---
title: UK pharma media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: Pharma in the UK
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 10
articles_analysed: 929
mentions: 859
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/data.json
summary: AstraZeneca had the highest average monthly share of coverage (30.8%) among
  10 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead
  of GSK (21.1%) and Novo Nordisk (15.3%).
---

# UK pharma media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> AstraZeneca had the highest average monthly share of coverage (30.8%) among 10 companies in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of GSK (21.1%) and Novo Nordisk (15.3%). GSK had the most favourable net tone (+57). Omniscan analysed 929 articles containing 859 mentions of the companies tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09

## Pharma in the UK ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | AstraZeneca | 30.8% | 265 | 62% | 31% | 7% | +56 |
| 2 | GSK | 21.1% | 181 | 64% | 29% | 7% | +57 |
| 3 | Novo Nordisk | 15.3% | 131 | 23% | 66% | 11% | +12 |
| 4 | Eli Lilly | 13.9% | 119 | 28% | 58% | 14% | +13 |
| 5 | Roche | 4.3% | 37 | 41% | 40% | 19% | +22 |
| 6 | Novartis | 3.7% | 32 | 25% | 41% | 34% | −9 |
| 7 | Pfizer | 3.0% | 26 | 27% | 46% | 27% | 0 |
| 8 | MSD | 2.8% | 24 | 17% | 58% | 25% | −8 |
| 9 | Sanofi | 2.6% | 22 | 18% | 46% | 36% | −18 |
| 9 | Moderna | 2.6% | 22 | 41% | 54% | 5% | +36 |

## Companies in detail

### AstraZeneca

**Summit investment anchors AstraZeneca’s first-place September coverage among tracked companies**

AstraZeneca ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (30.8%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 265 mentions and a net tone of +56.

AstraZeneca’s $2bn investment in Summit Therapeutics and planned oncology combination trials led its September coverage, with Reuters reporting that the agreement provided access to Summit’s VEGF bispecific mechanism. The company ranked first with 265 mentions, representing 30.8% of tracked-company mentions. M&A and licensing was the largest subject area with 82 mentions, while NHS access and pricing recorded 50 and financial results and pipeline recorded 49, followed by clinical trials and research with 36. Reuters also reported NICE’s approval of AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s Enhertu for eligible NHS patients in England, potentially extending access to around 1,000 women annually. Clinical evidence was mixed: PM Live covered improved overall survival from Imfinzi plus Imdelltra in small-cell lung cancer, Quartz reported positive tozorakimab COPD results, and Reuters covered Etcamah’s failure to meet its main late-stage trial endpoint. The Financial Times separately reported chief executive Pascal Soriot’s purchase of 60,000 AstraZeneca shares for nearly £7.3m amid weakened investor confidence, disappointing trial results and regulatory delay.

Key messages:

- AstraZeneca accounted for 30.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on M&A & Licensing and NHS Access & Pricing.
- 265 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- $2bn Summit Therapeutics investment and cancer-drug collaboration — Reuters

Leading themes:

- M&A & Licensing: 30.9% of AstraZeneca's coverage (theme index 2, net tone +84)
- NHS Access & Pricing: 18.9% of AstraZeneca's coverage (theme index 2.04, net tone +66)
- Financial Results & Pipeline: 18.5% of AstraZeneca's coverage (theme index 2.29, net tone +29)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, pmlive.com: [AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Enhertu plus pertuzumab approved in EU as first-line treatment for breast cancer](https://pmlive.com/astrazeneca-and-daiichi-sankyos-enhertu-plus-pertuzumab-approved-in-eu-as-first-line-treatment-for-breast-cancer/). The European Commission approved AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Enhertu plus pertuzumab as a first-line treatment for unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. The decision follows phase 3 data showing improved progression-free survival versus the existing regimen.
- 2 September 2026, theglobeandmail.com: [AstraZeneca Taps Euro Debt Markets With €2.55 Billion Multi-Tranche Bond](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/AZN/pressreleases/4394750/astrazeneca-taps-euro-debt-markets-with-255-billion-multi-tranche-bond/). AstraZeneca raised €2.55bn through four euro-denominated note issues admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange. The financing broadens its long-term funding sources and supports strategic investment flexibility.
- 8 September 2026, cnbc.com: [AstraZeneca's COPD drug scores two late-stage trial wins as full data boosts blockbuster hopes](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/08/astrazeneca-copd-drug-tozorakimab-shows-positive-late-stage-trial-results.html). AstraZeneca reported successful late-stage trial results for tozorakimab in COPD, showing reduced flare-ups across a broad patient population. The company said the prospective medicine could generate more than $5 billion in peak annual sales.

