rebate model for drugs purchased under a federal program benefiting uninsured and low-income patients. The 340B Rebate Model Pilot takes effect on January 1 and allows the selected manufacturers to verify and pay rebates for 21 discounted drugs purchased under the government's 340B drug pricing program, rather than offering savings upfront as under the current discount model. The participating drugmakers are AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers, GSK, Merck, Pfizer, and Teva. The Health Resources and Services Administration, the HHS unit overseeing the program, said the approach helps address compliance concerns proactively rather than relying primarily on retrospective reviews, audits, and dispute resolution processes. The pilot marks the Trump administration's second attempt to overhaul the decades-old drug discount program, after a federal judge blocked HRSA's first 340B rebate pilot following a case brought by hospital groups last year.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises Regulation
4503.JP · Regulation · Positive Astellas is one of the selected manufacturers participating in the 340B rebate pilot program.
ABBV · Regulation · Positive AbbVie is one of 10 selected manufacturers in the new 340B rebate pilot, allowing it to pay rebates after purchase rather than upfront discounts.
AMGN · Regulation · Positive Amgen is selected for the 340B Rebate Model Pilot, shifting it to a post-purchase rebate model for discounted drugs.
AZN.LSE · Regulation · Positive AstraZeneca is selected for the 340B rebate pilot, letting it verify and pay rebates rather than give upfront discounts.
BMY · Regulation · Positive Bristol Myers is among the 10 drugmakers chosen for the administration's 340B rebate pilot taking effect January 1.
GSK.LSE · Regulation · Positive GSK is named among the 10 drugmakers in the new 340B rebate model pilot taking effect January 1.
AbbVie Wins FDA Approval for Juvmo, First Selective D1/D5 Parkinson's Pill
AbbVie has secured FDA approval for Juvmo, a once-daily oral treatment for Parkinson's disease, with a commercial launch targeted for October 2026. Juvmo is the first selective D1/D5 dopamine receptor agonist that can be used both as a standalone treatment and in combination with levodopa, the current standard of care for Parkinson's symptoms. The approval expands AbbVie's Parkinson's portfolio, which already includes Vyalev and Duopa, and management expects the three therapies to collectively represent a peak-sales opportunity of more than $5 billion. Neuroscience now accounts for nearly a fifth of AbbVie's overall topline and generated $6.1 billion in revenues in the first half of 2026, up 22% year over year, with the company expecting approximately $12.7 billion in neuroscience revenues for the full year. The approval could also deliver a commercial payoff from AbbVie's approximately $8.7 billion acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics in 2024, a deal that came under pressure after emraclidine failed in two registration-enabling phase II studies in schizophrenia and prompted a $3.5 billion impairment charge. AbbVie competes in neuroscience with Biogen, which markets Leqembi with Eisai and Zurzuvae, and Johnson & Johnson, whose portfolio is anchored by Spravato and Invega Sustenna and was strengthened by last year's acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, adding Caplyta.
AbbVie Draws Investor Attention as Zacks Flags Consensus Estimates
AbbVie has landed on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks, drawing fresh attention to the drugmaker's near-term outlook. For the current quarter, AbbVie is expected to post earnings of $3.85 per share, a change of +107% from the year-ago quarter, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has moved -0.1% over the last 30 days. The consensus earnings estimate of $14.05 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +40.5%, and the next fiscal year's consensus of $16.12 points to a change of +14.8%. On the top line, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $17.36 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +10%, with current and next fiscal year estimates of $67.56 billion and $73.39 billion indicating changes of +10.5% and +8.6%. In the last reported quarter, AbbVie posted revenues of $16.99 billion, up +10.2% year over year, and EPS of $3.65 versus $2.97 a year ago, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.81 billion by +1.07% on revenue with an EPS surprise of +0.27%. The recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for AbbVie, and the stock is graded C on the Zacks Value Style Score.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Capital
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Autoimmune & Immunology Therapeutics Capital
ABBV · Capital · Neutral AbbVie is the subject, drawing attention on Zacks' most-searched list with consensus estimates and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), a neutral analyst/valuation update.
United StatesBrazilChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaPuerto RicoSlovakia+2
Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises▲6
Lilly's oral GLP-1 Foundayo linked to 57% cut in predicted type 2 diabetes risk
Eli Lilly and Company said post-hoc analyses of the ATTAIN-1 trial showed its oral GLP-1 Foundayo, or orforglipron, was associated with significant reductions in predicted 10-year risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related medical problem. At 72 weeks, participants taking Foundayo 5.5 mg, 9 mg and 17.2 mg showed estimated reductions in predicted type 2 diabetes risk versus placebo of 45.0%, 50.0% and 57.0%, respectively, while those taking Foundayo 17.2 mg also showed an estimated 18.0% reduction in predicted cardiovascular disease risk versus placebo. The findings were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Thomas Seck, M.D., senior vice president of product development at Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, said the analyses showed Foundayo was associated with a lower predicted long-term risk of both conditions in addition to meaningful weight loss, and that treating obesity and reducing downstream consequences can meaningfully lower healthcare costs. ATTAIN-1 was a Phase 3, 72-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that randomized 3,127 participants across the U.S., Brazil, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain and Taiwan. Foundayo is FDA-approved for adults with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, and orforglipron was discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and licensed by Lilly in 2018.
Johnson & Johnson Moat Holds as Icotyde Estimate Raised to $4.5 Billion
Johnson & Johnson's economic moat rests on its ability to keep producing drugs rather than on any single drug, with the company's medical device business adding long-term hospital contracts that make switching suppliers closer to a retraining exercise than a purchasing decision. The company is worth about $638 billion and turns 29.19% of its $97.93 billion in revenue into operating profit, while return on equity reaches 25.74% and free cash flow ran to $16.89 billion over the past twelve months. Revenue grew 6.60% last quarter, and the balance sheet carries $49.04 billion of debt. On September 29, Bank of America raised its peak sales estimate for the oral psoriasis treatment Icotyde to $4.5 billion, from $2.4 billion previously, a test of whether the pipeline can replace revenue lost to patent expiries. Johnson & Johnson has spent years managing talc claims, and the shares now trade near 31 times trailing earnings but only about 21 times what analysts forecast for next year, on a yield of 2.02%.
