AGP Executive Report

Novartis: The FDA expanded remibrutinib’s US use to adults with symptomatic dermographism, a form of chronic hives that can be triggered by friction. In a trial, 29.3% of patients had complete hive resolution after 12 weeks, versus 14% on placebo. Cancer Care: A Dutch court ordered MSD to stop selling its injectable Keytruda formulation in eight European markets, including Switzerland, over a patent dispute. Ebola Response: Roche is supplying laboratory equipment to support Ebola testing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Swiss Health Costs: Health insurance premiums are rising again, with ageing only part of the explanation, according to a recent report. Research and Treatment: A review drawing on more than 1.3 million adults in Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland linked chronic insomnia with higher risks of stroke, hospital admission and other serious health outcomes. Swiss biotech MUVON also reported positive 12-month follow-up results for its investigational muscle-regeneration therapy for stress urinary incontinence.

Swiss healthcare industry: Basel biotech Alentis Therapeutics is teaming up with CSL to co-develop lixudebart, targeting rare kidney and liver diseases, with CSL funding mid- and late-stage trials after an upfront deal. Medical innovation in Switzerland: Empa researchers are developing a visible-light-activated wound patch aimed at improving care for chronic diabetic foot wounds—an issue affecting hundreds of thousands in Switzerland. Public health research (Switzerland-linked): A QU PhD student presented diabetes-related cardiovascular complication work in Basel, focusing on IL-6 as a potential therapeutic target. Healthcare resilience: A Swiss hospital leadership piece argues the next crisis won’t look like the last and calls for systems designed to “move” when mass-casualty events, cyberattacks, or new outbreaks hit. Health-adjacent biotech: Celltrion expanded U.S. FDA approval for its Avtozma to treat pediatric COVID-19 (ages 2+), broadening access to tocilizumab biosimilar options. Wellness and daily health: A study highlights yogurt and cheese linked to lower risk of knee osteoarthritis, while another report spotlights walking benefits for COPD patients even in polluted areas.

Smart Wound Care (Switzerland): Empa researchers in St. Gallen are developing a visible-light-activated material for chronic wound patches, aiming to release active ingredients on demand and reduce frequent dressing changes that can last months. Hospital Resilience: A Geneva University Hospital case study highlights how the next crisis may be mass-casualty, heat, cyberattack, or supply-chain failure—and argues resilience should be “a way of governing,” not just a plan. Dental Prevention: A Lake Zurich clinic stresses that regular check-ups catch cavities, gum disease, and cracked teeth early, before pain and costly treatment start. Health Tech & Security: Swiss-based WISeSat announced a $10m investment to expand satellite cybersecurity and integrate post-quantum cryptography across space and ground systems. Health Policy Watch: A Swiss President–India meeting also touched on investment and supply-chain cooperation, with potential knock-on effects for healthcare innovation and access. Local Community Health: A Portsmouth charity is pushing for more harbour water testing, warning of hidden chemical pollution beyond visible sewage.

Digital Health & Safety: The Lancet warns that today’s digital media systems are built and governed in ways that can harm young people’s health, urging coordinated global governance and faster policy action. Innovation-to-Delivery Gap: Zurich Insurance’s “Beyond 2030” report says life-science breakthroughs now hinge as much on scaling, manufacturing, regulation, financing and delivery as on discovery. Prevention & Oral Health: A Lake Zurich dental clinic piece stresses that no pain doesn’t mean no problems, and that routine check-ups catch cavities and gum disease early. Swiss Tech for Families: Swisscom launches a Kids Security app with screen-time limits, app controls, content filtering and guidance-focused parental rules. Health System Resilience: An Australia resilience index (developed with Zurich) finds insurance coverage is a key driver of overall resilience, linking financial security with better health outcomes. Global Health Policy: Nepal is set to nominate Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra for WHO SEARO chief after a resignation left the post vacant. International Cooperation (Health-adjacent): India and Switzerland sign mobility and youth exchange pacts plus broader cooperation on tech and defence, with leaders also discussing global peace.

