USMCA, Pharma Moves, Policy Steps: The Week in Health

Mexico’s healthcare and life sciences landscape saw significant developments this week, from rising expectations ahead of the 2026 USMCA review to new data shaping global pharmaceutical strategies. Meanwhile, the country is weighing its intellectual property and manufacturing priorities as industry groups prepare their positions for upcoming trade negotiations, while Novo Nordisk reported a setback in Alzheimer’s research and Eli Lilly reached a historic US$1 trillion valuation. 

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Mexico Weighs IP Priorities Ahead of 2026 USMCA Review

As Mexico gears up for the 2026 USMCA review, intellectual property has taken center stage, amid increasing calls for the country to boost its innovation landscape. Industry leaders are stressing that strengthening intellectual property protection must be a key focus for Mexico during the USMCA negotiations.

Oral Semaglutide Falls Short in Alzheimer’s Study: Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk reports that its phase 3 Evoke and Evoke+ trials, which evaluated oral semaglutide in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, did not meet their primary endpoints. “We always knew that there would be a low likelihood of success but it was important to determine if semaglutide could take one of the medicine's most challenging frontiers based on the indicative data points we had," says Maziar Doustdar, President and CEO, Novo Nordisk.  

Tariffs, Supply Chain: ANAFAM’s Priorities for the USMCA Review

Mexico’s pharmaceutical manufacturers are urging legislators to prioritize strengthening regional production and regulatory cooperation in the USMCA review. During the Senate’s Sectoral Diagnostic Forums, held on Nov. 20, the National Association of Drug Manufacturers (ANAFAM) outlined the industry’s priorities as Mexico prepares for the 2026 review of the trade agreement.

Eli Lilly Becomes First Drugmaker to Reach US$1 Trillion in Value

Eli Lilly reached a US$1 trillion market value on Friday, becoming the first pharmaceutical company to join a group largely occupied by technology firms. The milestone reflects sustained investor confidence in the company’s position in the fast-growing obesity-drug market and its broader pipeline strategy.

Mexico Fortifies Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence

In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Mexico’s Ministry of Health outlined recent advances in the care for girls, adolescents, and women who have experienced sexual violence, while highlighting actions to strengthen institutional response.