Novo's Ozempic Cuts Cardiovascular Risk More Than Lilly's Mounjaro in Real-World Study
Novo Nordisk said new real-world data from its COMPETE SWITCH Cardiovascular study found that type II diabetes patients who increased their Ozempic dose had a lower observed risk of major adverse cardiovascular events than those who switched to Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. In the study, 67.2% of patients remained on Ozempic 1 mg within 365 days, 29.2% increased their dose to 2 mg and 3.6% switched to Mounjaro; by 720 days, 57.4% remained on semaglutide 1 mg, 36.9% had escalated to 2 mg and 5.7% had switched to Mounjaro. After adjustment for between-group differences, patients who increased their dose to Ozempic 2 mg had a statistically significant 6% lower risk of MACE than those who switched to Mounjaro, including doses of up to 15 mg, with MACE defined as all-cause death, heart attack and stroke. Novo cautioned that the study showed an association, not proof, that Ozempic 2 mg directly reduces cardiovascular risk more than Mounjaro, and that safety outcomes were not evaluated. Year to date, Novo shares have lost 22.2% against the industry's 14.9% growth.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Metabolic, Diabetes & Obesity ▲Competition
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Competition
Longevity & Life Extension › GLP-1 Healthspan Proxies ▲Competition
NVO · Technology · Positive Novo's own COMPETE SWITCH study found escalating to Ozempic 2 mg was associated with a statistically significant 6% lower MACE risk than switching to Mounjaro.
LLY · Competition · Negative Real-world COMPETE SWITCH data show patients on Ozempic 2 mg had a 6% lower MACE risk than those who switched to Lilly's Mounjaro, a competitive blow to Mounjaro.
Merck Q2 Revenue Rises 5.1% to $16.61 Billion, Beats Estimates
Merck reported second-quarter revenues of $16.61 billion, up 5.1% year on year and 2.1% above analysts' expectations, as the nine branded pharmaceuticals stocks tracked by the report collectively beat consensus revenue estimates by 6.6%. The company beat analysts' EPS estimates but missed analysts' full-year EPS guidance estimates, and its stock is up 16.2% since reporting, trading at $148.50. Among peers, Corcept Therapeutics posted the group's best quarter with revenues of $256.1 million, up 31.7% year on year and 21.6% above expectations, while Zoetis delivered the weakest performance with revenues of $2.47 billion, flat year on year and 1.5% below expectations. Collegium Pharmaceutical reported revenues of $199.9 million, up 6.3% year on year but 0.7% below expectations, and Pfizer reported revenues of $15.03 billion, up 2.6% year on year and 4.4% above expectations. As a group, share prices of the tracked companies have held steady, up 2.1% on average since the latest earnings results.
Eli Lilly Shares Rise After Foundayo Shows More Weight Loss
Eli Lilly shares edged 1% higher in morning trading Tuesday after new data showed its oral Foundayo treatment produced greater weight and blood-sugar reductions than oral semaglutide at higher doses. The analysis examined 17.2 mg of Foundayo, or orforglipron, in adults with type 2 diabetes, and at week 52 patients receiving the Lilly drug recorded 1.5% more body-weight reduction than those taking 25 mg of oral semaglutide. The blood-sugar measure A1C also moved in Lilly's favor, with the analysis showing a further 0.3% reduction compared with the semaglutide group. The findings were presented during the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Milan, where EASD materials listed additional studies involving the treatment. Lilly has been developing Foundayo across its diabetes program as competition in oral GLP-1 medicines expands, though the comparison comes from separate studies rather than a direct head-to-head trial.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Metabolic, Diabetes & Obesity ▲Competition
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Competition
Longevity & Life Extension › GLP-1 Healthspan Proxies ▲Competition
LLY · Technology · Positive New data showed Lilly's oral Foundayo produced greater weight and blood-sugar reductions than oral semaglutide at higher doses.
Lilly Says Higher-Dose Zepbound Widened Weight-Loss Lead Over Wegovy
Eli Lilly says higher doses of Zepbound may have widened its weight-loss advantage over Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. A new indirect analysis found that patients receiving Zepbound 15 mg and 10 mg had 4.5 percentage points and 3.2 percentage points more weight loss, respectively, over 72 weeks than patients taking high-dose Wegovy. According to Lilly, patients receiving Zepbound 15 mg were three times more likely to lose at least 20% of their body weight compared with those receiving Wegovy HD, and the difference was even more pronounced among people reaching larger weight-loss goals. Discontinuation rates because of adverse events were comparable across the Zepbound 10 mg, Zepbound 15 mg and Wegovy HD groups. Lilly cautioned that the results did not come from a direct head-to-head trial, comparing data from its Phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 study with Novo Nordisk's STEP UP studies. Novo shares were down about 1.3% in Tuesday premarket trading, while Lilly was up roughly 0.4%.
AbbVie Wins FDA Approval for Juvmo Parkinson's Treatment
AbbVie secured FDA approval for Juvmo, a once-daily Parkinson's treatment, though its shares slipped nearly 0.8% to $264.29. Juvmo works through D1/D5 dopamine receptors, a different target from older dopamine agonists. In the TEMPO-3 trial, patients taking it alongside levodopa gained 1.7 hours a day with symptoms controlled and no troublesome involuntary movement, compared with 0.6 hours for those given a placebo. AbbVie expects U.S. availability in October but has not disclosed Juvmo's price or a sales forecast, and nausea, dizziness and hallucinations are among the treatment concerns physicians must weigh. At $264.29, the stock sits 19.43% above its $221.28 GF Value estimate.