Swiss Pharma Deal: Novartis has signed a licensing deal worth up to $7.8B with China’s Abogen for an early-stage mRNA autoimmune therapy (ABO2203), with $575M upfront and up to $7.2B in milestones, giving Novartis exclusive worldwide rights. Cardio/Hypertension Research: Idorsia (Allschwil) says new analyses from its PRECISION study will be presented at AHA Hypertension 2026 on aprocitentan for obesity-associated resistant hypertension and across the cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic spectrum. Rare Disease Drug Pipeline: CSL is partnering with Swiss biotech Alentis on lixudebart, a claudin-1 antibody in mid-stage kidney/liver disease development, with up to $1.6B at stake. Public Health & Prevention: A measles expansion in Ohio is reported, with cases in multiple counties and emphasis on vaccination. Lifestyle & Lung Health: New findings suggest walking helps COPD patients even in polluted environments, and another study links exercising in nature with better motivation and enjoyment. Nutrition Basics: A guide highlights macro and micro minerals and where to find them in food. Health Systems Access: The International Brain Health Coalition launched a “30×30×50” push to cut stroke and expand cognitive screening in primary care across 30 cities by 2031.

Rare disease drug deal: CSL has struck a global co-development and co-promotion agreement with Basel-based Alentis Therapeutics for lixudebart, a potential first-in-class treatment for rare kidney and liver diseases, with an upfront $355m and up to $1.2bn in commercial milestones; the drug is in Phase 2 for ANCA-associated vasculitis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Digital health warning: A new Lancet review argues problematic digital media use in young people is linked to higher risks of mental health problems, sleep issues and less physical activity, and calls for coordinated public health action and stronger regulation of tech business models and design choices. UTI recurrence mechanism: Swiss-approved Uro-Vaxom (OM-89) is getting clearer scientific backing: researchers report it boosts bladder cells’ antibacterial defenses by increasing lysosomal activity, helping reduce bacterial regrowth. Care and prevention story: A widower whose wife died 12 hours after a hospital-room wedding is organizing a charity truck pull to raise awareness of symptoms that can be missed early in cancer cases.

UTI prevention breakthrough (Switzerland): EPFL researchers say the Swiss-approved UTI recurrence drug OM-89 (Uro-Vaxom) works by boosting bladder cells’ lysosomal “trash” activity, helping clear lingering bacteria and reduce regrowth. Public health & youth tech: A Lancet-linked global review finds “problematic” digital media use in under-25s is linked to worse mental health, poorer sleep, and less exercise—prompting calls for tech firms to share data and redesign features. Climate stress on Swiss borders: The Lac des Brenets (France–Switzerland) has dried up after record heat, with locals warning tourism and daily life are being hit and asking authorities for action. Gun policy sentiment (Switzerland): A Swiss survey reports strong support for tighter gun laws, including compulsory psychological checks before purchase. Cancer care & family impact: Swiss-based “mistletoe” therapy is mentioned in a UK family story after colon cancer treatment, highlighting how patients and relatives navigate long, uncertain care journeys. Health & safety in the real world: A Swiss family was among those treated after a major Lake Garda campsite fire, with carbon monoxide poisoning reported.

Swiss household costs: A new report highlights how families in Switzerland can cut spending without major lifestyle changes, starting with an annual health insurance review (compare insurers, watch the 30 November switch deadline, and reassess deductibles). Cancer care collaboration: Rwanda’s health minister signed a memorandum with France’s Gustave Roussy Institute to expand cancer care, training, radiology, and research—an oncology partnership that could strengthen capacity and innovation. Infectious disease watch: A measles exposure at Fort Wayne Zoo in the US has triggered a 21-day quarantine request for unvaccinated visitors, with clinicians noting post-exposure vaccination and immune globulin timing. Nutrition for heart and bones: Potassium-rich food lists (beyond bananas) and calcium-supporting vegetables round up practical diet ideas for blood pressure, muscle function, and bone health. Health and wellness lifestyle: A Swiss-focused piece on smart family budgeting ties everyday choices to long-term wellbeing. Digital inclusion: The ITU opened applications for its 2027 Gender Champions Programme, selecting up to four young women to advance digital access and transformation, with an AI for Good Summit opportunity in Geneva.

Swiss Health Policy: Voters in Vaud backed a 12% cut to income and wealth taxes (53.1%), but the canton is still expected to remain among Switzerland’s highest-tax areas—especially for higher earners—while broader tax bracket reforms loom as the country moves toward individual taxation for married couples. Cancer Care & Research: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute signed a pact to expand cancer care, training, radiology, and research, with the institute treating 54,000+ patients annually. Home Care During COVID: A Geneva study describes how home care nurses experienced fear and exhaustion across the first four COVID waves, while also finding unexpected professional growth. Health System Costs: Swiss health premiums are rising again, with ageing only part of the story behind the pressure on budgets. Infectious Disease Risk: A measles exposure alert in Indiana highlights how quickly outbreaks can spread and why vaccination timing matters—an important reminder for outbreak preparedness. Digital Inclusion: The ITU opened applications for its 2027 Gender Champions Programme, selecting up to four young women (18–25) working on tech-driven inclusion, with winners invited to Geneva’s AI for Good summit.

