The global mRNA platform market was valued at $152.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to decline to $129.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of -2.7%. This report highlights the technology's role in vaccine and therapeutic development, driven by advancements in lipid nanoparticle delivery, synthetic biology, and bioinformatics. Key applications include COVID-19 vaccines, cancer treatments, and other diseases. Market growth is fueled by rising infectious disease incidence, technological improvements, regulatory support, and substantial public and private investments. The U.S. market is valued at $64.5 billion in 2024, with China expected to grow at 0.1% CAGR to reach $13.8 billion by 2030. The cancer vaccine segment is projected to grow at an 86.1% CAGR, while the COVID-19 vaccine segment is expected to reach $102.1 billion by 2030 at a -6.3% CAGR. Major players include BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Catalent Pharma Solutions, and several startups such as Providence Therapeutics and pHion Therapeutics. Recent market activity includes Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approvals, scaling production, and partnerships like Novartis' agreement with Pfizer-BioNTech.

The atrophic vaginitis market is projected to grow from USD 2.1 billion in 2024 to USD 3.9 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. Growth is driven by increased awareness of women's health, aging populations, postmenopausal health focus, telemedicine adoption, and innovations in topical and systemic therapies. Key players include Pfizer Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S, Allergan (AbbVie), Bayer AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., TherapeuticsMD, and Astellas Pharma Inc. The market is becoming more patient-centric, with therapies emphasizing comfort, convenience, and compliance. North America currently leads in market size and access, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate due to a large postmenopausal population and rising acceptance of women's health treatments. Regional dynamics vary, with Europe adopting non-hormonal alternatives, Latin America promoting affordable therapies, and the Middle East & Africa facing cultural barriers. Emerging trends include energy-based vaginal rejuvenation devices, personalized medicine, over-the-counter non-hormonal products, and integration of telehealth and wearable technology.

Eli Lilly is facing significant challenges due to the U.S. government's decision to cut funding for mRNA vaccine research, which has led to financial uncertainty and strategic realignment within the biotech sector. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has suspended nearly $500 million in contracts supporting mRNA advancements, impacting major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, Moderna, and Pfizer. This shift in policy, which prioritizes broader vaccine platforms over mRNA technology, has sparked controversy, especially among experts who highlight mRNA's proven efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding cuts affect not only infectious disease vaccines but also potential mRNA-based cancer therapies, raising concerns in the oncology community. Eli Lilly is now required to reassess its research priorities, balance its traditional therapeutics portfolio with mRNA initiatives, and explore alternative funding or partnerships to sustain innovation.

Major oil and gas companies including Shell, Aker BP, and Enbridge have withdrawn from a global climate working group under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which was developing standards to limit new oil and gas field development and reduce dirty fuel production. The draft guidelines proposed that companies cease new projects by the end of 2027 or upon submitting a climate plan, whichever came first. Following the withdrawals, the SBTi paused its work on the oil and gas standards, citing capacity issues and denying industry pressure as the cause. The organization also delayed a separate deadline for financial institutions to stop funding new dirty energy projects, extending it from 2025 to 2030. Industry leaders argue the standards were not realistic or flexible, while the SBTi maintains its influence in corporate climate planning and warns that delays could undermine global climate efforts.

The article recommends two underperforming stocks—Pfizer and Target—for long-term investors considering a buy on the dip. Pfizer is facing patent expirations for key drugs like Eliquis, Ibrance, and Xtandi, but its acquisitions of Seagen and Biohaven have strengthened its oncology and neurology portfolios. Sales of drugs such as Vyndaqel, Padcev, and Nurtec are growing, and the company reported a 12% increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share in the first quarter of 2025, despite a 8% revenue decline. Pfizer maintains a consistent dividend since 1980, currently yielding about 7%. Target has seen a 25% drop in share price due to shifting consumer sentiment and reduced discretionary spending, but management is focusing on growth through its Target Plus marketplace, expansion of in-house media Roundel, same-day delivery services, and opening over 300 new stores over the next decade. The company reported a 10% year-over-year increase in net earnings and has a 4.6% dividend yield, trading at a P/E ratio of around 11. Both companies have a history of increasing dividends and are seen as potential value plays despite short-term challenges.