BofA Lifts J&J Target to $278, Sees Q3 EPS 12% Below Street
BofA Securities raised its price target on Johnson & Johnson to $278 from $263 while keeping a Neutral rating, lifting its forecasts for Icotyde and updating its model for recent in-process research and development charges. The new target applies 22x BofA's 2027 earnings estimate excluding those charges, up from 20.33x, which the firm tied to a sector re-rating for defensive stocks. For the third quarter, BofA expects sales of $25.5 billion, in line with consensus, and EPS of $2.53, 12% below the Street, with J&J having disclosed $0.64 of in-process R&D dilution for 2026, mostly falling in the third quarter. BofA models 6% revenue growth, with Pharma up 7% and MedTech up 4%, and points to IQVIA data showing four-week rolling prescriptions up 50% year over year for Tremfya in inflammatory bowel disease and 60% for Caplyta in major depressive disorder. Separately, J&J is reportedly in talks with Apollo Global Management over a potential sale of its orthopedics unit, which could be valued at nearly $20 billion.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Capital
Aging Population › Medical Devices for the Aging Body Capital
JNJ · Capital · Positive BofA lifted its J&J price target to $278 on a defensive-sector re-rating and higher Icotyde forecasts.
BAC · Capital · Neutral BofA raised its J&J price target to $278 and updated its model, but the article gives no clear positive/negative read on BofA itself.
APO · Capital · Neutral Reportedly in talks with J&J over a potential ~$20B purchase of its orthopedics unit; deal is only exploratory.
Lilly Captures 70% of 700,000 New Medicare GLP-1 Patients
Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks said about 700,000 new seniors have started GLP-1 treatment since Medicare began covering obesity drugs in July, with roughly 70% using Lilly medicines. The temporary Medicare Bridge program lets eligible beneficiaries obtain obesity treatments for a $50 monthly co-pay, giving Zepbound and Foundayo access to a population that previously faced limited Medicare coverage. The early uptake matters because Zepbound generated $9.09 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026, up 60% year over year, while Mounjaro generated $18.61 billion, up 106%, with the two drugs together representing 65% of Lilly's total revenue in the period. Ricks said Zepbound remains popular among patients with higher body weight and more complications, while one-third of new oral GLP-1 patients are taking Foundayo, which Reuters reported had captured more than 30% of new U.S. oral obesity-drug patients. Medicare's Bridge program also covers Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and runs through December 2027, and Lilly has said higher volumes of Mounjaro and Zepbound have come with lower realized prices.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Demand
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Metabolic, Diabetes & Obesity ▲Demand
LLY · Demand · Positive Medicare Bridge coverage drove ~700,000 new seniors to GLP-1s, with roughly 70% using Lilly medicines like Zepbound and Foundayo
NVO · Demand · Neutral Medicare Bridge program also covers Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, but the article gives no specific uptake figures for Novo
Abbott and Berry Street Launch Exclusive Lingo Nutrition Coaching Partnership
Abbott and Berry Street announced an exclusive partnership to pair Abbott's Lingo continuous glucose monitor with Berry Street's insurance-covered registered dietitian support, helping consumers turn glucose insights into healthier behaviors. Under the deal, Berry Street and Lingo users can access registered dietitians specially trained on Lingo and continuous glucose monitors, receive personalized nutrition recommendations informed by their glucose trends, and meet virtually through one-to-one appointments. For the first time through this exclusive partnership, Berry Street users can obtain Lingo at a discounted price, receiving 15% off 4-week Lingo plans, while Lingo users are directed to sign up for Berry Street nutritionist services on the Lingo website and through Lingo email communications. Berry Street nutrition services are in-network with more than 1,250 health plans, with 96% of people paying no out-of-pocket costs, though coverage depends on the specific details of an individual's insurance plan. Abbott cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing more than 115 million US adults have prediabetes, yet approximately 80% are unaware they have it, and noted published research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showing registered dietitian-led nutrition therapy can improve glucose control, weight management, cholesterol levels and other cardiometabolic markers. Olivier Ropars, divisional vice president of Abbott's Lingo business, said the combination of Lingo's biosensing technology with expert nutrition guidance can help people make informed nutrition and lifestyle decisions, while Berry Street chief executive officer and co-founder Noah Kotlove said continuous glucose insights plus registered dietitian expertise create a more personalized approach to nutrition.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises Demand
ABT · Demand · Positive Exclusive partnership pairs Abbott's Lingo CGM with Berry Street dietitian services, expanding adoption and offering discounted Lingo plans to Berry Street users.
Berry Street · Demand · Positive Exclusive deal gives Berry Street users discounted Lingo access and directs Lingo users to its insurance-covered dietitian services, expanding its customer base.
TMAN targets 2030 revenue of 4 billion baht, growing 10-15% per year
T. Man Pharmaceutical Public Company Limited, or TMAN, has set a target of reaching 4 billion baht in total company revenue in 2030, along with a growth target of no less than 10-15% per year, above the industry's average growth rate of about 6-7% per year. Chief Executive Officer Praphon Thanachotiphan disclosed this at the event "TMAN opens Heaven Herb factory, driving Thailand toward a Wellness & Longevity Hub," saying the company is pushing into the over-the-counter and pharmacy market, targeting a top-10 market share from its current ranking of around 15th, and driving products into provincial hospitals, regional hospitals, medical schools, and private hospitals to move up to a top-10 market share in that group from its current ranking in the low 20s. In overseas markets, the company plans to push its main brand, Propolis, to become a regional brand, and will expand into 2-3 more overseas markets this year from the previous 7 countries, reaching nearly 10 countries within this year. It recently signed contracts with partners in South Korea and Indonesia, with revenue expected to begin being recognized in late 2026 or early 2027, and is in the process of penetrating the Philippines and Middle Eastern markets such as Oman. The company also aims to launch 15-20 new products per year, having already launched about 7-8 this year, which have consistently generated double-digit growth. For its anti-aging supplement product group, it targets a 5% share of total revenue within the next 3-5 years, and recently partnered with the mother-and-baby brand Lamoon to expand its consumer base into the mother-and-baby segment, with plans to bring in its research and development team to develop products to create a new S-Curve and build Longevity into a new growth engine. Within 5 years it will deliver approximately 15 products in the Science-backed Longevity Solutions group, and it targets revenue from that group at 5-10% of the portfolio in the next 3-5 years. It estimates Thailand's healthcare market value in 2026 at approximately 37.65 billion US dollars, expected to rise to approximately 61.38 billion US dollars in 2032, growing at an average of 8.49% per year.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises Demand
Longevity & Life Extension › NAD+ & Cellular Energetics Demand
TMAN.BK · Demand · Positive TMAN targets 4 billion baht revenue by 2030 with 10-15% annual growth, expanding OTC/pharmacy and hospital channels, new overseas contracts in South Korea and Indonesia, and 15-20 new product launches per year.