Swiss Health Costs: Swiss compulsory health premiums are set to rise by about 5% for 2027, averaging CHF 412 a month, with ageing a factor but not the whole story—cantonal differences suggest other drivers too. Home Care Under Pressure (Geneva): A new study on Geneva home care nurses describes fear and exhaustion during the first four COVID-19 waves, with limited protection and support—yet also reports professional growth and renewed purpose. Cancer Treatment Research: Oxford-led work reports chemotherapy regimens can act like vaccine boosters in preclinical cancer models, especially when paired with anti–PD-1 therapy. Autoimmune Cell Therapy Pause: CAR T-cell research for autoimmune diseases faces scrutiny after fatal immune reactions led Novartis to pause multiple trials of a CD19-targeting product. Pharma Deal Watch: Novartis signed a deal worth up to $7.8B with China’s Abogen for an mRNA-encoded immune therapy option targeting CD3/CD19, aiming for an in-body “reset” approach. Public Health Diplomacy: The US blocked a UN pandemic prevention declaration at the General Assembly, citing disputes over solidarity language and access to sexual and reproductive health services. Infectious Disease Alerts: Measles can cause “immune amnesia,” leaving people vulnerable to other infections for years—health authorities also warn about exposures and the need for MMR checks.

Swiss health policy & costs: Deloitte estimates up to 900,000 people in Switzerland could switch health insurance providers, as premiums rise and households look for better deals. Autoimmune drug pipeline (Switzerland): Novartis has licensed Abogen’s mRNA autoimmune therapy ABO2203 in a deal worth up to $7.8B, aiming for an “immune reset” by targeting B cells; it follows setbacks in Novartis’ autoimmune CAR-T work. Gene therapy/regenerative research (Switzerland): CRISPR Therapeutics (Zug) will present Phase 1 data on zugocabtagene geleucel (zugo-cel) for autoimmune disease at ACR Convergence 2026. Cancer treatment tech: Siemens Healthineers’ next-gen Accela radiotherapy system is set to be installed in Croatia, highlighting ongoing European upgrades that may shorten and refine cancer care. Infectious disease (Europe): A private lab in Ireland has identified the newly emerging Shamonda virus in cattle samples, with outreach planned for farmers and vets. Health & wellbeing research: A small real-life study using a wearable light sensor links sudden brightness changes to photic sneezing (ACHOO syndrome). Provenance & culture: Swiss museums receive funding to investigate the provenance of 6,300+ objects from Cameroon, including how they were acquired.

Roche’s EU push in eye care: Basel-based Roche says the European Commission has approved Susvimo® (ranibizumab) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, offering a continuous-delivery refillable implant option aimed at reducing frequent injections. Roche expands diabetes and kidney pipeline: The company also reported positive Phase II topline results for once-weekly dual GLP-1/GIP enicepatide in type 2 diabetes with overweight/obesity, plus interim Phase III data for sefaxersen in IgA nephropathy showing meaningful proteinuria reductions. Swiss EU deal progress: Switzerland’s Council of States backed most of the Bilaterals III EU package, with Swiss amendments, though the National Council still needs to sign off. Health and society debate: A high-profile assisted-dying campaigner, UK TV presenter Esther Rantzen, died at 86 after a terminal lung cancer diagnosis; she had previously said she was too fragile to travel to an assisted-dying clinic in Switzerland. Public health research: A study suggests people with COVID-19 infection or vaccination may have cross-immunity effects against related bat coronaviruses. Environment & health: Research links recreational activity and roads to lower wolverine density in Canada’s Rockies, a reminder of how human activity can reshape ecosystems that affect health indirectly.

