The FDA has granted full approval to Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine in a move that is hoped will convince unvaccinated citizens that the shot is safe and effective. The mRNA vaccine, which will be branded as Comirnaty and was first developed by Germany’s Biontech SE, has been available since Dec. 11 last year under an emergency use authorization (EUA) and is the first to receive the FDA’s full endorsement.
The FDA’s pre-IND response to Virpax Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s MMS-019, a molecular masking spray being developed as an over-the-counter product to limit transmission of SARS and influenza, has the company breathing easier and ready to chase an NDA. Virpax is in a crowded field of 43 COVID-19 intranasal therapeutics and vaccine programs.
An update from China’s NMPA clarifying registration requirements and classification methods for drug-device combination products has been welcomed by industry as the regulator seeks to keep pace with fast-moving developments in the sector.
Visus Therapeutics Inc. has expanded its ophthalmic drug portfolio, in-licensing investigational therapies for glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration from Cella Therapeutics LLC, which will be developed by Finland’s Delsitech Ltd. using its extended-release depot technology.
PERTH, Australia – As the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 sweeps across the globe, drugs like Roche Holding AG’s interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor Actemra (tocilizumab) are being used, often off-label, to treat serious cases of COVID-19. That usage, however, is resulting in serious drug shortages that may leave some without treatment options.
As more therapies are approved to treat severe atopic dermatitis, U.S. payers should make available at least one biologic and one JAK1 inhibitor, given how different the drug classes are in their onset of action and their risk profile, a panel of experts recommended at a recent Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) roundtable.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across all stages of drug development is presenting challenges for regulators across the world.
DUBLIN – Beckley Psytech Ltd. raised $80 million in an oversubscribed series B round to move its early stage pipeline of psychedelic therapies into the clinic and to continue research on novel compounds with enhanced properties.
PERTH, Australia – The Treasury Department is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders on its discussion paper on a patent box policy, which was first announced in the May 2021 federal budget.