AIA partners with BH to open wellness centre targeting high-net-worth clients in January 2027
AIA Thailand has partnered with VitalLife Wellness Centre, under Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited, or BH, to open a wellness centre serving high-net-worth and high-spending clients, with services starting in January 2027. Mr Ekarat Thitimun, Chief Insurance Business Officer of AIA Thailand, said the partnership aims to offer medical technology and innovations backed by scientific evidence to design personalised health care and meet anti-ageing needs. The services cover in-depth health assessments, hormone balance and nutritional analysis, genetic factor evaluation, and health rehabilitation. Clients in the AIA Prestige Club, numbering more than 100,000, can access the services directly, and if complex diagnosis or treatment is required, they will be connected seamlessly to BH's network of specialist doctors. Assistant Professor Dr Phonkrit Teekakeerikul, Chief Executive Officer of VitalLife Wellness Centre and Esperance, and Chief Science Officer of BH and VitalLife Wellness Centre, said the partnership expands the scope of wellness from specialised services to an ecosystem of life that links health care with protection and long-term planning, with the goal of elevating Thailand to become a global wellness hub.
Aging Population › Home Healthcare & Hospice Demand
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises Demand
BH.BK · Demand · Positive BH's VitalLife Wellness Centre partners with AIA Thailand to open a wellness centre serving AIA's 100,000+ Prestige Club clients, expanding its customer base and referrals.
AIA Thailand · Demand · Positive AIA Thailand partners with BH's VitalLife to offer its Prestige Club members wellness services, adding a new offering for high-net-worth clients.
KKPS flags turning point in Thai public health, backs hospital and insurance stocks, recommends buying BH, BDMS, PR9, BCH, CHG
Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, or KKPS, believes Thailand's public health system is entering a major turning point, with pressure on the government budget set to become clearer by 2030 and likely to shift part of the burden of health expenses onto the private sector. Teerapol Udomvej, an analyst at KKPS, said the state currently bears about 450,000 to 500,000 million baht a year in public health costs, and even a partial transfer could channel more than 100,000 million baht in additional money into the private sector, or roughly 40% of the current revenue of listed private hospital groups. Meanwhile, demand for health insurance is likely to rise along with medical costs. Currently only 6.4% of Thais have private health insurance, and health insurance premiums grew by an average of about 8% a year between 2019 and 2025. For the hospital group, KKPS estimates that earnings passed their trough in the second quarter of 2026 and will gradually recover in the second half, after negative factors from stricter rules on insurance claims for children and a decline in Cambodian patients have already been reflected in the revenue base. Total hospital group revenue, which grew only 1-2% in the first half, accelerated to 6-7% in July and August on the seasonal spread of fever and COVID-19. On valuation, hospital stocks trade at a 2026 price-to-earnings ratio of about 19 times, below the regional average of roughly 30 times, while dividend yields have risen to 4-5% from about 1-2% previously. KKPS therefore raised its investment weighting for private hospitals to overweight and picked the group as a top sector, giving buy recommendations on the five hospitals it covers: Bumrungrad Hospital, or BH, with a target price of 230 baht; Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, or BDMS, with a target price of 23.50 baht; Praram 9 Hospital, or PR9, with a target price of 24.50 baht; Bangkok Chain Hospital, or BCH, with a target price of 13 baht; and Chularat Hospital, or CHG, with a target price of 2 baht.
Axsome Says AUVELITY Prescriptions Hit Record as Alzheimer's Launch Grows
Axsome Therapeutics said AUVELITY prescriptions are accelerating after its sales-force expansion and the drug's launch in Alzheimer's disease agitation, with weekly new-to-brand prescriptions reaching a record 3,800. Speaking at Morgan Stanley's Global Healthcare Conference, Chief Financial Officer Nick Pizzie said patients aged 65 and older now account for about 31% of new-to-brand prescriptions, up from roughly 19% before the indication's approval, and that agitation is the fastest-growing segment. Average weekly new-to-brand prescriptions were about 2,400 in the first quarter and 3,000 in the second quarter. Management reiterated its $8 billion long-term peak-sales outlook for AUVELITY, split evenly between $4 billion in major depressive disorder and $4 billion in Alzheimer's disease agitation, and reported 89% coverage of total covered lives, including 100% Medicare coverage. Pizzie said second-quarter selling, general and administrative expense of $208 million should be a reasonable reference point for the back half of the year, while research and development expense of $46 million is expected to rise modestly, and management expects revenue to grow faster than operating expenses on a very clear path toward positive cash flow and profitability.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Demand
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Neuroscience & Neurodegenerative ▲Demand
AXSM · Capital · Positive Management reiterated $8B peak-sales outlook and expects revenue to grow faster than opex on a path to positive cash flow and profitability.
AXSM · Demand · Positive AUVELITY prescriptions hit record 3,800 weekly new-to-brand as Alzheimer's agitation launch grows, with 65+ patients now 31% of new scripts.