Emergency care AI: Powerful Medical and corpuls are partnering to bring Queen of Hearts AI ECG analysis into corpuls prehospital devices across the EU, Switzerland and the UK, aiming to flag STEMI/OMI patterns within seconds. Cancer update: Novocure says Japan’s health ministry approved Optune Pax (TTFields) with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel for adults with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Autoimmune drug design: Hansa Biopharma will use Cradle’s AI protein-engineering platform to design next-generation autoimmune therapeutics, combining AI tools with Hansa’s lab data. Vaccines & side effects: Researchers from UNIGE and HUG report in Science Translational Medicine that subtle immune differences may explain why some people get stronger vaccine side effects, using COVID mRNA vaccines as the case study. Sleep medicine in Bern: Harmony Biosciences will present Phase 3 poster data on HBS-301 (pitolisant) for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia at European Narcolepsy Days in Bern. Animal-testing alternatives: The EMA backs an ICMRA-led push to expand replacement, reduction and refinement approaches to animal testing across the full medicine life cycle.

Assisted dying in Switzerland: British broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, a high-profile campaigner for legal assisted dying, died at 86 after a stage-four lung cancer battle; she had previously said she registered with Switzerland’s Dignitas but later felt too fragile to travel, reigniting debate around end-of-life choices. Aviation security: A Flydubai cockpit stabbing on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight led to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; the incident spotlights a key vulnerability when both pilots are incapacitated, and how passengers/off-duty pilots can become decisive. Swiss health policy & costs: Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise by about 5% on average in 2027, adding pressure to already strained household budgets. Medical innovation (Switzerland-linked): Roche launched a newborn screening test for three severe genetic conditions, expanding early detection options. Public health (Switzerland context): A measles warning in Indiana notes the heaviest concentration in Switzerland and Wayne counties, urging vaccination checks and quarantine for exposed people. Biotech/clinical updates: Taiho Oncology reported positive Phase 3 results for an oral azacitidine/cedazuridine regimen in MDS/CMML, moving toward potential FDA review. Corporate health sector: Gallagher appointed Malgorzata Kuczewska as CEO for its Switzerland operations in Zurich, strengthening its accident & health leadership.

Swiss healthcare costs: Switzerland’s mandatory health insurance premiums (KVG/LAMal) are set to rise by an average 5% in 2027, with guidance highlighting how choosing the right deductible and insurance model could cut monthly bills. Medical innovation: Roche has launched a newborn screening test for three severe genetic conditions, while Lantheus secured CMS transitional pass-through payment status for PYLARIFY TruVu (piflufolastat F 18), aiming to improve access to PSMA PET imaging. Cardiology device update: The FDA approved SELUTION SLR, the first sirolimus drug-eluting balloon for coronary in-stent restenosis in the US. Research & public health: A study reports nearly all common plastic chemicals in food contact and everyday products may pose high health risks, and another highlights microplastics in baby food packaging—fueling calls for safer packaging. Brain health & dementia: A new novel explores early-onset Alzheimer’s and assisted dying in Switzerland, while a separate Alzheimer’s fundraising walk is scheduled locally. Environment & health: Severe wildfire haze pushed Kuala Lumpur and Singapore into “unhealthy” air quality levels, underscoring respiratory risks. Switzerland in global rankings: The University of Cape Town climbed into the global top 150, while ETH Zurich is noted as overtaken in a wider shift in university standings.

Early axSpA Care: Zurich University Hospital research links diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis within 2 years of symptom onset to slower long-term spinal damage, using Swiss registry radiographs. Blood Shortage Call: The Red Cross is urging blood donors as demand stays constant and supplies run low, warning of the short shelf life of blood products. Swiss Health Case Report: A Swiss man’s “no drinking” collapse was explained by auto-brewery syndrome after antibiotics disrupted gut microbes, highlighting rare gut-to-ethanol fermentation. Plastic Chemical Risks: A new investigation reports most common plastic chemicals in everyday items pose high health risk, raising concerns from food-contact plastics to hygiene products. Swiss Premiums: Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise by about 5% on average in 2027, adding pressure to household budgets. Switzerland–Vietnam Ties: Vietnam and Switzerland marked 55 years of diplomatic relations in Bern, with renewed focus on cooperation including health-related collaboration. Zurich Risk Index: Zurich published its first local risk index, aiming to map vulnerability and resilience factors for communities. Pharma Access Update: Santhera reported progress for AGAMREE® in Europe, with new pricing and reimbursement wins expanding availability. US Drug Tariff Exemptions (Swiss angle): The US exempted certain specialty drugs from tariffs for Switzerland and other markets, potentially easing costs for eligible therapies.