DUBLIN – Although Europe has moved first to approve Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin), Glaxosmithkline plc’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) as a fifth-line therapy in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, U.S. patients may well be first to gain access to the new drug.

LONDON – While the pandemic raged, Brexit was simmering on the back burner, but now as infections wane, the industry is turning its attention back to being ready for the U.K. cutting ties with the EU at the end of December.

LONDON – An independent U.K. inquiry has found that failure to take seriously concerns raised by patients has resulted in life-threatening problems caused by medical devices and drugs being ignored for decades.

LONDON – Europe has its fourth new fund in less than a month with the launch of Eir Ventures, which arrives on the scene with €76 million (US$85.9 million) to invest in life science startups in the Nordic countries of Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

LONDON – Forbion has faced down COVID-19 to reach the first close of €185 million (US$208 million) for a new growth opportunities fund, which will be dedicated to late-stage investments in companies with mature assets.

A large epidemiological study published in the July 6, 2020, advance online issue of The Lancet found that most individuals who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed antibodies to the virus, confirming that infection usually results in at least a short-term immune response.

DUBLIN – Emer Cooke, named this week as the next executive director of the EMA, is the first woman to lead the organization since its creation in 1994. She is due to take up the post in November, but her appointment must first be ratified by the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). She is due to present a statement to the group on July 13.

A new U.K. trial evaluating drugs for hospitalized patients in the early stages of COVID-19 has elected to test Evelo Biosciences Inc.'s anti-inflammatory monoclonal microbial, EDP-1815, after an earlier trial found it led to favorable anti-inflammatory activity in psoriasis patients.

LONDON – Epidarex Capital announced the closure of its £102.1 million (US$126.3 million) third fund, which will invest in very early stage biomedical and med-tech spin-outs from high-class but “under-ventured” universities in regions of the country where venture money is in short supply.

LONDON – In the first major breakthrough in therapeutics for COVID-19 infection, dexamethasone has been shown to have a statistically significant impact on mortality in the most seriously ill patients.