Teva Study Finds Providers Prioritize Drowsiness Risk When Choosing Tardive Dyskinesia Treatment for Older Patients
Teva Pharmaceuticals announced new data showing that healthcare providers prioritize drowsiness risk, the duration of available long-term response data and drug-drug interaction profile when selecting a VMAT2 inhibitor for tardive dyskinesia in patients aged 55 and older. In a discrete choice experiment, 489 healthcare providers ranked somnolence risk, accounting for 26.8% to 36.2% of decision-making weight, and short-term symptom improvement, at 24.4% to 29.5%, as their top priorities, followed by dose formulation at 16.7% to 20.2% and drug-drug interaction risk at 14.4% to 17.3%. Applying those preferences across four patient profiles, AUSTEDO, also known as deutetrabenazine, had the highest predicted choice probability, driven mainly by somnolence risk, duration of long-term response data and drug-drug interaction. The findings were presented at Psych Congress, held September 15 to 19, 2026, in New Orleans. A separate interim analysis from the IMPACT-TD Registry found that among patients with probable tardive dyskinesia who remained untreated with any VMAT2 inhibitor for 24 months, roughly 89% to 96% experienced at least a mild global impact and 60% to 74% experienced moderate-to-severe impact, while 55% to 69% reported stable or worsening severity with no evidence of spontaneous resolution.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises Competition
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Neuroscience & Neurodegenerative Competition
TEVA · Demand · Positive Teva's study shows AUSTEDO has the highest predicted choice probability among VMAT2 inhibitors for tardive dyskinesia in older patients, supporting its adoption.
Eisai's Subcutaneous Leqembi Wins Health Ministry Approval, Enabling At-Home Dosing
Eisai and U.S. pharmaceutical giant Biogen announced on the 16th that the subcutaneous formulation of their Alzheimer's disease treatment lecanemab, sold under the brand name Leqembi, has received manufacturing and marketing approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The product, named Leqembi Subcutaneous Injection 250mg Pen, can be administered in about 15 seconds per pen, with two pens used per dose. Until now, patients needed intravenous infusions at a hospital once every two weeks, but the subcutaneous formulation allows once-weekly self-administration at home, though doctor visits will still be required for prescriptions and safety checks. Following deliberation and approval by the Central Social Insurance Medical Council, prescriptions are expected to begin between mid-November and mid-December. This is the third country to approve the subcutaneous version, after the United States and China.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Neuroscience & Neurodegenerative ▲Regulation
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Regulation
4523.JP · Regulation · Positive Eisai's subcutaneous Leqembi receives Japanese manufacturing and marketing approval, enabling at-home dosing.
BIIB · Regulation · Positive Subcutaneous Leqembi, co-developed with Eisai, wins Japanese health ministry approval, expanding the drug's administration options.
Eli Lilly Hits $1 Trillion Market Cap as 24/7 Wall St. Sets $1,220 Price Target
Eli Lilly has crossed into trillion-dollar territory, trading at $1,123.98 with a market capitalization of $1.002 trillion, and 24/7 Wall St. rates the stock a buy with a 12-month price target of $1,220.42, implying 8.58% upside at 90% confidence. The company's second-quarter 2026 revenue reached $22.974 billion, up 47.67% year over year, with earnings per share of $8.38 beating consensus by 27.27%, and management raised full-year revenue guidance to $85 billion to $87 billion. Mounjaro alone posted $9.94 billion, up 91% year over year, while the incretin franchise generated roughly $14.87 billion of the quarter's revenue. The bull case targets $1,381.62, a 22.92% gain, driven by retatrutide's planned BLA submission in the first quarter of 2027, the oral GLP-1 Foundayo's expansion to 36,000 prescribers, and the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program opening access for 20 million eligible Americans at $50 per month. The bear case takes shares to $1,045.34, a 7% decline, citing realized prices that fell 13% in the second quarter, $2.78 billion in acquired IPR&D charges, and net insider selling. Lilly's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24 compares with 14 for Novo Nordisk, which grew quarterly revenue just 2.1%, and 16 for Merck, whose quarterly earnings shrank 19.3% year over year.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Metabolic, Diabetes & Obesity ▲Demand
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Demand
LLY · Capital · Positive Crossed $1 trillion market cap with Q2 2026 revenue up 47.67%, EPS beating consensus by 27.27%, and raised full-year guidance, plus a $1,220 buy price target.
LLY · Demand · Positive Mounjaro posted $9.94B (up 91% YoY) and the incretin franchise drove ~$14.87B of quarterly revenue, with Foundayo expanding to 36,000 prescribers and Medicare opening access to 20 million Americans.
NVO · Competition · Neutral Novo Nordisk is mentioned only as a comparison, with quarterly revenue growth of just 2.1% versus Lilly's 47.67%.
Medical Costs Reach 49.2 Trillion Yen: Explaining the Increase in High-Cost Medical Care Ceilings and System Reforms
According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan's total medical costs reached 49.2 trillion yen, an increase of about 1.3 trillion yen from the previous year. The growth rate was 2.6 percent. Although the number of days of medical treatment decreased, the rise in medical costs per day pushed up the total. Medical costs for those aged 75 and over were 20.3 trillion yen, accounting for 41.3 percent of the total, with per-person costs of 989,000 yen, about 3.8 times that of those under 75. From August 2026, the high-cost medical care system will be revised, raising the ceiling on out-of-pocket payments while introducing a new annual cap for long-term patients. Furthermore, under the medical insurance system reform law enacted in fiscal 2026, revisions to benefits for over-the-counter similar drugs, reflection of financial income of late-stage elderly, in-kind provision of childbirth costs, and expansion of insurance premium reductions for households raising children are planned.
Roche Gets FDA Clearance for Alzheimer's Blood Test
Roche Holding announced a collaboration with Treeline Biosciences to study combination immunotherapies for B-cell lymphomas, and received FDA clearance for its Elecsys pTau217 blood test, the first single biomarker assay to help rule in and rule out amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease. The test is intended to support earlier and more accessible Alzheimer's diagnostic assessments. Roche, a pharmaceuticals and diagnostics group with a CHF285.2 billion market cap, is expanding its oncology pipeline through partnerships and its diagnostics portfolio with neurology assays. The lymphoma partnership and the blood test clearance align with Roche's strategy of combining pipeline breadth and diagnostics depth, though the company faces competition from Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Abbott, and Siemens Healthineers.
