Key Takeaways
- GSK (GSK) secured UK approval for Exdensur (depemokimab), a groundbreaking twice-yearly biological medicine for asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis, marking a significant advancement in respiratory treatment.
- President Trump announced the formal classification of "illicit fentanyl" as a weapon of mass destruction via executive order and confirmed strong consideration of reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III drug.
- The U.S. is investigating whether Israel violated a Gaza ceasefire with a strike that killed a senior Hamas official, while President Trump also vowed "very serious retaliation" against ISIS following an attack in Syria that killed three Americans.
- Harvard University's President has reportedly had their term extended beyond June 2027, a development noted amidst ongoing tensions between the institution and the Trump administration.
GSK's Exdensur Gains UK Approval, Revolutionizing Respiratory Care
Pharmaceutical giant GSK plc (GSK) announced a significant breakthrough in respiratory medicine on Monday, with the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granting marketing authorization for its new biological medicine, Exdensur (depemokimab). This approval positions Exdensur as the first twice-yearly biological medicine for add-on maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older with type 2 inflammation, and for severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adults.
The authorization is based on robust data from the SWIFT and ANCHOR phase III trials, which demonstrated sustained efficacy with a twice-yearly dosing regimen. GSK highlighted that this ultra-long-acting biologic has the potential to redefine care by reducing asthma exacerbations and preventing cumulative lung damage with just two doses a year. Exdensur is also currently under regulatory review in other major markets, including the US, Japan, EU, and China, with decisions anticipated through the first half of 2026.
Trump Administration Unveils Major Drug Policy Initiatives
President Trump made several notable announcements regarding drug policy on Monday. He formally classified "illicit fentanyl" as a weapon of mass destruction through an Executive Order, stating that "No bomb does what this is doing." The full implications of this designation on administration policy or legal frameworks for those involved with fentanyl remain to be clarified. This move echoes previous calls from officials, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody in 2022, to treat fentanyl with this severe classification.
In another significant policy consideration, President Trump confirmed his administration is "looking at that very strongly" regarding the reclassification of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, potentially moving it from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. This reclassification would ease barriers to research and could significantly benefit legal cannabis businesses by eliminating IRS 280E tax penalties and improving access to banking and capital. While the President had previously indicated a decision was expected in "the next few weeks" back in August, the Washington Post reported on December 11, 2025, that an executive order directing agencies to pursue reclassification was anticipated. The initiative reportedly faces some internal opposition within the White House and cabinet-level agencies, including the DEA.
Separately, President Trump also indicated that he was "probably filing this afternoon or tomorrow morning," though the specific subject of this filing or announcement was not immediately detailed in available reports. Given the context of other policy-related statements, it is likely related to further administrative actions.
Geopolitical Developments: Gaza Strike Investigation and Syria Retaliation
On the international front, President Trump stated on Monday that the United States is "looking into" whether Israel violated a Gaza ceasefire agreement by conducting a strike that killed senior Hamas commander Raad Saad over the weekend. Reports indicate that White House officials delivered a "stern rebuke" to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that the strike constituted a violation of the ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration. U.S. officials were reportedly not informed or consulted prior to the attack. Despite these reports of tension, President Trump denied any rift in his relationship with Netanyahu.
In Syria, President Trump pledged "very serious retaliation" against the Islamic State group (ISIS) following an attack on Saturday that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. service members and one American civilian, with three other service members wounded. Trump characterized the incident as an ISIS attack against both the U.S. and Syria in a highly dangerous and uncontrolled region. This marks the first attack with fatalities on U.S. troops in Syria since the fall of President Bashar Assad a year ago.
Harvard Leadership Amidst Administrative Scrutiny
Amidst ongoing disputes with the Trump administration, Harvard University's President has reportedly had their term extended beyond June 2027. This development comes as Harvard continues to navigate tensions with the White House, which has previously scrutinized the institution over issues such as federal funding, antisemitism policies, and the enrollment of international students. The extension of the president's term signals continuity in leadership as the university addresses these challenges.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.