Global Scans · Drugs · Weekly Summary

• Millions of older Americans who are already struggling with rising gas and food prices will soon have to pay more for prescription drugs. The Week
• From the Salem witch trials in the 17th century to the war on drugs in the 20th century, moral panics have emerged across history to stoke fear against a perceived threat to a society's values or well-being. The Conversation
• Keep in mind that, in 20 years, the first round of GLP-1 drugs will be off patent. BuzzFeed
• The magnitude and endless maritime trafficking of illicit drugs to, and through the Pacific, has become a serious national security threat for the Pacific and Australia. Mirage News
• More U.S. employers are set to drop weight-loss drugs in 2027 as healthcare costs increase. MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media
• While GLP-1 - analogous drugs have US Food and Drug Administration approval for type 2 diabetes and weight-loss treatment, they are not free of side effects or risks. New Atlas
• $95 B Neurological Therapeutics by 2029 $65 B Neuroscience Tools by 2030 7.1% Compound Annual Growth Rate Key Growth Drivers Ageing demographics: Alzheimer's cases may more than double by 2050, ramping up demand for disease-modifying drugs-priority topic at global Neurology 2027 conference. International Conference on Neurology and Neuroscience
• Performance and image enhancing drugs, including illicit steroids and peptide products, can pose serious risks to people's health, particularly when they are manufactured overseas, imported illegally and supplied outside Australia's regulated therapeutic goods framework. Mirage News
• With an investment of $181 million (US$ 127 million), the AFP will work hand in hand with the Fiji Police Force to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen intelligence to interdict drugs before they reach Fijian or Australian shores. Islands Business
• On security, Australia will provide $181 million (US$ 127 million) for cooperation between the Australian Federal Police and Fiji Police Force to combat transnational crime and illicit drugs. Islands Business
• President Trump has recently threatened tariffs on generic drugs imported into the United States. ArentFox Schiff
• The use of compounded drugs in patients using GLP-1s without medical supervision pose significant risk and can result in significant consequences. News Center
• GLP-1 drugs have been found to reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, with weight loss only accounting for one-third of the reduced cardiovascular risk. BBC

Last updated: 02 November 2026