Sleeping Giant: Europe's Slice of the Global UI Market
• By Chris Morrison
The near-dormant global market for urinary incontinence treatments is poised to erupt in the second half of this decade-Novartis' recent acquisition of Pfizer's darifenacin introduces one more global player to the mix. But for existing and novel drug therapies to succeed in the fragmented and particularly underdeveloped European market companies must first recognize the challenges presented by cultural taboo and country-specific regulation.
Despite the ability to initiate clinical trials quickly and having strong manufacturing capacity, Chinese companies are facing multiple challenges in the obesity space.
Big pharma plans to invest billions of dollars in US manufacturing to avoid tariffs proposed by the Trump Administration. However, the implementation of these plans may be delayed due to regulatory complexities and rising costs from tariffs, potentially impacting drug prices for consumers.
S2 Xpeed is driving the rapid growth of medtech and hardware start-ups in Europe. Operating under a "sweat equity" model, the program helps early-stage companies move from prototype to manufacturing readiness in exchange for equity.
Annual survey of patients and professionals shows how attitudes to health system transformation are evolving and what stakeholders are demanding as acceptance of AI tools accelerates.
BioWales in London 2025 showcased the efforts healthtech innovators are making to meet investors on their own turf, illustrating changing attitudes and evolving needs.
Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.