Notable negative coverage:

- 22 September 2026, reuters.com: [Breakingviews - COMMENTARY: Big Pharma growth malady has a risky cure](https://www.reuters.com/commentary/breakingviews/big-pharma-growth-malady-has-risky-cure-2026-09-22/). Breakingviews says more than $40bn has been erased from AstraZeneca and Novartis valuations as investors scrutinise their M&A strategies. It argues that weaker in-house research productivity and thinner pipelines may push drugmakers towards costly biotech acquisitions.
- 11 September 2026, reuters.com: [AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug fails in late-stage trial](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/astrazenecas-breast-cancer-drug-fails-late-stage-trial-2026-09-11/). AstraZeneca said its breast-cancer drug Etcamah failed to meet the main progression-free-survival endpoint in a late-stage trial. The treatment had recently received accelerated FDA approval for use in combination with certain targeted medicines.
- 8 September 2026, cnbc.com: [Cramer's lightning round: 'I am not going to put my money on AstraZeneca'](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/08/cramers-lightning-round-i-am-not-going-to-put-my-money-on-astrazeneca.html). Jim Cramer says he would not invest in AstraZeneca, citing concern that the company has missed clinical trials. The comments appear in a rapid-fire stock-picking segment.

- [AstraZeneca deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=astrazeneca&view=deep-dive)
- [AstraZeneca PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/astrazeneca.pdf)

### GSK

**Oncology deals and mRNA flu research define GSK’s September profile**

GSK ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (21.1%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 181 mentions and a net tone of +57.

GSK’s agreement to license HUTCHMED’s preclinical KRAS-EGFR cancer candidate for up to $1.3 billion and its separate deal for Chimagen’s multiple-myeloma programme, worth up to $750 million, led the month’s company-focused coverage. GSK recorded 181 mentions and a 21.1% share of tracked-company mentions, placing it second among the measured companies. M&A and licensing was the largest subject area with 53 mentions, followed by clinical trials and research with 39 and financial results and pipeline with 36. Research coverage included the planned phase III trial of GSK’s mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine after phase II data showed stronger immune responses than conventional comparators. Strategy and pipeline reporting also examined GSK’s oncology partnerships in China and Jefferies’ view that its cancer pipeline, particularly the B7H3 programme, was undervalued. Separately, coverage addressed the planned closure of the Dresden vaccine plant, where 641 jobs were reported at risk, alongside GSK’s intended relocation from Stevenage to Cambridge sites backed by £400 million of UK investment.

Key messages:

- GSK accounted for 21.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on M&A & Licensing and Clinical Trials & Research.
- 181 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- GSK licensed HUTCHMED’s solid-tumour candidate in a deal worth up to $1.3 billion — Pharmaceutical Technology.

Leading themes:

- M&A & Licensing: 29.3% of GSK's coverage (theme index 1.64, net tone +81)
- Clinical Trials & Research: 21.5% of GSK's coverage (theme index 1.54, net tone +92)
- Financial Results & Pipeline: 19.9% of GSK's coverage (theme index 2.21, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, pharmaphorum.com: [GSK pushes 'next-generation' mRNA flu shot into phase 3](https://pharmaphorum.com/news/gsk-pushes-next-generation-mrna-flu-shot-phase-3). GSK will begin a phase 3 trial of its mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine candidate after phase 2 data showed stronger immune responses than conventional flu vaccines. The candidate targets both haemagglutinin and neuraminidase antigens.
- 1 September 2026, endpoints.news: [GSK to launch Phase 3 test of mRNA flu vaccine with newer formulation](https://endpoints.news/gsk-to-launch-phase-3-test-of-mrna-flu-vaccine-with-newer-formulation/). GSK said it will launch a Phase III trial of a newer-formulation mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine after reporting stronger immune responses in earlier testing.
- 1 September 2026, firstwordpharma.com: [GSK takes dual-target mRNA flu shot to Phase III](https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7937337). GSK is advancing its dual-target mRNA seasonal flu vaccine candidate into Phase III after positive Phase II immunogenicity and safety findings. The UK drugmaker's programme enters an emerging market in which Moderna has recently secured US approval for an mRNA flu vaccine.

