This Week’s Top 5: Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, Bupa, UKHSA

1. Novo Nordisk Announces Two R&D Leadership Changes

Novo Nordisk has announced a reshuffle in its research team, with former Bayer executive Andrea Haegebarth set to join as Senior Vice President of Global Research, replacing Jacob Petersen, who will become Head of R&D External Innovation.

The changes, effective from 1 October 2026, will support the Danish pharmaceutical giant’s efforts to bolster its research programmes and improve engagement with the global scientific community and innovation leaders.

Discussing the appointments on LinkedIn, Martin Holst Lange, Executive Vice President of R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Novo Nordisk, writes that Andrea and Jacob’s “roles are highly complementary – strengthening our research further and connecting us with the best science across the community to deliver meaningful innovation.”

Novo Nordisk is strengthening its R&D pipeline across obesity, diabetes and related chronic conditions, building on its expertise in incretin biology. Key programmes include CagriSema and a range of next-generation GLP-1 therapies, alongside research into cardiovascular disease and rare disorders. 

2. Study: Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Linked To Lower Healthcare Costs

A study of nearly 16,000 adults over 55 with obesity in the US found that individuals using Eli Lilly's Zepbound weight management drug had lower healthcare costs relative to untreated adults not using a GLP-1 treatment. 

Zepbound was already the most-prescribed branded weight management medicine in 2025, with Eli Lilly reporting US$4.2bn in Zepbound revenue in Q4 2025 alone.

Fewer hospital and emergency department admissions for Zepbound users drove the lower healthcare costs. 

Alongside Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 portfolio includes Type 2 diabetes medications Mounjaro and Trulicity, as well as oral GLP-1 pill Foundayo designed to tackle weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Discussing the results on LinkedIn, David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, writes, “Real-world evidence demonstrates obesity coverage is an investment that pays off for patients and healthcare systems. As Medicare, states and employers consider expanding access to obesity treatment, this report provides valuable evidence to support those decisions.”

3. Sweden Plans PFAS Ban Ahead of EU to Cut Public Health Risks

Sweden is moving to restrict the use of forever chemicals across a range of everyday products, with the government highlighting the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure.

The proposed national measures would cover products such as clothing, footwear, cosmetics and kitchen utensils, with the restrictions scheduled to come into force from 1 January 2028.

Sweden’s plans could precede action at European Union (EU) level, with the European Commission (EC) expected to suggest broader restrictions on the chemicals in 2027.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass thousands of chemicals used to make products resistant to water, stains and grease. Their persistence in the environment and ability to build up in the human body have made PFAS a growing public health concern.

The Swedish Government’s Minister of Civil Affairs, Erik Slottner, says, “Sweden is now taking the lead and banning PFAS in several products used in everyday life. This could include clothing, shoes and kitchen utensils. A ban is important to protect human health, nature and consumer protection.”

4. Jonathan Rose Named Sustainability Chief at Bupa APAC

Starting in November 2026, experienced executive Jonathan Rose will become Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Bupa APAC, reporting to CEO Nick Stone and joining the organisation’s executive leadership team.

Jonathan succeeds Roger Sharp, who has joined Australian Red Cross Lifeblood as Chief Corporate Affairs and Governance Officer.

Commenting on the appointment, Nick says, “I am delighted to welcome Jonathan back to Bupa. He brings deep experience in corporate affairs and stakeholder engagement, and his leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver on our purpose and support the continued growth and success of Bupa across the region.” 

Bupa is a global healthcare group providing health insurance, primary care, dental services, aged care and specialist healthcare. Headquartered in the UK, it serves more than 50 million customers across 19 countries.

5. Roche and UKHSA Partner to Improve Public Health Resilience

Roche Diagnostics UK has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to bolster the UK’s public health resilience. 

The MoU, signed by Sarah Collins, UKHSA Director of Commercial, Vaccines and Countermeasures Delivery and Finbarr Kenny, Director of Sales and Account Management at Roche UK, will centre around diagnostics, health equity and pandemic preparedness. 

Roche’s Diagnostics business is a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics, developing tests, instruments and digital solutions across core laboratory, molecular, pathology and near-patient care. 

In 2025, the division generated CHF13.8bn (US$17.17bn) in sales and reached 258 million people with high-medical-value diagnostics. Its portfolio spans oncology, infectious diseases, cardiovascular health and diabetes. 

The UKHSA is England’s national public health agency, responsible for protecting the population from infectious diseases and other external health threats.