Global Scans · Healthtech · Weekly Summary

• [New] As of 2026, numerous individuals across America will have access to improved mental health options due to collaborative efforts between science, technology, and policy to create innovative treatments that have not been available before now. The Minds Journal
• [New] Novo Nordisk may soon face much cheaper competition for its blockbuster GLP-1 drugs after a new study suggested generic versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, could cost under $3 per month to manufacture. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Patents for semaglutide are due to expire starting later this month in India, China, Canada, Brazil, and Turkey, along with three other countries later in 2026, which is expected to spark distribution of generic versions. STAT
• [New] A generic version of semaglutide - the key ingredient in the Ozempic diabetes treatment and Wegovy weight loss drug - could be made for $28 to $140 per person a year and then sold at low prices once patents expire in 2026 in several countries. STAT
• [New] Generic versions of Novo Nordisk's blockbuster Wegovy and Ozempic medications could be mass produced for about $3 per person per month, a cost that could greatly widen access in low- and middle-income countries. STAT
• [New] ViiV Healthcare's investigational capsid inhibitor VH-499, ViiV's next generation integrase inhibitor VH-184 and Gilead Sciences' pipeline integrase inhibitor GS-3242 could potentially be administered by injection just twice a year. aidsmap.com
• [New] As the global demand for digital content continues to grow, generative AI is expected to become a core technology for the media and entertainment ecosystem. openpr
• [New] In 2026 the rapid rise of generative AI (Gartner) will result in a 170% increase in software application issues as well as additional risks uniquely associated with AI (Gartner). HCLSoftware
• [New] The TruPath Genome launch and Florida pediatric rare disease lab support deepen Illumina's rare disease footprint, but do not obviously change the near term focus on NovaSeq X utilization as a key catalyst or on research and China weakness as the most immediate risks. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The formal announcement remains expected in mid-April following Peru's general elections, with the contract valued at $7 billion for all 24 aircraft. The Rio Times
• [New] Qualcomm used its presence at MWC 2026 to outline its vision for the future of wireless connectivity, emphasizing the role that artificial intelligence will play in shaping next-generation networks. TeckNexus
• [New] Over the next five years, declining measles vaccination rates alone could cost an estimated $1.5 billion annually and generate approximately $7.8 billion in cumulative costs. / USA Alston & Bird
• [New] Economists generally expect efficiency gains to continue in 2026 amid the steady rush of investment in AI. Los Angeles Times
• [New] While Stanford AI experts confirm we will not see Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) in 2026, the progress in specialized AI is staggering. BuildEZ
• [New] Global financial technology provider FIS has launched a generative AI-powered assistant within its Insurance Risk Suite, marking a significant step forward for actuarial technology in the insurance industry. REG Technologies
• [New] In 2026, the most successful deals will be the ones that seek to shape the future of healthcare, creating a more resilient, tech-enabled, affordable and patient-centred health system. Bizclik Media Ltd
• [New] Discussions will focus on ensuring that genomic data generation and use are scientifically robust, socially responsible, and responsive to local and global health priorities. Wellcome Connecting Science Courses and Conferences
• [New] As AMR continues to threaten health across species and ecosystems, the convergence of genomics and the One Health approach has become essential for developing effective responses. Wellcome Connecting Science Courses and Conferences
• [New] 'Invest 2035' directs substantial funding toward areas like genomics, personalised medicine, and vaccine development, ensuring the UK stays at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Oboe
• [New] The partnership, combining AI technology, chronic disease services, pharmaceutical innovation and supply chain capabilities, align with China's broader healthcare objectives, including the Healthy China 2030 initiative. GlobeNewswire

Last updated: 15 March 2026