Notable negative coverage:

- 23 September 2026, wsws.org: [Defend all jobs at GSK’s Dresden vaccine plant in Germany!](https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/09/24/bqmb-s24.html). The article criticises GSK's planned closure of its Dresden vaccine plant, putting 641 jobs at risk, as part of a wider cost-saving programme. It also reports GSK's planned relocation from its Stevenage R&D centre to Cambridge sites, backed by £400 million of UK investment and accompanied by unspecified job losses.
- 24 September 2026, fiercepharma.com: [GSK slammed for 'grossly misleading' and 'totally unacceptable' behavior](https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/gsk-slammed-grossly-misleading-and-totally-unacceptable-behavior). The PMCPA publicly reprimanded GSK after finding its disclosures in a case concerning a UK shingles-vaccination awareness campaign were misleading and lacked transparency. GSK apologised, while saying it had not intended to mislead the regulator.
- 15 September 2026, endpoints.news: [GSK to wind down German vaccine factory due to lack of demand](https://endpoints.news/gsk-to-wind-down-german-vaccine-factory-due-to-lack-of-demand/). GSK says it will close a German factory and lay off about 650 workers as demand for egg-based flu vaccines declines. A company spokesperson confirmed the planned closure to Endpoints News.

- [GSK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=gsk&view=deep-dive)
- [GSK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/gsk.pdf)

### Novo Nordisk

**Wegovy expansion meets scrutiny over safety and access**

Novo Nordisk ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (15.3%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 131 mentions and a net tone of +12.

Medicines safety, supply and patient use dominated Novo Nordisk’s September subject mix with 63 mentions, spanning online prescribing safeguards, possible vision-loss risks and treatment access. The company ranked third with 131 mentions and a 15.3% share of tracked-company mentions. Stories also included the German launch of tablet Wegovy, following its UK introduction, alongside reporting on early patient experience and private-pharmacy demand. NHS access and pricing contributed 13 mentions, with The Independent reporting a claimed disparity between UK and US Ozempic prices. M&A and licensing accounted for 12 mentions, alongside news that Novo Nordisk had licensed global rights to Hengrui Pharma’s once-weekly oral GLP-1/GIP drug HRS-1596. Leadership and strategy generated 11 mentions, including George Godfrey’s appointment as Novo Nordisk UK’s medical and regulatory lead and the adoption of Novo as the company’s day-to-day brand.

Key messages:

- Novo Nordisk accounted for 15.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Medicines Safety, Supply & Patient Use and NHS Access & Pricing.
- 131 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Tablet Wegovy launched in Germany as its first EU market — Mezha

Leading themes:

- Medicines Safety, Supply & Patient Use: 48.1% of Novo Nordisk's coverage (theme index 4.49, net tone +3)
- NHS Access & Pricing: 9.9% of Novo Nordisk's coverage (theme index 0.79, net tone +8)
- M&A & Licensing: 9.2% of Novo Nordisk's coverage (theme index 0.41, net tone +42)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, ladbible.com: [One of first women in UK taking Wegovy weight loss pill noticed huge change after just three days](https://www.ladbible.com/lifestyle/first-woman-take-wegovy-pill-uk-results-037265-20260901). An Essex woman describes losing weight and experiencing no side effects after taking Novo Nordisk's newly launched oral Wegovy treatment. The article outlines UK eligibility criteria and private pharmacy demand for the medicine.
- 1 September 2026, mezha.net: [Novo Nordisk Launches Tablet Wegovy in Germany as First EU Market](https://mezha.net/eng/news/2782768b_novo_nordisk_launches/). Novo Nordisk launched tablet Wegovy in Germany, its first EU market, after prior launches including the UK. The article contrasts Wegovy’s early oral-market lead with Eli Lilly’s recently launched UK rival tablet.
- 8 September 2026, healthcare-digital.com: [George Godfrey Named Novo Nordisk UK Medical Lead](https://healthcare-digital.com/news/george-godfrey-named-novo-nordisk-uk-medical-lead). Novo Nordisk UK has appointed former AstraZeneca UK executive George Godfrey as Senior Director of Medical and Regulatory. The article situates the appointment within expanding UK GLP-1 access, regulation and Novo Nordisk's UK operations.

Notable negative coverage:

- 22 September 2026, ndtv.com: [Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound Makers Sued In The US Over Sudden Blindness Risk](https://www.ndtv.com/health/us-patients-sue-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-makers-over-sudden-blindness-risk-12079667). US lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk's semaglutide medicines and Eli Lilly's Zepbound caused sudden vision loss, although causation remains unproven. The article includes MHRA advice that patients taking semaglutide who experience sudden vision deterioration should receive urgent ophthalmological assessment.
- 19 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Pharmacies 'very concerned' about Wegovy weight loss pills loophole](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/wegovy-weight-loss-pills-ai-37676524). A Mirror investigation found that online pharmacies could be bypassing UK safeguards for prescribing Wegovy tablets through manipulated AI images. The article highlights concerns about inappropriate access, eating disorders and suspected adverse-event reports for GLP-1 medicines.
- 25 September 2026, uniladtech.com: [Weight-loss medications face lawsuits over rare side-effect linked to vision loss](https://www.uniladtech.com/science/news/weight-loss-medications-lawsuits-rare-side-effect-vision-loss-783106-20260925). The article reports US lawsuits alleging GLP-1 medicines caused NAION, a rare condition involving sudden vision loss. It notes UK government information that semaglutide may very rarely be associated with NAION and includes responses from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.

