Although details are scant, Akeso Pharmaceuticals Inc. reported that its PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab (AK-112), demonstrated statistically significant superiority as a first-line therapy for PD-L1-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to Merck and Co. Inc.’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
Although details are scant, Akeso Pharmaceuticals Inc. reported that its PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, ivonescimab (AK-112), demonstrated statistically significant superiority as a first-line therapy for PD-L1-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to Merck and Co. Inc.’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is among the immune checkpoint molecules better explored in immunotherapy for cancer. However, it is necessary to obtain novel therapies where preclinical efficacy and safety data could translate into enhanced predictability of human efficacy, pharmacokinetics and side effects.
Merck & Co. Inc. is shelling out $1.3 billion in cash up front to acquire privately held Eyebiotech Ltd., gaining rights to the latter’s pivotal trial-ready diabetic macular edema drug and a pipeline of earlier-stage candidates targeting vision loss. An additional $1.7 billion could follow in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, raising the deal total to $3 billion.
Sixpeaks Bio AG has emerged from stealth with $30 million in series A financing and a pipeline of therapies for healthy weight loss, including a dual-specific antibody targeting activin type IIA and B receptors for preservation of skeletal muscle mass.
Genmab A/S, in collaboration with Biontech SE, has presented data on a novel OX40 agonist antibody –Hexabody-OX40 (GEN-1055/BNT-315), developed using Genmab’s proprietary Hexabody platform, which promotes the formation of antibody hexamers upon target binding to cell surfaces.
Altrubio Inc. secured up to $225 million in an oversubscribed series B financing round, led by BVF Partners LP. The full amount is dependent on Altrubio meeting certain undisclosed milestones. New investors RA Capital Management, Cormorant Asset Management and Soleus Capital, and existing investors Amoon Fund and Blackstone Multi-Asset Investing, as well as other new and existing investors, also participated in the financing round.
GSK plc’s interleukin-5 (IL-5) portfolio got boost as depemokimab, an ultra-long-acting biologic targeting IL-5, hit its endpoints in two phase III trials in severe asthma, setting up potential filings for the first therapy that could allow patients a six-month dosing schedule.
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.’s anti-βKlotho monoclonal antibody drug JMT-202 has received clearance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to enter clinical trials to lower triglyceride levels in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
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