Researchers at the University of California San Diego have uncovered a key mechanism underlying the treatment resistance of melanoma with the BRAF V600E mutation through pathways involved in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. These two processes remodel the tumor cell environment in melanoma through the RAF/MEK cell signaling pathway. However, the combined use of FAK inhibitors with a RAF-MEK clamp overcame this resistance.
The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal products for Human Use (CHMP) is standing by its opinion on Leqembi (lecanemab) after the European .mission pushed back against a recommendation in November 2024 that the Alzheimer’s disease drug be approved
Humanwell Healthcare (Group) Co. Ltd. has described proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds comprising an E3 ubiquitin ligase binding moiety covalently linked to an interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) targeting moiety via a linker reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disorders, multiple sclerosis, alopecia areata, urticaria, psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others.
Derm-Biome Pharmaceuticals Inc. has reported findings from a study of its topical drug DB-007-5 in a well-established preclinical model of human atopic dermatitis.
Cosette Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced plans to acquire Adelaide, Australia-based Mayne Pharma Pty Ltd. for AU$672 million (US$430 million) to grow its women’s health and dermatology franchise in the U.S. Under terms, Cosette, of Bridgewater, N.J., will acquire 100% of Mayne’s shares at AU$7.40 per share in cash. The price represents a 37% premium to Mayne’s closing share price on Feb. 20. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Cosette Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced plans to acquire Adelaide, Australia-based Mayne Pharma Pty Ltd. for AU$672 million (US$430 million) to grow its women’s health and dermatology franchise in the U.S. Under terms, Cosette, of Bridgewater, N.J., will acquire 100% of Mayne’s shares at AU$7.40 per share in cash. The price represents a 37% premium to Mayne’s closing share price on Feb. 20. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Photys Therapeutics Inc. has signed a license agreement with Hangzhou Polymed Biopharmaceuticals Inc. for HPB-143, a phase I-ready IRAK-4 degrader. IRAK-4 degradation offers potential to treat various autoimmune indications, including atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Septerna Inc. has announced its decision to discontinue a healthy volunteer phase I trial of SEP-786, an oral small-molecule agonist of the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor being developed for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism.
Bambusa Therapeutics Inc. has completed an oversubscribed series A financing of approximately $90 million to support its lead programs through phase I trials and advance its pipeline of long-acting bispecific antibodies for immunological and inflammatory disorders.
Akeso Inc. has received IND approval by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for AK-139, an IL-4Rα/ST2 bispecific antibody under investigation for a number of indications, including respiratory and skin diseases.
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