The latest Market Talks covering the Health Care sector. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.

0648 ET - AstraZeneca shouldn't be materially affected by Japanese partner Daiichi Sankyo's review of its supply plans, Citi analysts say in a research note. The two companies are partners on oncology drugs Enhertu and Datroway. Daiichi last week delayed the release of its fiscal 2026 results, citing a review of its supply plans for its oncology portfolio and development pipeline. The move likely relates to Daiichi's efforts to resolve issues with its manufacturing network, the analysts say. This is expected to have little or no impact on sales of oncology drugs Enhertu and Datroway, resulting in a nonmaterial effect for AstraZeneca, they add. AstraZeneca shares rise 0.3%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

0553 ET - Roche Holding flagged signs of recovery for its Vabysmo eye drug in the U.S., which will be key for the Swiss drugmaker's base business heading into the second half of the year, UBS analysts say in a research note. Vabysmo sales for the first quarter were 1% short of expectations, but Roche executives pointed to signs U.S. sales are returning to growth, UBS says. Roche's first-quarter sales were broadly as expected, though growth drivers were weaker than anticipated and legacy products exceeded forecasts, the analysts say. Going forward, new medicines like giredestrant for breast cancer, fenebrutinib for multiple sclerosis and a drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease seem key to drive Roche's top-line growth, they add. UBS raises its target price on Roche to 396 Swiss francs from 360 francs. Roche shares fall 0.3% to 321 francs. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

0531 ET - Sanofi benefited from continued growth in sales of its blockbuster drug Dupixent, but this is set to moderate in coming quarters, UBS analysts say in a research note. The performance of the drug for asthma and skin conditions highlights its continuing potential in eczema and recently added indications, but year-earlier comparisons will get tougher as 2026 progresses, according to UBS. While the French drugmaker sought to reassure on its plans to manage the Dupixent lifecycle, there was limited tangible detail beyond its ambitions to extend dosing in asthma and pursuing a rigorous patent defense, UBS says. "After a period of disappointing pipeline newsflow, improving replacement power is key for investors regaining confidence in Sanofi, in our view." Shares fall 0.4%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

0519 ET - Sanofi's incoming CEO Belen Garijo needs to be clear on her strategic priorities, as the French drugmaker still needs to rebuild its drug pipeline, Citi analysts say in a research note. The company aims to defend the exclusivity of its blockbuster anti-inflammatory drug Dupixent--jointly developed with Regeneron--beyond the U.S. compound patent expiration in March 2031, Citi says. It also aims to extend dosing and leverage its alliance with Regeneron to bring new drugs to market, the analysts say. Sanofi has flagged financial firepower of between 15 billion and 25 billion euros for acquisitions and dealmaking, according to Citi. While the plan looks sensible, Sanofi needs to show it is rebuilding its pipeline for shares to recover, the analysts add. Shares fall 0.4%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

0345 ET - Novo Nordisk's Wegovy weight-loss pill prescription data will likely drive the near-term stock price following Eli Lilly's launch of its rival pill, Citi analysts write. Eli Lilly launched Foundayo in the U.S. on April 9, with data showing it captured around 3,700 total prescriptions in the week ended April 17--the first full week of data following the launch. This compares to around 3,100 Wegovy pill prescriptions in its first full week and around 124,000 in the week ended April 17. Citi expects initial total prescriptions of Foundayo to be volatile and says it is too early to assess the drug's trajectory and impact on the Wegovy pill. Citi rates Novo Nordisk stock at neutral with a 275 kroner target price. Shares rise 0.6% to 261.60 kroner. (dominic.chopping@wsj.com)

2148 ET - Malaysia's glove industry might consolidate further, after major Malaysian rubber-glove manufacturer WRP Asia Pacific wound down operations amid challenging operations, MBSB Research says in a note. The closure is expected to tighten supply for products such as surgical and specialty gloves, creating opportunities for larger players to capture market share and strengthen pricing power, it says. However, if war-related supply disruptions persist for a further three to six months, glove makers might face growing liquidity pressure as weaker sales and shrinking inventories weigh on cash flow, it flags. MBSB appears cautiously positive on Malaysia's glove sector, pegging Kossan Rubber Industries and Hartalega as its top picks, given their resilience and ability to fill the supply gap. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 27, 2026 12:20 ET (16:20 GMT)

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