- [Novo Nordisk deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=novonordisk&view=deep-dive)
- [Novo Nordisk PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/novonordisk.pdf)

### Eli Lilly

**Foundayo launch and Mounjaro use shape Lilly’s September profile**

Eli Lilly ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (13.9%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 119 mentions and a net tone of +13.

Eli Lilly ranked fourth with 119 mentions, representing 13.9% of tracked-company mentions in September. Independent reporting led with Foundayo’s UK availability through private prescriptions after MHRA approval, while NICE continued to assess NHS access. CNBC and QZ reported Foundayo’s US uptake and planned international expansion, with Britain identified as its first European market. Medicines safety, supply and patient use dominated the subject mix with 71 mentions, including accounts of Mounjaro’s benefits, side effects, affordability and links to treatment eligibility. NHS access and pricing accounted for 19 mentions, followed by drug approvals and launches with 10 and clinical trials and research with eight. Other developments included New Scientist’s report on phase 2 results for tirzepatide combined with eloralintide and Fierce Pharma’s coverage of the PMCPA ruling that Lilly’s orforglipron press release constituted prohibited pre-licence promotion.

Key messages:

- Eli Lilly accounted for 13.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Medicines Safety, Supply & Patient Use and NHS Access & Pricing.
- 119 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Foundayo’s UK launch amid counterfeit and unlicensed-product risks — Healthcare Digital

Leading themes:

- Medicines Safety, Supply & Patient Use: 59.7% of Eli Lilly's coverage (theme index 6.31, net tone +8)
- NHS Access & Pricing: 16.0% of Eli Lilly's coverage (theme index 1.37, net tone −5)
- Drug Approvals & Launches: 8.4% of Eli Lilly's coverage (theme index 2.07, net tone +40)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Mum with 'biggest hernia seen by doctors' turns to Mounjaro for life-changing op](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/mounjaro-weight-loss-hernia-surgery-37613760). A Leicestershire woman prescribed NHS Mounjaro has lost weight and hopes to become eligible for surgery for a severe hernia. She describes the medicine as helping her improve her diet, mobility and prospects of treatment.
- 21 September 2026, qz.com: [Lilly's Foundayo pill wins over a third of new patients, CEO says](https://qz.com/lillys-foundayo-pill-wins-over-a-third-of-new-patients-ceo-says). Eli Lilly said Foundayo accounts for one-third of new US oral weight-loss-drug starts and is scheduled for further international launches. Foundayo launched in the UK in August via private prescription, making Britain its first European market.
- 21 September 2026, cnbc.com: [Eli Lilly CEO offers investors 3 more reasons to stick with the stock](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/21/eli-lilly-ceo-offers-investors-3-more-reasons-to-stick-with-the-stock.html). Eli Lilly's chief executive highlighted rising US Medicare GLP-1 uptake, momentum for obesity pill Foundayo and international expansion. The article states that Foundayo received UK regulatory approval in August, following approval of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pill.

Notable negative coverage:

- 28 September 2026, theguardian.com: [‘It’s problematic’: concern as weight-loss jab maker sponsors Vogue World event](https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/sep/27/weight-loss-pill-company-eli-lilly-vogue-world-ties-concerns-health-campaigners). Critics, including eating-disorder advocates and academics, criticised Eli Lilly's sponsorship of Vogue World in Milan, arguing it may reinforce thinness ideals and normalise medical weight loss as a lifestyle choice. Lilly said the partnership was intended to shift discussion of weight from aesthetics towards health; the article notes the UK approval of its weight-loss pill.
- 25 September 2026, fiercepharma.com: [Eli Lilly blasted for 'promotional and emotive' language in GLP-1 press release](https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/eli-lilly-blasted-promotional-and-emotive-language-glp-1-press-release). The UK PMCPA found Eli Lilly's press release on oral GLP-1 candidate orforglipron amounted to prohibited pre-licence promotion and brought discredit on the industry. Lilly appealed the findings but the appeal board upheld them.
- 9 September 2026, unilad.com: [Woman says GLP-1 weight loss caused her to lose one organ and has 'no regrets'](https://www.unilad.com/news/health/woman-glp-1-lost-gallbladder-complications-doesnt-regret-it-661671-20260909). A UK woman says rapid weight loss while using Mounjaro was associated with gallstones and gallbladder removal, although clinicians did not identify the medicine as a direct cause. Eli Lilly said gallstones are a listed side effect and urged patients experiencing adverse effects to consult healthcare professionals.

