Editor's letter

Welcome to the latest issue of Pharmaceutical Technology Focus magazine

The astronomical rise in popularity of GLP-1RAs in recent years has led to a shortage, prompting users to turn to compounders as an alternative to the likes of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound). However, in February 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signalled that the semaglutide and tirzepatide shortage was over.

This month’s cover feature explores what the end of the shortage means for the compounder segment, with pharmacies and outsourcing facilities now obliged to cease production in April and May respectively. Also in this issue, we look at what pharma can do to manage rising trial costs, which have risen annually since 2014. Be sure to check out our exclusive interview centred on unorthodox funding strategies for ultra-rare therapies.

All this and the latest pharma industry news, comment, and analysis from GlobalData.

Ross Law, deputy editor