DUBLIN – Imcyse SA has successfully parlayed a research collaboration it entered with Pfizer Inc. in 2017 into a license agreement, under which it will finalize preclinical development of a drug candidate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on its Imotope technology in return for an undisclosed up-front payment, equity investment and up to $180 million in milestones, as well as tiered royalties on product sales.
Veralox Therapeutics Inc., a Maryland-based startup developing a small molecule for halting aberrant platelet activation and thrombosis, said the FDA has granted the candidate, VLX-1005, orphan drug status for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
Evoq Therapeutics LLC, a Michigan-based company developing a new technology for treating autoimmune disease, has signed a new license and collaboration agreement giving Amgen Inc. exclusive rights to selected programs in the area, undisclosed in number and indication. Valued at more than $240 million in up-front and milestone payments, the deal also includes potential royalties on sales of resulting therapies, Evoq said.
Spanish researchers developed a new artificial pancreas system that maintained blood glucose levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) during and following heavy physical exercise. Results of the small study were published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism.
LONDON – Enthera Pharmaceuticals Srl has announced the largest international series A to date for an Italian biotech, closing a €28 million (US$32.9 million) round, to take programs in type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) into phase I development.
LONDON – Vicentra BV has bounced back from COVID-19 related disruptions of its supply chain to raise a €10 million (US$11.44 million) round that will enable the company to reshape manufacturing and get its wireless insulin pump back on the market later in the year.
Beta cell regeneration has been a holy grail for type 1 diabetes researchers for several decades. Despite some promising results in animal models, progress in patients has remained frustratingly elusive, however.
So far, the excitement surrounding “living drugs” is that of pioneer work, with the Carl June and Steve Rosenberg playing the roles of Lewis and Clark or the Wright brothers.
Anti-drug antibodies noted in the phase Ib portion of the PREVAIL study in lupus drew queries for Oldwick, N.J.-based Provention Bio Inc. during a conference call related to earnings, but analysts seemed more interested in the company’s later-stage push in type 1 diabetes (T1D).
With the Simpliciti-T1 phase II trial testing new-mechanism TTP-399 as adjunct therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1D), High Point, N.C.-based Vtv Therapeutics Inc. nailed the HbA1c endpoint with none of the safety concerns foiling developers of type 2 diabetes (T2D) drugs who sought to broaden their labels.
