Pharma Pulse: GSK Invests $30B in US Manufacturing, GLP-1s Show Heart Benefits, and Roche Buys 89bio for Metabolic Pipeline

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and today we’re covering a record-setting US manufacturing investment, new cardiovascular data on GLP-1s, and a high-profile acquisition in the metabolic disease space.

• GSK has announced a $30 billion investment to expand US biopharma manufacturing over the next five years. The plan includes new facilities, technology upgrades, and workforce training, with a focus on vaccines, specialty medicines, and advanced modalities. The move underscores the push to bolster domestic supply chains and secure capacity for future innovation.
• In clinical news, fresh data confirm that weekly GLP-1 therapies significantly cut cardiovascular risk in patients with obesity or diabetes. The therapies not only improve weight and glucose control but also lower the likelihood of major adverse events like heart attacks and strokes. These findings strengthen the case for broader access and reimbursement at a time of surging demand for GLP-1s.
• Lastly, in dealmaking, Roche has announced its acquisition of 89bio, gaining rights to the FGF21 analog Pegozafermin, a promising candidate for metabolic diseases such as MASH and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Analysts view the deal as a strategic step to deepen Roche’s presence in cardiometabolic medicine, an area seeing renewed investment as companies diversify beyond traditional oncology portfolios.

From GSK’s massive US investment and expanding GLP-1 evidence, to Roche’s bet on next-generation metabolic drugs, these stories highlight the powerful forces shaping the pharma landscape today.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

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