As China emerges as a critical commercial market and a source of global innovation, the newly released 2026 edition of Clarivate’s Drugs to Watch report highlights six drugs to watch in the China market for the year ahead.

Years after approving three glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists to treat obesity, the U.S. FDA is acknowledging that the drugs don’t have the same risk seen with older weight-loss medicines. Citing its post-market evaluation that found no increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior, the U.S. FDA is requesting that the risk be removed from the warnings and precautions section of labeling for the GLP-1 obesity drugs – Eli Lilly and Co.’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Novo Nordisk A/S’ Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).

Illumina Inc. presented at the J.P. Morgan 2026 Healthcare Conference on Jan. 13 and introduced what it said is the world's largest genome-wide genetic perturbation dataset, being built to accelerate drug discovery through AI across the pharmaceutical ecosystem. This is a move away from its core focus on DNA sequencing technology.

News of Eli Lilly and Co. purchasing Ventyx Biosciences Inc. for $14 per share arrived after market close Jan. 7, following unconfirmed rumors of the buyout that drove shares up by more than 52% at one point.

The U.S. FDA has approved its first pharma treatment in more than 40 years for motion sickness. The green light for Nereus (tradipitant), from Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., was based on three clinical studies, all pivotal, including two phase III real-world trials with patients on boats and another supporting study.

When glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists entered the market for obesity and overweight indications in recent years, the uptake and enthusiasm drove investor excitement for companies advancing any of the new mechanisms in the space.

The year 2025 proved especially active with regard to deals that centered on the indication previously known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).