Eastspring: Healthcare Offers Defensive Growth Amid High Bond Yields
Eastspring Asset Management (Thailand) views the Healthcare sector as one of the most attractive investment opportunities amid a rotation of funds out of technology and AI stocks, as bond yields remain elevated. The firm notes that healthcare stocks have strong fundamentals and a trend of continued growth, or what is known as Defensive Growth, while institutions have been increasing their allocation to the sector. Between May 26 and August 25, 2026, the XLV Healthcare index rose 18.65%, while the Technology sector posted a negative return of 0.67%, and the MSCI World gained only 3.32%. The US 10-year yield stood at approximately 4.64%, up from 4.0% at the end of February, and could rise further on inflation concerns, which may continue to pressure technology stocks. Eastspring points out that Healthcare combines defensive characteristics, demand from an aging society, and growth, with S&P 500 Healthcare EPS expected to grow 21.3% in 2027, higher than the S&P 500's 11.94%. The BofA Global Fund Manager Survey for July 2026 found that Healthcare was the sector where fund managers increased their allocations the most. For interested investors, the ES-HEALTHCARE fund invests through the Janus Henderson Global Life Sciences Fund in life sciences stocks globally.
TUI Launches Longevity Portfolio from Tuna with 3 Ingredients, Tapping into Aging Trend
Thai Union Ingredients (TUI) has launched its Longevity portfolio at Vitafoods Asia 2026, presenting innovative solutions from three tuna-derived ingredients: DHA fish oil, collagen, and bio-calcium, which support brain function, skin health, and bone health, backed by scientific research. The company aims to generate at least $30 million in revenue from ThalaCol™ within five years and increase premium-grade omega-3 oil sales with an average annual growth rate of over 50% by 2030. This launch comes amid demographic shifts in Asia-Pacific, with UNFPA projecting that the population aged 60 and above will triple to 1.3 billion by 2050. Meanwhile, a 2025 McKinsey survey found that over 60% of consumers prioritize healthy aging. The three ingredients are developed from tuna by-products, including fish heads, skin, and bones, and are produced at facilities in Germany, Samut Sakhon, and Songkhla, supporting Thai Union's SeaChange® 2030 sustainability strategy.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Demand
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Tools, Diagnostics & CDMO ▲Supply
Thai Union Ingredient PCL · Demand · Positive TUI launched its Longevity portfolio of three tuna-derived ingredients, targeting $30M ThalaCol revenue in five years and >50% annual omega-3 growth by 2030.
Thai Union Ingredient Launches Longevity Portfolio from Tuna
Thai Union Ingredient (TUI), part of Thai Union Group Public Company Limited (TU), has launched its Longevity portfolio, an innovative range of ingredients derived from tuna, including DHA fish oil, collagen, and bio-calcium. These nutrients support brain function, skin health, and bone health, backed by scientific research and a tuna supply chain managed from source to end product. The launch comes as the Asia-Pacific region undergoes demographic shifts, with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) projecting that the population aged 60 and above in the region will triple from 2010 to about 1.3 billion by 2050, accounting for one in four people in the region. Meanwhile, a 2025 McKinsey survey found that over 60% of consumers rank healthy aging as their top priority, and younger generations are increasingly proactive about their health. Ms. Leena Uabamrungjit, Senior Director of TU's Ingredient Business Group, said that most suppliers in the Longevity market specialize in specific areas rather than offering comprehensive solutions. The company has therefore developed a platform that brings together high-quality marine ingredients in one place, backed by a full supply chain, traceability systems, and research collaborations with leading universities. The three ingredients are: UniQ®OMEGA, a purified tuna oil rich in DHA that improves focus by 42% and working memory by 33%; ThalaCol™, a tuna collagen peptide that increases skin hydration by 68%, dermal density by 26%, and elasticity by 16%; and UniQ®BONE, a tuna bio-calcium that strengthens bone structure by 39%. These are developed from by-products of tuna processing—heads, skin, and bones—which most seafood processors cannot utilize. TU transforms them into high-value food ingredients at its tuna oil refinery in Germany, collagen production facility in Samut Sakhon, and calcium powder plant in Songkhla. The company aims to generate at least $30 million in revenue from ThalaCol™ within five years and to grow premium omega-3 oil sales at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 50% by 2030.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Supply
Thai Union Ingredient PCL · Technology · Positive Thai Union Ingredient launched its Longevity portfolio of tuna-derived ingredients with documented efficacy results.
TU.BK · Technology · Positive Thai Union Group's ingredient unit launched the Longevity portfolio of tuna-derived DHA, collagen, and bio-calcium ingredients backed by research.
Thai Union Ingredient Launches Longevity Portfolio from Tuna
Thai Union Ingredient (TUI) has launched its Longevity portfolio at Vitafoods Asia 2026, presenting innovative ingredient solutions derived from tuna, including DHA fish oil, collagen, and bio-calcium, which support brain function, skin health, and bone health, backed by scientific research. The company aims to generate at least $30 million in revenue from ThalaCol™ within five years and increase premium-grade omega-3 oil sales with an average annual growth rate of over 50% by 2030. This launch comes amid demographic shifts in Asia-Pacific, with UNFPA projecting that the population aged 60 and above will triple to 1.3 billion by 2050, while a 2025 McKinsey survey found that over 60% of consumers prioritize healthy aging. The three ingredients are developed from tuna by-products, including fish heads, skin, and bones, processed at facilities in Germany, Samut Sakhon, and Songkhla.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Supply
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Tools, Diagnostics & CDMO ▲Supply
Thai Union Ingredient PCL · Demand · Positive Thai Union Ingredient launched its Longevity tuna-derived ingredient portfolio and targets at least $30M in ThalaCol revenue within five years with over 50% annual omega-3 oil sales growth.
