While the weaker yen boosted the top line for Japanese pharma companies with a strong global presence in the fiscal first half, it also raised reported costs. Several firms reported strong growth for mainstays, while holding out high hopes for selected new drugs with blockbuster potential. But some other products underperformed for unexpected reasons.

The GSK-led joint venture has taken the lead in long-acting HIV treatment and prevention but has put back timelines on a key self-administered candidate.

The drug maker announced the start of a Phase III program for its oral PCSK9 inhibitor MK-0616, including a 14,550-patient outcomes trial set to start later in the year.

A US FDA tentative approval for Aurobindo’s dolutegravir combination generic for children should increase access under the PEPFAR program and aid sales. On a Q1 earnings call, renewed efforts to restructure Eugia, biosimilar launch plans and fallouts of oral drug shortages and damage to Pfizer’s US injectables warehouse were discussed.