The pharmaceutical industry is bracing for potential upheaval as the United States considers imposing tariffs on drug imports, a move that could send shockwaves across global markets. President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to impose a 25% tariff on pharmaceuticals as part of a broader strategy to bring drug manufacturing back to the US.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, Trump confirmed his administration’s plans to target the pharmaceutical sector.

“We’re going to be doing tariffs on pharmaceuticals to bring our pharmaceuticals back,” he stated.

While the move aims to bolster domestic production, experts warn that the tariffs could lead to unintended consequences, including higher drug prices and supply chain disruptions that would impact both American and European companies. The US, a major importer of pharmaceuticals, heavily depends on European manufacturers for specialized medications. In 2023 alone, the US imported $170 billion (€157 billion) worth of pharmaceutical products, with $127 billion (€117 billion) coming from the EU.

European Markets at Risk

European pharmaceutical firms are particularly vulnerable to the proposed tariffs. Ireland, a key hub for American pharmaceutical companies, could face severe economic repercussions. In 2023, Ireland exported over €80 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, accounting for more than half of its total exports. Major US firms like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly have significant operations in Ireland, and potential tariffs could lead to job losses and reduced investment.

Denmark’s pharmaceutical sector, especially Novo Nordisk, is also at risk. The company, a leader in diabetes and obesity treatments, generates over 50% of its revenue from the US market. Increased costs due to tariffs could impact American patients while also denting Denmark’s economic growth. The success of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has been a major driver of Denmark’s GDP, contributing nearly half of its economic growth in 2023.

Impact on Other European Nations

Beyond Ireland and Denmark, other European pharmaceutical hubs would also feel the strain. Belgium, home to Pfizer’s major European production facilities, exported over $73 billion in pharmaceuticals in 2024, with a quarter of those exports going to the US. Germany’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries, including major players like Bayer and BioNTech, could also face setbacks. France, Italy, and Switzerland—key exporters of vaccines, generics, and high-value specialty drugs—would experience supply chain disruptions and financial strain.

EU Retaliation on the Horizon?

If the US proceeds with tariffs, the European Union may impose retaliatory measures targeting American pharmaceutical companies. The European Commission is reportedly exploring countermeasures, including higher export costs for US firms such as Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson.

Additionally, the EU could prioritize domestic pharmaceutical companies in government contracts and revive stalled regulatory reforms, such as the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) reform, which aims to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical sovereignty. The recently proposed Critical Medicines Act could also serve as a framework to counterbalance US trade policies.

With negotiations ongoing, the global pharmaceutical industry is closely watching developments, as any trade war in this sector would have far-reaching consequences for businesses, patients, and healthcare systems on both sides of the Atlantic.

Researchers have identified a promising new method to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria by making human blood toxic to mosquitoes. Their study, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that a drug commonly used for rare diseases could help eliminate mosquitoes when ingested through a blood meal.

Nitisinone: A Potential Weapon Against Malaria

The study focused on nitisinone, a medication prescribed for individuals with rare inherited metabolic disorders that affect amino acid breakdown. The drug functions by blocking a specific enzyme, preventing harmful byproducts from accumulating in the human body.

When mosquitoes feed on blood containing nitisinone, the drug disrupts their digestion, ultimately leading to their death. This discovery could pave the way for a novel mosquito control strategy.

“One way to stop the spread of diseases transmitted by insects is to make the blood of animals and humans toxic to these blood-feeding insects,” said Lee R. Haines, associate research professor at the University of Notre Dame and co-lead author of the study.

The findings suggest that nitisinone could serve as an effective and complementary tool in the fight against malaria, which remains a major global health concern.

A Growing Need for Mosquito Control Solutions

Currently, personal protective measures such as bed nets, insect repellents, and window screens help reduce mosquito bites. Another approach involves the use of ivermectin, a drug that kills parasites and is sometimes used to target mosquitoes. However, repeated use of ivermectin can lead to drug resistance and environmental concerns.

Nitisinone, on the other hand, demonstrated significant advantages over ivermectin.

“Nitisinone performance was fantastic,” said Álvaro Acosta Serrano, professor of biological sciences at Notre Dame and co-corresponding author of the study. “It has a much longer half-life in human blood than ivermectin, meaning its mosquito-killing activity lasts much longer. This is critical when applied in the field for safety and economic reasons.”

Crucially, the drug proved effective in eliminating mosquitoes across all age groups, including older mosquitoes, which are the most likely to transmit malaria. It also showed effectiveness against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.

A New Approach to Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention

Haines suggested that in the future, alternating between nitisinone and ivermectin could enhance mosquito control efforts.

“For example, nitisinone could be used in areas where ivermectin resistance persists or where the drug is already heavily used for livestock and humans,” he said.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever, continue to pose a growing health threat. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that climate change is creating more favorable conditions for invasive mosquito species in Europe, even though malaria was eradicated from the continent decades ago.

This new discovery offers a promising avenue for combating the spread of these diseases, potentially reducing the global burden of mosquito-borne infections.

A recall has been issued for over 1,000 bottles of Tec Italy Shampoo Totale in the United States due to potential contamination with Klebsiella oxytoca, a bacterium that can cause serious infections. The recall, initiated by the company’s Mexico branch, applies to 1,068 bottles distributed through retailers in New York and California, though they may have reached other states.

The recall only affects U.S. retailers, but consumers in Europe should also be aware, as the shampoo is available for purchase online.

Health Risks Associated with the Bacteria

According to Henkel, the parent company of Tec Italy, Klebsiella oxytoca is commonly found in the human gut but can pose risks when introduced to other parts of the body. Exposure to the bacteria can lead to eye, nose, and skin infections, with those who have weakened immune systems being at higher risk of adverse health effects.

No illnesses have been reported so far, and the company identified the contamination through a routine microbiological analysis. “Consumers who experience symptoms or have any medical concerns related to this recall should seek immediate medical attention,” Henkel stated.

Details of the Recall

The recall specifically applies to Tec Italy Shampoo Totale packaged in green, 1-liter plastic bottles. The affected products have the Universal Product Code (UPC) 7501438375850, which is printed on the back of the bottle.

Henkel, a German multinational company that also manufactures Dial soap and Snuggle fabric softener, has advised retailers and consumers to discontinue the use of the recalled shampoo. Those who purchased the affected product can contact the company for further guidance on returns and refunds.

Consumer Guidance

Customers who have purchased Tec Italy Shampoo Totale are encouraged to check the UPC on their bottles and stop using the product immediately if it matches the recalled batch. Consumers who bought the shampoo online, particularly in Europe, should also verify their products for safety.

For more information or to report any concerns, consumers can contact Henkel’s customer service. The company has assured the public that it is working to resolve the issue swiftly and prevent further contamination risks.