- [Eli Lilly deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=elililly&view=deep-dive)
- [Eli Lilly PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/elililly.pdf)

### Roche

**Alzheimer’s trial and Gazyvaro approval define Roche’s September profile**

Roche ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.3%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 37 mentions and a net tone of +22.

Roche’s Phase III PrevenTRON trial led the month’s evidence, with the first European participants screened in the UK to test whether trontinemab can prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease. The MHRA also authorised Gazyvaro for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus, after which Roche said it would pursue reimbursement discussions for NHS access. Roche recorded 37 mentions and 4.3% of tracked-company mentions, placing fifth among the cohort. Clinical trials and research was the largest subject area with 11 mentions, followed by M&A and licensing with seven, UK investment and manufacturing with four, and regulation and the MHRA with three. Other research stories included trial findings for Roche and Zealand Pharma’s experimental obesity injection petrelintide and positive Chinese Phase III data for Roche’s Tam-Peli in relapsed small-cell lung cancer.

Key messages:

- Roche accounted for 4.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Clinical Trials & Research and M&A & Licensing.
- 37 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- PrevenTRON began European enrolment for Roche’s trontinemab Alzheimer’s prevention trial — pharmaphorum

Leading themes:

- Clinical Trials & Research: 29.7% of Roche's coverage (theme index 1.99, net tone +36)
- M&A & Licensing: 18.9% of Roche's coverage (theme index 0.93, net tone −14)
- UK Investment & Manufacturing: 10.8% of Roche's coverage (theme index 2.96, net tone −75)

Notable positive coverage:

- 7 September 2026, pharmaphorum.com: [Major trial of Roche Alzheimer's drug kicks off in Europe](https://pharmaphorum.com/news/major-trial-roche-alzheimers-drug-kicks-europe). A UK NHS trust is the first European site to enrol patients in Roche's phase 3 PrevenTRON trial of trontinemab for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease. The global study will recruit around 1,600 cognitively healthy people at high risk of the disease.
- 23 September 2026, pharmatimes.com: [Roche welcomes MHRA approval of Gazyvaro](https://pharmatimes.com/news/roche-welcomes-mhra-approval-of-gazyvaro/). The MHRA granted Roche marketing authorisation for Gazyvaro for adults with active systemic lupus erythematosus receiving standard therapy. Roche said it would pursue reimbursement discussions to secure NHS access.
- 30 September 2026, thesun.co.uk: [New weight jab 'burns fat with half the side effects' of Mounjaro and Wegovy](https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/40537552/weight-loss-injection-petrelintide-fewer-side-effects/). Trial data suggest Roche and Zealand Pharma's experimental obesity injection petrelintide produced around 10% average weight loss over 42 weeks, with fewer reported gastrointestinal side effects than existing injections. The article notes that petrelintide has not been directly compared with Wegovy or Mounjaro and remains in trials.

- [Roche deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=roche&view=deep-dive)
- [Roche PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/roche.pdf)

### Novartis

**Trial safety and wider sector debate shape Novartis coverage**

Novartis ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.7%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 32 mentions and a net tone of −9.

Coverage led with Novartis pausing eight autoimmune CAR-T trials after three patient deaths linked to a rare inflammatory complication. Novartis recorded 32 mentions, representing 3.7% of tracked-company mentions and placing it sixth among the cohort. M&A and licensing led the subject mix with five mentions, followed by NHS access and pricing, UK investment and manufacturing, and leadership and strategy, each with four. Reporting also covered a late-stage cardiovascular trial failure, global licensing activity involving Novartis and the implications of the CAR-T suspension for Oxford BioMedica. Wider sector articles addressed European pharmaceutical investment, access, pricing and clinical-trial competitiveness without reporting company-specific developments at Novartis.

Key messages:

- Novartis accounted for 3.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on M&A & Licensing and NHS Access & Pricing.
- 32 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Novartis paused eight autoimmune CAR-T trials following three deaths — Drug Discovery News.

