STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Novo plans to expand its pipeline, early Alkermes ADHD data, and more

Welcome to a new week, where STAT reporter Andrew Joseph fills in for Pharmalot in London. Before diving into today's headlines, make sure to check out the various articles STAT has to offer, including Reed Jobs' thoughts on the NIH budget and Nick Florko's personal experience with the challenges of modern medicine. Now, let's get to the news.

Novo Nordisk is taking steps to regain its momentum in the coming years, with plans to expand its pipeline and create new products more like consumer goods. At the company's capital markets day in London, CEO Mike Doustdar announced that Novo would launch at least five multi-blockbuster drugs by 2030 and achieve revenue growth comparable to other major pharmaceutical companies.

Doustdar also revealed a strategy that includes investing more in disease areas outside of diabetes and obesity. The company will become more active in business development, recognizing investors' concerns over their reliance on GLP-1 drugs and the need for a diverse product portfolio.

Alkermes is making waves with new data on a novel class of therapies called orexin agonists. These drugs have been promising for treating rare sleep disorders, but Alkermes' latest research shows they may also benefit people with ADHD. In a randomized Phase 1 study, the company's new drug, ALKS 7290, demonstrated promising results.

Participants with moderate to severe symptoms were given a high dose of 50 milligrams of ALKS 7290 for two weeks. At the end of the study, those taking ALKS 7290 experienced a 19-point reduction on the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale, indicating a shift from moderate to mild symptoms. Read the full story on STAT+.