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Q3 Earnings Are Here, Novo Ditches Cell Therapy but Buys Akero, Gov’t Shutdown Hits CDC

Key Takeaway: Novo Nordisk has made significant moves in Q3, including acquiring Akero for $5.2 billion and discontinuing its cell therapy program. Takeda has also exited the cell therapy market. Meanwhile, the government shutdown is impacting the CDC, while the FDA continues to function normally with an average approval rate. The BIOSECURE Act has been reintroduced in a revised form.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Novo Nordisk's acquisition of Akero for $5.2 billion indicates growth.
  • FDA is maintaining a consistent approval rate despite changes.
  • The BIOSECURE Act aims to strengthen American biopharma independence.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • Takeda has exited the cell therapy space, indicating a strategic shift.
  • The ongoing government shutdown is causing chaos at the CDC.
  • Johnson & Johnson has not reached a drug pricing deal with the White House.

Full Press Release Details

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Johnson & Johnsonkicked off Q3 earnings seasonon Tuesday with the announcement that it is splitting its orthopedics and medtech operations and that it has yet to reach a drug pricing deal with the White House, though CEO Joaquin Duato did say those discussions are ongoing.
In advance of its Nov. 5 earnings call, Novo Nordisk, under the direction of new CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar, has been busy making moves, doubling down on MASH last week with its$5.2 billion buy of Akero. Then this week, Novo became the latest company tocut cell therapy, following Takeda’s recent exit from the space.
Meanwhile, as the government shutdown continues, so too does thechaos at the CDC, where more than 1,000 employees received termination notices last Friday—only for hundreds to be told never mind. At the FDA, however, there is some consistency despite the overhaul, with the agency on track for anaverage number of approvalsthis year. And a recent report onbreakthrough designationsshows that the regulatory award often leads to an FDA greenlight.
On the legislative front, theBIOSECURE Actis back, as a slimmed down version passed the Senate last week as part of the defense spending bill. The latest version of BIOSECURE, which is meant to distance American biopharma from Chinese collaborators, doesn’t name specific companies as previous iterations did and must still gain the Senate’s support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What significant acquisition did Novo Nordisk make?

Novo Nordisk acquired Akero for $5.2 billion.

What major change did Takeda announce?

Takeda has exited the cell therapy market.

How is the FDA performing amid changes?

The FDA is on track for an average number of approvals this year.

What impact is the government shutdown having?

The CDC is experiencing chaos, with many employees receiving termination notices.

What is the purpose of the BIOSECURE Act?

The BIOSECURE Act aims to reduce American biopharma's reliance on Chinese collaborators.

Last updated: Oct 15, 2025