Leading themes:

- M&A & Licensing: 15.6% of Novartis's coverage (theme index 0.76, net tone −40)
- UK Investment & Manufacturing: 12.5% of Novartis's coverage (theme index 3.45, net tone −75)
- Leadership & Strategy: 12.5% of Novartis's coverage (theme index 1.69, net tone +25)

Notable positive coverage:

- 22 September 2026, lifesciencesipreview.com: [Behind the case: How Novartis defended its blockbuster Entresto in the UK](https://www.lifesciencesipreview.com/pharma/behind-the-case-how-novartis-defended-its-blockbuster-entresto-in-the-uk). The article examines how Novartis successfully defended UK patent protection for its heart-failure medicine Entresto after a series of adverse plausibility decisions for major pharma patents.
- 3 September 2026, fiercepharma.com: [Novartis puts MS advocacy on the podium through social media partnership with British Olympian](https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/novartis-puts-ms-advocacy-podium-through-social-media-partnership-british-olympian). Novartis is running an MS patient-advocacy social media campaign featuring British Olympian Laviai Nielsen, encouraging patients to discuss symptom changes with clinicians. The article also notes phase 3 MS trial wins for Novartis' Rhapsido against Sanofi's Aubagio.

Notable negative coverage:

- 9 September 2026, tikr.com: [Amgen Stock Sank 9.6% After Novartis’s Trial Failure and a Tavneos Suspension](https://www.tikr.com/blog/amgen-stock-sank-9-6-after-novartiss-trial-failure-and-a-tavneos-suspension). The article reports the MHRA’s suspension of new-patient use of Amgen’s Tavneos and planned withdrawal of its UK marketing authorisation. It also discusses Novartis’s late-stage cardiovascular trial failure and positive Phase 3 Tezspire results from Amgen and AstraZeneca.
- 4 September 2026, uk.finance.yahoo.com: [RBC backs Oxford BioMedica with 'outperform' rating amid Novartis trial halt](https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/rbc-backs-oxford-biomedica-outperform-090000697.html). Oxford BioMedica's broker rating was maintained despite potential revenue exposure after Novartis paused autoimmune trials following three patient deaths. The report said Novartis continued oncology dosing and that the disruption had limited near-term financial relevance to Oxford BioMedica.
- 4 September 2026, drugdiscoverynews.com: [Novartis pauses autoimmune CAR T trials following three deaths](https://www.drugdiscoverynews.com/novartis-pauses-autoimmune-car-t-trials-following-three-deaths-17501). GSK licensed Hutchmed's KRAS-EGFR antibody conjugate and plans to take a dual-target mRNA flu vaccine into Phase 3 after positive Phase 2 data. The roundup also reports Novartis pausing autoimmune CAR T trials after three patient deaths.

- [Novartis deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=novartis&view=deep-dive)
- [Novartis PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/novartis.pdf)

### Pfizer

**Pricing, obesity research and Depo-Provera shape Pfizer’s September profile**

Pfizer ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.0%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of 0.

Pfizer’s September coverage included reported terms of its US most-favoured-nation pricing agreement, research progress for berobenatide and a large C difficile vaccine trial. Pfizer recorded 26 mentions, representing 3.0% of tracked-company mentions and placing it seventh. NHS access and pricing and M&A and licensing were the joint-leading subjects, with five mentions each, followed by medicines safety, supply and patient use with four and clinical trials and research with three. Business Standard connected the US pricing agreement to UK-US medicines trade arrangements involving lower NHS rebates and increased UK medicines spending. Research coverage included Pfizer’s Phase 3 programme for the Imperial College London-originated obesity candidate berobenatide, with a targeted 2028 launch, and UK recruitment of older participants for a 32,000-person investigational C difficile vaccine trial. Daily Record reporting on Depo-Provera addressed alleged meningioma injuries, compensation claims, calls for a UK-wide inquiry and Scottish instructions for GPs to warn patients about the potential risk.

Key messages:

- Pfizer accounted for 3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on NHS Access & Pricing and M&A & Licensing.
- 26 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Business Standard reported on Pfizer’s overseas-revenue provisions under its US most-favoured-nation pricing agreement.

Leading themes:

- M&A & Licensing: 19.2% of Pfizer's coverage (theme index 0.95, net tone −20)
- NHS Access & Pricing: 19.2% of Pfizer's coverage (theme index 1.6, net tone −40)
- Medicines Safety, Supply & Patient Use: 15.4% of Pfizer's coverage (theme index 0.94, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 23 September 2026, express.co.uk: [Groundbreaking trial seeks thousands of Brits to test superbug vaccine](https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/2250825/vaccine-clinical-trial-c-diff-health). Pfizer is recruiting older UK participants for a large trial of its investigational C. difficile vaccine, with around a third of the 32,000 recruits expected from the UK. The trial aims to assess whether the vaccine can reduce infections and severe outcomes in older people.
- 15 September 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [IP Group (LSE:IPO) Growth Momentum and Pfizer Bet Shape Outlook](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/stocks/financial/ip-group-lseipo-growth-momentum-and-pfizer-bet-shape-outlook). IP Group highlighted progress in Pfizer's berobenatide obesity programme, which originated from research at Imperial College London. Positive clinical data and advancement of combination research increased the value of IP Group's exposure.
- 15 September 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [IP Group plc (IPO) Reports 3.2% NAV Per Share Increase to 113.9p in HY26, Led by Pfizer Obesity Royalty Asset](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/news/announcements/ip-group-plc-ipo-reports-32-nav-per-share-increase-to-1139p-in-hy26-led-by-pfizer-obesity-royalty-asset). IP Group said its valuation rose partly because of progress in Pfizer's obesity candidate berobenatide, which originated from Imperial College London research. Pfizer is advancing a Phase 3 programme with a targeted 2028 launch.

