Alx Oncology Inc. pulled down a $105 million series C equity financing to support the expansion into phase II trials with ALX-148, described as a next-generation CD47 myeloid checkpoint inhibitor, paired with other cancer therapeutics. ALX-148 uses a “dead” Fc domain that does not bind to macrophages, thus reducing cytopenia and other toxicities associated with the class. Read More
The latest mutation to the coronavirus, dubbed COVID-19, has sparked a reaction by many national governments, but the expense associated with development of vaccines and diagnostics is considerable. Ron Klain, who served as the Obama administration’s coordinator for the response to the Ebola virus, said during an Aspen Institute seminar that drug makers took a hit in their efforts to develop a vaccine for the Ebola virus, and thus there is a need to de-risk these and other development efforts in the private sector. Read More
PERTH, Australia – As of Feb. 12, Australia’s Department of Health confirmed 15 cases of novel coronavirus in Australia (five in Queensland, four in New South Wales, four in Victoria and two in South Australia). Of the confirmed 15 cases, five people have recovered and the others are in stable condition. Read More
New York-based Hoth Therapeutics Inc. said preliminary preclinical data on a topical nanoparticle formulation of the endocannabinoid anandamide it licensed from Zylö Therapeutics Inc. represents "a positive step toward underlining the transformative potential" of the early stage therapy for the skin disease cutaneous lupus erythematous. Read More
The hormone prolactin is known for and named after its role in breastfeeding. But that is far from its only role. There are more than 300 identified functions of prolactin, which is present in both men and women, though women have higher levels, and extremely high levels late in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Now, scientists at the University of Arizona have identified another function of prolactin signaling. Read More
Christian Peters, CEO of the newly launched and privately held Pinpoint Therapeutics Inc., said he has a relatively unusual pedigree that allows him a unique perspective in drug development. That combination of working in academia and in the corporate sphere has given him a more well-rounded view than most. Read More
BOGOTA, Colombia – As part of an effort to further control drug costs, Colombia set price caps on 770 drugs in late January. The move takes the total of price-regulated drugs in the Latin American country to 2,487. The new caps on drug prices apply to a broad range of products from generics to biosimilars and to biologics such as ranibizumab, trastuzumab, vedolizumab, secukinumab and pembrolizumab, among dozens of others. Read More
Clinical updates, including trial initiations, enrollment status and data readouts and publications: Abeona, Adamas, Allena, Antios, Freeline, Lilly, Longeveron, Merck, TLC. Read More
Biopharma happenings, including deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Aicuris, Anixa, Clarus, Cytodyn, Dr. Reddy’s, Eusa, Faes, Icagen, J&J, Ligand, Lipocine, Long Jian, Mabsilico, Mereo, Norgine, Oblato, Oligomerix, Oncologie, OSE, Pharmacare, Poxel, Revive, Roche, Swixx, Synspira, Vir, Wockhardt. Read More
Regulatory snapshots, including global drug submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations: Allovir, Astex, Fibrogen, Prevail. Read More
