Pharma Pulse: Amazon Enters Weight-Loss Drug Market, Merck Expands US Manufacturing, and FDA Approves Tezspire for Chronic Sinusitis

Welcome to Pharma Pulse, a Pharmaceutical Commerce podcast where we bring you the latest insights shaping patient access, supply chain/logistics, data & tech, and healthcare innovation. I’m your host, and in today’s episode, we’re covering Amazon’s entry into the weight-loss drug market through a new partnership with WeightWatchers, Merck’s expansion of US manufacturing, and a first-in-class FDA approval for Tezspire in chronic sinusitis.

• Amazon is teaming up with WeightWatchers to expand access to FDA-approved weight-loss drugs. Through the collaboration, eligible patients can receive prescriptions via WeightWatchers’ clinical program, with fulfillment through Amazon Pharmacy. The move underscores how retail and digital health players are accelerating direct-to-consumer models for obesity treatment, combining convenience, clinical oversight, and home delivery.
• In manufacturing, Merck has broken ground on a new pharmaceutical center of excellence in Elkton, VA. The facility will boost US capacity for vaccines and biologics, supporting both public health preparedness and domestic supply chain resilience, a continued theme across the biopharma industry.
• Lastly, in regulatory news, the FDA has approved Tezspire, the first biologic to target TSLP, for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The approval extends Tezspire’s reach beyond asthma and gives patients with recurring inflammation and surgeries a new, targeted option.

From consumer-led access to advanced biologics and biomanufacturing, these stories highlight pharma’s evolving blend of innovation and accessibility.

That’s it for this episode of Pharma Pulse. For more insights on trends transforming pharmaceutical access and care delivery, visit pharmaceuticalcommerce.com.

Thanks for listening—until next time, stay well and stay informed.

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