200,000 Medicare users join Bridge obesity drug program
Medicare's Bridge program, which offers obesity drugs for a flat $50 per month, has enrolled at least 200,000 participants within its first 60 days, according to Jeremy Shane of the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Institute. The program, launched July 1, 2026, and running through December 2027, targets Medicare Part D enrollees with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes who otherwise lack weight-loss drug coverage. Experts say the rapid uptake signals significant pent-up demand, though Medicare originally estimated about 4 million recipients might qualify. An independent KFF analysis suggests 10% to 25% of eligible enrollees are using the program, costing Medicare between $1.3 billion and $3.3 billion, with costs potentially rising to $6.7 billion to $10 billion if 50% to 75% enroll. Healthcare analysts warn of an "affordability cliff" when the program ends in 2027, potentially driving patients to unregulated alternatives, while others highlight long-term benefits like reduced hospitalizations and cardiovascular events. Medicare recipients can check eligibility at Medicare.gov/glp1bridge or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Taiwan Faces Demographic Crisis, Population Expected to Drop 48% to 12.15 Million by 2075
Bloomberg reports that Taiwan's population may decline to about 12.15 million by 2075, a drop of roughly 48% from 2026 levels, amid a continued decrease in births and young population, while the number of elderly rises significantly, posing long-term challenges to the labor market, economy, and defense capabilities. Estimates from Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC), based on household registration data, indicate that the working-age population will shrink by nearly two-thirds over the next 50 years. By 2075, the population aged 0-14 will be only 585,000, the working-age population (15-64) will be about 5.13 million, and those aged 65 and above will reach 6.43 million, meaning the elderly will outnumber the working-age population and account for more than half of the total population. These figures reflect risks after the population peaked at 23.6 million in 2019, and could also affect Taiwan's security, as the military still relies partly on conscription amid threats from China.
Medical costs hit record high of 49 trillion yen, rising for fifth straight year
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 28th that the estimated medical costs (preliminary figures) paid to medical institutions for treatment of illness and injury in fiscal 2025 increased by 2.6% from the previous year to 49.2 trillion yen. Due to an aging population and advances in medical care, costs have risen for five consecutive years, reaching a new record high. The growth rate had been shrinking for three consecutive years, but in fiscal 2025 it turned to expansion. A ministry official analyzed that "one factor is the increased use of expensive drugs such as anticancer agents."
Labcorp Unveils First FDA-Cleared Single Biomarker Alzheimer's Blood Test
Labcorp Holdings has introduced the Elecsys pTau-217 blood test, the first FDA-cleared single biomarker test for Alzheimer's disease, which expands access through primary and specialty care with a minimally invasive blood draw. The company also announced a long-term alliance with the National Association of Community Health Centers to support clinical leadership and community health outcomes across the largest US primary care network. These moves highlight how Alzheimer's diagnostics and broader healthcare delivery are changing quickly, and they align with Labcorp's strategy to use its scale and assay portfolio to drive routine test orders. The key proof point will be whether ordering volumes for pTau-217 and related tests build meaningfully within primary care and the NACHC network through 2027 without compressing pricing or margins.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Diagnostics & Precision Testing ▲Demand
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises ▲Demand
LH · Technology · Positive Labcorp launched the first FDA-cleared single biomarker Alzheimer's blood test (Elecsys pTau-217), a new product/R&D development.
LH · Demand · Positive Long-term alliance with NACHC to drive routine test orders across the largest US primary care network.
FDA Clears Lilly-Roche Alzheimer's Blood Test; Healthcare ETFs to Watch
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted clearance to the Elecsys pTau217 blood test, developed by Eli Lilly and Roche, making it the first and only FDA-cleared single-biomarker blood test for Alzheimer's that can both rule in and rule out amyloid-beta pathology using one validated clinical cutoff. With an estimated 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older currently living with clinical Alzheimer's dementia, a figure projected to nearly double to 13.8 million by 2060, and national care costs expected to reach $409 billion this year, the approval is set to expand the eligible patient pool for disease-modifying therapies, potentially boosting the global Alzheimer's DMT market to $13.1 billion by 2030. Healthcare ETFs such as the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF, iShares Global Healthcare ETF, VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF, and iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF offer diversified exposure to these pharmaceutical giants and the growing Alzheimer's treatment market.
APCO Launches New Mylife100A Formula Targeting Longevity Market via BIM Advisor
APCO has launched a new formula of Mylife100A, targeting the longevity market and capitalizing on the trends of anti-aging and health restoration, while boosting sales through the BIM Advisor channel. The company expects the longevity market to continue growing as consumers shift toward preventive healthcare, particularly among the increasing elderly population. The company has therefore developed a new formula using innovative immunotherapy from mangosteen with synergistic effects, which has the potential to slow degeneration, reduce inflammation, and help lower risk factors for dementia such as Alzheimer's. Research findings are set to be published in an international academic journal within September. For the domestic market, the company uses BIM Advisor as the main channel to reach customers directly and is currently preparing to expand into international markets through a partnership with INFINITUM GLOBAL HEALTH (IGH), a partner from South Africa. Plans include an initial order of 1.5 million bottles of the mylife100 anti-aging formula with HIV management in the first year, and the partner will travel to Bangkok on September 7 to discuss operational plans, with a target to start exports within 2026. Meanwhile, for the second quarter of 2026, the company reported total revenue of 44.25 million baht and net profit of 11.06 million baht, while the first half of the year saw total revenue of 93.81 million baht and net profit of 28.95 million baht.
