TIGITs took another tumble with GSK plc’s decision to end a development program and a collaboration with Iteos Therapeutics Inc. New top-line results from a phase II study in non-small-cell lung cancer using belrestotug, an anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody, were disappointing so the companies are calling it a day.
First quarter 2025 results presentations were the first chance analysts have had to quiz pharma companies in public about their exposure to the threat of U.S. import tariffs and what action they are taking to mitigate the risks.
First quarter 2025 results presentations were the first chance analysts have had to quiz pharma companies in public about their exposure to the threat of U.S. import tariffs and what action they are taking to mitigate the risks. BioWorld reporters have listened in to the analyst meetings and filleted out responses to the tariff question by CEOs and senior executives, to get an overview of how the sector as a whole is responding. One thing is very clear: While pharmaceuticals are for now exempt from tariffs, the industry has been bracing for their imposition whilst at the same time lobbying strongly against them, on the grounds that drug shortages could result.
ABL Bio Inc. announced April 7 that it sealed a potential £2.075 billion (US$2.65 billion) license deal with GSK plc, granting GSK global rights to use ABL’s blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating bispecific antibody platform, Grabody-B, to develop multiple programs in the neurodegenerative disease arena. Under the terms signed April 5, ABL agreed to transfer Grabody-B-related technology and know-how to GSK, upon which GSK will assume responsibility for preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization.
ABL Bio Inc. announced April 7 that it sealed a potential £2.075 billion (US$2.65 billion) license deal with GSK plc, granting GSK global rights to use ABL’s blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrating bispecific antibody platform, Grabody-B, to develop multiple programs in the neurodegenerative disease arena. Under the terms signed April 5, ABL agreed to transfer Grabody-B-related technology and know-how to GSK, upon which GSK will assume responsibility for preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization.
Ushering in a new class of antibiotics, the U.S. FDA approved GSK plc’s gepotidacin for use in uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Branded Blujepa, the oral triazaacenaphthylene bacterial topoisomerase inhibitor is indicated for treating female adults and adolescents, 12 and older.
A second pentavalent vaccine for preventing meningococcal disease has been approved by the U.S. FDA. GSL plc’s Penmenvy will now go up against Pfizer Inc.’s Penbraya, which had a two-year head start in the market.
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has signed a collaboration agreement with GSK plc’s Global Health Unit (GSK GH) for the development of an anti-dengue virus antibody. Under this agreement, GSK GH will perform activities and explore potential funding for the initiation of clinical studies of AID-351.
In the final days of the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) laid out the latest 15 drugs that are subject to negotiated prices, with Novo Nordisk A/S’ GLP-1 drug Ozempic for type 2 diabetes topping the list, bringing Rybelsus and Wegovy along for the ride because they share the same active ingredient, semaglutide.
