Two deals for antibody-drug conjugates inked since May between Merck & Co. Inc. and Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have blossomed eight months later into the year’s biggest agreement, one that could bring Kelun-Biotech up to $9.3 billion in development, regulatory and sales milestones. Read More
Shares in Dutch RNA editing specialist Proqr Therapeutics NV (NASDAQ:PRQR) surged by as much as 88% Dec. 22 news that Eli Lilly and Co. is substantially expanding an existing preclinical alliance. It is paying Proqr an initial $75 million, which consists of an up-front payment and equity investment, a potential $50 million option fee should it decide to widen the scope of the partnership even further, and up to $2.5 billion in new research, development, and commercialization milestones. Proqr would also receive royalties on any resulting product sales. Read More
Viral specialist Gilead Sciences Inc.’s U.S. FDA clearance for twice-yearly Sunlenca (lenacapavir) in combination with other antiretroviral therapies for HIV-1 infection provides heavily treatment-experienced patients a new option, and gives the company room to flex with new add-ons. Read More
Biopharma just wouldn’t be biopharma without continuing innovation. Even in a year rife with economic and regulatory turmoil, the industry still achieved major advancements set to change the health care landscape going forward. Standouts for 2022 include cell therapy and gene editing approaches making significant gains, while industry celebrated a new checkpoint inhibitor added to the oncology armamentarium. Read More
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.'s oral antiviral, maribavir, failed to meet the primary endpoint of noninferiority compared to Roche Holding AG’s valganciclovir in the phase III Aurora study for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled study was to form the basis for a future label expansion for the therapy. Read More
The first in vivo cell atlas of senescent tissue in skeletal muscle has identified the damaging properties of these cells and explained why they block muscle regeneration. According to a study at Pompeu Fabra University led by scientists from Altos Labs Inc., cell damage caused the senescence of the cells, which secreted toxic substances into the surrounding microenvironment, causing fibrosis and preventing tissue regeneration. Read More
Biopharma happenings, including deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Abiomed, Acasti Pharma, ICER, J&J, Oric, Pfizer, Phio. Read More