Notable negative coverage:

- 30 September 2026, dailyrecord.co.uk: [Women left with brain tumours after Depo-Provera jag demand UK-wide probe](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/women-left-brain-tumours-after-37701159). Women affected by alleged brain tumours after using Pfizer's Depo-Provera contraceptive injection are calling for a UK-wide public inquiry. Scottish health officials have instructed GPs to warn patients about tumour risks and review prescriptions regularly.
- 24 September 2026, dailyrecord.co.uk: [Incredible women fight for change after contraceptive jab left them with tumours](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/incredible-women-fight-change-after-37698507). Women in Scotland report serious health impacts they associate with Pfizer-manufactured Depo-Provera and campaign for stronger regulation, guidance and a public inquiry. The article notes that GPs were instructed to warn patients about meningioma risk.
- 23 September 2026, dailyrecord.co.uk: ["I've been left disfigured for life" Depo jag victims on horror side effects](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/ive-been-left-disfigured-life-37688326). Women in Scotland who used Pfizer's Depo-Provera contraceptive injection describe serious meningioma-related injuries and are pursuing compensation claims. The Scottish Government has instructed healthcare professionals to communicate the risks associated with long-term use clearly.

- [Pfizer deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=pfizer&view=deep-dive)
- [Pfizer PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/pfizer.pdf)

### MSD

**Keytruda and pipeline comparison defines MSD’s September profile**

MSD ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (2.8%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 24 mentions and a net tone of −8.

A Zacks article carried by TradingView compared MSD with AstraZeneca across oncology portfolios, pipelines, financial outlooks and patent-expiry risks, presenting MSD as relatively more attractive. MSD ranked eighth in September, with 24 mentions and a 2.8% share of tracked-company mentions. Clinical trials and research was its largest subject area with eight mentions, followed by M&A and licensing with five, financial results and pipeline with four, and NHS access and pricing with three. The AstraZeneca comparison linked MSD’s competitive position to Keytruda, its wider pipeline and growth strategy. As context, Reuters included MSD among developers competing in obesity treatments, while Pharmaceutical Technology referred to its Phase III dengue-vaccine trial. Further context placed Keytruda and MSD’s oncology programmes alongside competing lung-cancer assets, and cited MSD as remaining non-committal on renewed UK investment.

Key messages:

- MSD accounted for 2.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Clinical Trials & Research and M&A & Licensing.
- 24 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- “AZN vs. MRK: Comparing Keytruda, Pipelines and Growth Strategies” — Zacks, carried by TradingView

Leading themes:

- Clinical Trials & Research: 33.3% of MSD's coverage (theme index 2.21, net tone +13)
- M&A & Licensing: 20.8% of MSD's coverage (theme index 1.03, net tone −40)
- Financial Results & Pipeline: 16.7% of MSD's coverage (theme index 1.5, net tone 0)

- [MSD deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=msd&view=deep-dive)
- [MSD PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/msd.pdf)

### Sanofi

**Teplizumab access coverage and Cheplapharm plan shape Sanofi’s September profile**

Sanofi ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (2.6%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 22 mentions and a net tone of −18.

The Pharmaceutical Journal led Sanofi’s substantive coverage with a feature revisiting NICE’s earlier approval of teplizumab for stage 2 type 1 diabetes, including its potential to delay symptomatic disease and insulin use by an average of three years. Sanofi ranked joint ninth with Moderna, recording 22 mentions and a 2.6% share of tracked-company mentions. UK investment and manufacturing and leadership and strategy accounted for four mentions each, while NHS access and pricing recorded three mentions and vaccines and public health recorded three. PharmExec reported Sanofi’s planned partnership with Cheplapharm to transfer 20 mature medicines and three overseas manufacturing sites. As context, iNews reported that NHS England contingency planning followed a delay affecting two million Sanofi flu-vaccine doses, although officials expected no disruption.