Global Atrial Fibrillation Market to Reach $38.7B by 2035
The global atrial fibrillation market is projected to grow from USD 21.4 billion in 2026 to USD 38.7 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market expansion is driven by rising prevalence of the condition, an aging population, and increasing adoption of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies. Antiarrhythmic agents account for about 55% of the therapy landscape, while monoclonal antibodies are emerging as an investigational approach. Nearly 60 catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure devices are marketed or under development, with catheters representing approximately 40% of current treatment devices. North America is expected to remain the largest regional market, while Asia-Pacific is projected to see the fastest growth. Hospitals currently account for more than 80% of the end-user market. Key companies profiled include Abbott, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Sanofi.
Health Ministry Requests Record 36.5 Trillion Yen Budget, Focusing on Drug Discovery and Advanced Medicine
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the 26th its budget request for fiscal 2027, with a total general account of 36.58 trillion yen, up 4.4% from the initial budget for fiscal 2026, marking a record high. The increase is driven by rising social security costs due to an aging population. The ministry is prioritizing the strengthening of drug discovery and advanced medical care, and will begin supporting companies that develop innovative new drugs. Wage increases for care workers are listed as a "matter request" without specifying amounts, with the intention to finalize details during the budget formulation process at the end of the year.
Sunflower Pharmaceutical obtains drug registration certificate for glucosamine sulfate capsules
Sunflower Pharmaceutical Group's controlling subsidiary, Sunflower Pharmaceutical Group Hengshui Defeier Co., Ltd., recently received a drug registration certificate for glucosamine sulfate capsules issued by the National Medical Products Administration. The drug is registered as a Category 4 chemical medicine, classified as an over-the-counter product in Class A, with specifications of 0.25 grams calculated as glucosamine sulfate or 0.314 grams calculated as glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride, indicated for primary and secondary osteoarthritis. The company said the approval will further enrich its rheumatology and bone disease product pipeline in the elderly care segment. Through the implementation of its blockbuster single product and category cluster strategy, it will strengthen the company's competitive edge in chronic disease medications for the elderly and inject new momentum into performance growth. At the same time, the company cautioned that the launch and promotion of the drug are affected by multiple factors including national policies, market conditions, and corporate operating strategies, and that sales scale and performance outcomes remain uncertain.
Trump administration ends $9.8B Medicare Part D premium subsidy
The Trump administration has ended the Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, a $9.8 billion subsidy that kept Medicare drug premiums from rising for millions of Americans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the rollback on July 28, 2026, reversing a Biden-era program created under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The subsidy was designed to offset costs for insurers after the law capped out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 a year, and the Government Accountability Office estimated premiums would have jumped from about $43 to $81 per month without it. CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said most Medicare recipients will see premiums climb by less than $10, but KFF's Juliette Cubanski cautioned that some stand-alone drug plan enrollees could face larger increases in 2027. Beneficiaries will receive an Annual Notice of Change in the fall, and open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7.
Vimut launches ViMUT Metabolic Health and Endocrine to address NCD trend
Vimut Hospital Holding has launched ViMUT Metabolic Health and Endocrine as a new growth area, focusing on personalised metabolic and endocrine care to tackle non-communicable diseases, or NCDs, which kill around 400,000 Thai people each year and cause economic losses of approximately 1.6 trillion baht per year, equivalent to 9.7 percent of GDP in 2019, according to World Health Organization data. The company has developed services into five clinical pathways: Metabolic Reset, Thyroid Wellness, Sarcopenic Obesity Care, Menopause and Weight, and Diabetes Care, under the Understand, Design, Measure, Partner care framework to assess risk, treat, and monitor health continuously. Dr Nipat Kulapkaew, Chief Executive Officer, said this approach shifts the conversation from asking about weight to caring for overall metabolic health, using medical data, nutrition, exercise, and health behaviour to plan care jointly between doctors and multidisciplinary professionals.
High-cost medical expense benefit cap to rise for all income brackets from August
From August, the out-of-pocket cap under Japan's high-cost medical expense benefit will be revised upward for all income brackets. The size of this increase has been held to roughly half of the 2025 proposal that was scrapped. The cap for people who qualify multiple times will remain at current levels, and for those with annual income below 2 million yen, the multiple-qualification cap will be revised from the current 44,400 yen to 34,500 yen from August 2027. An annual ceiling has also been newly introduced for long-term care patients. Meanwhile, from August 2027, people in income category 1, with annual income of roughly 16.5 million yen or more, will only become eligible for the high-cost medical expense benefit once their medical costs exceed 1.14 million yen. In other words, people in the top two income brackets will not receive the benefit even if their medical costs reach 1 million yen, and will have to pay 300,000 yen, or 30 percent, out of pocket.
UnitedHealth Group Raises Dividend and Exits Medicare Advantage Plans
UnitedHealth Group's board authorized a cash dividend of US$2.32 per share payable September 22, 2026, while outlining further exits from certain Medicare Advantage plans and updated margin expectations. The company plans to exit plans covering more than 600,000 members and expects a 1.1 million enrollment decline by 2026, targeting Medicare margins above 3%. Management also raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook, supported by lower medical costs. The company projects $498.6 billion revenue and $23.5 billion earnings by 2029, requiring 3.5% yearly revenue growth and a roughly $9.4 billion earnings increase from $14.1 billion today.
CVS Health Revamps Weight Management Program, Partners with Eli Lilly
CVS Health announced a revamp of its weight management program to improve access, affordability, and support for GLP-1 medications. The company is collaborating with Eli Lilly and Company to provide eligible Zepbound and Foundayo patients an additional access point at CVS Pharmacy through the CVS Health app, with transparent pricing including cash-pay options expected by early fourth quarter of 2026. CVS Pharmacy offers all FDA approved GLP-1s, and MinuteClinic digital weight loss visits have been lowered to $29, the most affordable option in the market, available 24/7 with no membership or recurring monthly fee. The program combines an online visit with a licensed clinician, same-day medication pickup at 9,000 local CVS Pharmacy locations, and in-person pharmacist support in one connected experience. CVS Pharmacy also participates in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, which runs through December 31, 2027, offering eligible Medicare beneficiaries certain GLP-1 medications for $50 per month.
