Swiss biotech Polyphor AG, left hindered by failures in advanced clinical programs it had pursued in breast cancer and bacterial pneumonia, has found a path forward in a planned merger with Enbiotix Inc. The combination would put Enbiotix Chairman and CEO Jeff Wager in charge of a publicly listed company advancing a combined portfolio of programs for rare disease and cancer, including Polyphor’s inhaled antibiotic, murepavadin, for infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
A study led by researchers at Tsinghua University in Beijing has elicited the mechanism whereby the protein leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 prevents alveolar type II epithelial cell dysfunction, limiting profibrotic responses during progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
Pfizer Inc.’s voluntary recall of batches of Chantix (varenicline) in mid-July called attention to the smoking-cessation market, where the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist holds lead position, with Glaxosmithkline plc’s Zyban (bupropion) – another oral prescription drug – also a contender. In line to potentially shake up the space with cytisinicline, a plant-based alkaloid, is Achieve Life Sciences Inc.
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