Pharma
Sanofi Puts Up $125M to Partner on Oral Drug That Could Be Dupixent’s Successor
Sanofi is interested in Recludix Pharma’s approach to treating inflammation with an oral small molecule that targets a protein thought to be undruggable. If it works, the drug could have safety and dosing advantages over currently available biologic drugs, including blockbuster Sanofi drug Dupixent.
Amarin Restructures, Charting Course That Braces for Generic Competition
The restructuring of cardiovascular drugmaker Amarin means the layoff of about 30% of staff. Sales of Vascepa, the company’s only commercialized product, have suffered as generic versions gain traction in the market.
Creating an Omnichannel Customer Journey in Healthcare
Improving Customer Experience and Conversion in Healthcare & Life Sciences
Here’s Why Novartis Is Paying $500M to Acquire a Preclinical RNA Startup
Novartis’s acquisition of DTx Pharma brings a lead program for a rare disease with no FDA-approved therapies. But the deal could also help the pharma giant bring new RNA therapies to new places in the body, a top Novartis executive explained.
Pfizer, Flagship Team Up in $100M R&D Pact: 10 New Drugs for Unmet Needs
辉瑞和旗舰开拓合作的drug research alliance leveraging the capabilities of the more than 40 biotech startups in the venture capital firm’s portfolio. The new partners aim to develop drugs for unmet needs, including those in broad patient populations.
FDA Approval of RSV Drug Gives Infants and Toddlers Long-Lasting Protection
AstraZeneca and Sanofi drug Beyfortus is now FDA approved for preventing respiratory problems from RSV infection in infants and toddlers. Antibody engineering enables the drug to last longer in the body, providing protective effects for potentially the entire RSV season.
Eli Lilly Strengthens the Case for Going Early in Alzheimer’s Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease patients in the earliest stages of their disease benefited the most from Eli Lilly drug donanemab, which is expected to receive an FDA decision by the end of 2023. Full results from the drug’s pivotal study were presented during the during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
Startup Tenpoint Lands $70M to Bring Vision-Restoring Cell Therapy to the Eye
Tenpoint Therapeutics’ name refers to the time it takes for an image to hit the retina and be processed by the brain. The regenerative medicine startup is developing cell therapies it hopes restore that vision capability for patients with degenerative eye disorders.
Two Biotechs Break the IPO Dry Spell, Raising $385M Combined
Inflammation and immunology biotech Apogee Therapeutics and Sagimet Biosciences, a company developing a drug for the fatty liver disease NASH, are the latest biotech companies to join the public markets. Both companies upsized their IPOs, raising cash for clinical trials.
FDA Nod Makes Perrigo’s Opill the First Oral Contraceptive to Switch to OTC Use
FDA approval of Opill makes it the first oral contraceptive that may be used without a prescription. Clinicians say over-the-counter availability will lower barriers to access to a key component of reproductive healthcare.
With End of Alliance, Novartis Walks Away From Once Hot Cancer Target
Novartis and BeiGene ended their partnership on a cancer immunotherapy for a target called TIGIT. Though BeiGene describes the termination as mutual, it comes before Novartis would need to pump more money into the alliance even as questions linger about TIGIT as a cancer target.
Devices & Diagnostics,BioPharma
FDA Authorizes Better Therapeutics Mobile App for Treating Type 2 Diabetes
Better Therapeutics prescription digital therapeutic, AspyreRx, received De Novo FDA authorization for type 2 diabetes. The mobile app digitizes and personalizes cognitive behavioral therapy.
RA Capital Leads $150M Financing for Septerna and Lead Drug With Oral Edge in Rare Hormone Disease
Septerna Therapeutics’ Series B financing will support plans to reach the clinic with a pill for a rare disease whose only approved therapy is a Takeda Pharmaceutical drug that’s leaving the market. Potential rival therapies are all injectables.
J&J Gets Foothold in Head & Neck Cancer With Deal for Nanobiotix’s Lead Program
Johnson & Johnson is committing up to $60 million for global rights to a Nanobiotix therapy that enhances radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. A Phase 3 test of the nanoparticle-based therapy is expected to yield preliminary data in 2024.
FDA Lifts Partial Hold on Curis Drug, Clearing Way for Phase 2 Leukemia Study
A partial clinical trial hold has been lifted from cancer drug emavusertib and Curis has selected a dose to use in Phase 2 testing. The small molecule is being developed as a potential treatment for blood cancers.
Bausch + Lomb Continues Deal Streak With $106M Acquisition of J&J Eye Drops
Bausch + Lomb is acquiring Johnson & Johnson’s Blink line of eye drops. The deal comes as J&J exits the consumer business while Bausch + Lomb expands its product portfolio with its second deal in as many weeks.