Key messages:

- Sanofi accounted for 2.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on UK Investment & Manufacturing and Leadership & Strategy.
- 22 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Feature revisiting NICE approval of teplizumab for stage 2 type 1 diabetes — The Pharmaceutical Journal

Leading themes:

- Leadership & Strategy: 18.2% of Sanofi's coverage (theme index 2.49, net tone −25)
- UK Investment & Manufacturing: 18.2% of Sanofi's coverage (theme index 5.07, net tone −75)
- Vaccines & Public Health: 13.6% of Sanofi's coverage (theme index 8.15, net tone −33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 23 September 2026, pharmaceutical-journal.com: [Can immunotherapy stop the clock on type 1 diabetes?](https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/can-immunotherapy-stop-the-clock-on-type-1-diabetes). NICE has approved Sanofi's teplizumab for UK patients with stage 2 type 1 diabetes, delaying symptomatic disease and insulin need by an average of three years. The article examines NHS access, confidential pricing and the lack of routine screening needed to identify eligible patients.
- 10 September 2026, fiercepharma.com: [Sanofi hits the pickleball court in education push for COVID vax Nuvaxovid](https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/sanofi-bounces-usa-pickleball-partnership-promote-nuvaxovid-covid-vaccine-older-adults). Sanofi has partnered with USA Pickleball on a US education campaign promoting COVID vaccine Nuvaxovid to older adults. The company says it is also seeking to expand the vaccine's availability to the UK, Germany and Canada.

- [Sanofi deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=sanofi&view=deep-dive)
- [Sanofi PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/sanofi.pdf)

### Moderna

**UK vaccine approval and flu rivalry frame Moderna’s September profile**

Moderna ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (2.6%) in the Pharma in the UK benchmark for September 2026, with 22 mentions and a net tone of +36.

Independent reporting in PM Live led with MHRA authorisation of Moderna’s updated XFG-targeting Spikevax vaccine for the 2026/27 NHS programme, with doses to be produced at its Oxfordshire facility. Moderna ranked joint ninth with Sanofi with 22 mentions and a 2.6% share of tracked-company mentions. Clinical trials and research dominated the subject mix with 16 mentions. Patents and intellectual property and M&A and licensing recorded two mentions each, while financial results and pipeline and vaccines and public health recorded one each. Further independent reporting covered UK and Canadian safety trials of Moderna’s Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine and the European Patent Office’s revocation of a key mRNA-vaccine patent following opposition involving Pfizer and BioNTech. Competitive coverage focused on GSK’s progression of a rival mRNA influenza vaccine into Phase III, including comparisons between its Phase II data and Moderna’s programme.

Key messages:

- Moderna accounted for 2.6% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Clinical Trials & Research and Patents & Intellectual Property.
- 22 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Moderna’s updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine approved by the MHRA — PM Live

Leading themes:

- Clinical Trials & Research: 72.7% of Moderna's coverage (theme index 5.16, net tone +44)
- M&A & Licensing: 9.1% of Moderna's coverage (theme index 0.44, net tone 0)
- Patents & Intellectual Property: 9.1% of Moderna's coverage (theme index 19.02, net tone −50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 4 September 2026, pmlive.com: [Moderna's updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine approved by MHRA](https://pmlive.com/pharma_news/modernas-updated-covid-19-mrna-vaccine-approved-by-mhra/). The MHRA authorised Moderna's XFG-targeting Spikevax vaccine for the 2026/27 NHS COVID-19 programme. Doses will be made at Moderna's Oxfordshire facility under its UK government partnership.
- 1 September 2026, clinicaltrialsarena.com: [GSK hopes to take on Moderna as it moves mRNA flu vaccine to Phase III trial](https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/gsk-mrna-flu-vaccine-moves-to-phase-iii/). GSK plans to begin a Phase III trial of its mRNA flu vaccine after a positive mid-stage study found higher immune responses than marketed comparators. The UK company's dual-target candidate could compete with Moderna's newly US-approved mRNA flu shot.

Notable negative coverage:

- 18 September 2026, juve-patent.com: [EPO revokes key Moderna patent for mRNA vaccines](https://www.juve-patent.com/people-and-business/epo-revokes-key-moderna-patent-for-mrna-vaccines/). The European Patent Office has revoked a key Moderna mRNA-vaccine patent following opposition involving Pfizer and BioNTech. The ruling reverses a patent position that had supported Moderna's earlier litigation successes, including in London.

- [Moderna deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09?entity=moderna&view=deep-dive)
- [Moderna PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09/reports/moderna.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other Pharma in the UK editions

- [UK pharma media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK pharma media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-h1.md)
- [UK pharma media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-07.md)
- [UK pharma media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK pharma media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-pharma-2026-09