Biopharma’s nonprofit deal and grant activity continues to settle into a post-pandemic rhythm, with both showing a sustained decline from the elevated levels seen during and even after the COVID-19 era.
Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. and Merck & Co. Inc. have voluntarily pulled the BLA for accelerated approval tied to their HER3-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in treating EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. The partnership in the expanding ADC space began nearly two years ago in a $22 billion deal.
More phase III data coursed through the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference on Sunday, as Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. led the charge with positive results for its potential blockbuster rusfertide in treating a rare leukemia.
After reporting in April that its gastrointestinal reprogramming product (Garp) failed to meet the primary efficacy endpoint in a phase II trial in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Anatara Lifesciences Ltd. conducted a further analysis that shows a positive trend toward efficacy.
Nibec Co. Ltd. announced May 28 the signing of a potential $435 million license deal for NP-201, its phase II-ready peptide-based pulmonary fibrosis therapy candidate, with an undisclosed U.S.-based biotech company.
Samsung Medical Center spinoff Aimedbio Inc. announced raising ₩51.1 billion (US$37.15 million) in pre-IPO funding to advance its portfolio of clinical and preclinical antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates.
Asian health care-focused private equity firm Quadria Capital announced the final close of its Fund III with $1.07 billion in total commitments to transform health care across Asia, which is expected to drive 40% of global health care growth by 2030.
Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co. Ltd. on May 30 gained Chinese approval of Mailisheng (albipagrastim alfa; 8MW-0511) as a subcutaneous injection to treat febrile neutropenia induced by myelosuppressive anticancer treatment, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. on May 30 disclosed that the company was engaged in ongoing negotiations with unnamed, independent third parties regarding three license deals and collaborations that could total up to $5 billion combined.
In yet another China antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) deal, Astellas Pharma Inc. is inlicensing a phase I/II ADC targeting Claudin 18.2 from Evopoint Biosciences Co. Ltd. for up to $1.34 billion.