Biotechnology

• Pfizer says obesity injection shows promise as monthly treatment in mid-stage trial - The data on Pfizer's GLP-1 offer early evidence that the injection can be administered less frequently than existing drugs without sacrificing efficacy.
• Pfizer beats quarterly estimates despite Covid product decline, reaffirms modest outlook - The pharmaceutical giant reaffirmed the modest 2026 outlook that rattled investors in December.
• Merck tops quarterly estimates, posts modest 2026 guidance as generic competition looms - Merck posted a modest 2026 outlook that fell short of estimates, as it prepares for some drugs to go off patent later this year and face generic competition.
• Eli Lilly CEO says Medicare coverage of obesity drugs could 'change the game' for upcoming pill launch - Lilly CEO Dave Ricks is confident in the ability of the company's pill to compete and is preparing for a "full launch" in the second quarter.
• What obesity drugmakers see next in the market: More pills, easier access and drug combinations - CNBC spoke to executives from Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and other drugmakers at the annual JPMorgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.
• 2026 is the year of obesity pills. Here's how they could reshape the GLP-1 market - Patients can already access the first GLP-1 obesity pill from Novo Nordisk, and a rival oral drug from Eli Lilly is slated for U.S. approval later this year.
• CNBC's Becky Quick details daughter's rare disease journey - CNBC Squawk Box anchor Becky Quick details her daughter's rare disease journey, and explains why it inspired her to launch CNBC Cures.
• UnitedHealth Group commits to improvements after independent audit, patient backlash - The company said it has adopted 23 ongoing "action plans" to track and implement recommended improvements, all of which will be completed by the end of March.
• Trump signs executive order reclassifying cannabis, opening door to broader weed access - President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III substance with looser restrictions.
• Medical supply firm Medline jumps more than 25% in debut after biggest IPO of 2025 - Medline priced at $29 per share on Tuesday, raising $6.26 billion to cap off a strong year for new listings and bolster optimism about 2026.