Merck KGaA is exercising its option for a global license to commercialize Abbisko Therapeutics Co. Ltd.’s pimicotinib for $85 million. As previously reported by BioWorld, Abbisko out-licensed China rights to its colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, pimicotinib, to Merck in a deal worth up to $605.5 million in December 2023.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc. filed its BLA with the U.S. FDA for sibeprenlimab to treat immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). The company’s first BLA, sibeprenlimab is a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that selectively inhibits the activity of APRIL (A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand) in adults with IgAN.
After announcing that lead candidate sozinibercept (OPT-302) failed the phase III Coast trial in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Opthea has now decided to close the Coast trial as well as the Shore trial. As reported by BioWorld, Opthea announced last week that it was considering its options after lead candidate sozinibercept (OPT-302) failed the phase III Coast trial in wet AMD.
Australia’s top universities are looking more to Asia for research collaborations following threats from the Trump administration to stop funding research at institutions that don’t comply with U.S. narratives.
The U.S. FDA gave the green light to Nanosonics Ltd.’s Coris system via de novo clearance for reducing infection risk by delivering improved cleaning outcomes for flexible endoscopes, especially the complex channels of endoscopes that are prone to biofilm build up.
Taimed Biologics Inc.’s TMB-365/TMB-380 long-acting combination of broadly neutralizing antibodies regimen for HIV maintenance could reshape HIV treatment management, offering a viable alternative to daily combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the Taipei-based company said after reporting on phase IIa results.
Astrazeneca plc is investing heavily in China, signing two R&D deals, worth up to about $8 billion in up-front payments and milestones combined, with Chinese companies Harbour Biomed Ltd. and Syneron Bio, establishing a joint venture with Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. (Biokangtai) for vaccines, and creating a new R&D center in Beijing through another $2.5 billion investment.
Opthea Ltd. is considering its options after lead candidate sozinibercept (OPT-302) failed the phase III Coast trial in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The global Coast phase III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of intravitreally administered 2-mg sozinibercept every four or eight weeks in combination with 2-mg aflibercept every eight weeks after a loading phase for the treatment of wet AMD. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of mean change in best corrected visual acuity from baseline to week 52.
In a move that echoes tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) lobby is taking aim at most of the world for unfair trade practices in its special 2025 Special 301 Report to the U.S. Trade Representative.
Astrazeneca plc is investing heavily in China, signing two R&D deals, worth up to about $8 billion in up-front payments and milestones combined, with Chinese companies Harbour Biomed Ltd. and Syneron Bio, establishing a joint venture with Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co. (Biokangtai) for vaccines, and creating a new R&D center in Beijing through another $2.5 billion investment.
