After a steep drop in biopharmaceutical IPOs in the first half of 2023, investors have come to expect that the slowdown in new listings of Chinese companies will continue for some time. Without the key influx of cash that equity financing can generate, biopharma companies are ramping up other activities to generate cash, particularly by out-licensing drugs with the potential for global expansion. Read More
Gracell Biotechnologies Inc. is initiating two clinical trials in China in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus for lead candidate GC-012F, a CD19/B-cell maturation antigen dual-targeting CAR T. Read More
Immutep Ltd. announced an AU$80 million (US$52.1 million) capital raise that consists of a AU$50 million placement and a AU$30 million entitlement offer to eligible shareholders to fund clinical programs for lead candidate eftilagimod (IMP-321, efti), a lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) fusion protein and major histocompatibility complex class II agonist that stimulates both innate and adaptive immunity for treating cancer. Read More
Canbridge Pharmaceuticals Inc. obtained marketing approval from China’s NMPA for CAN-108 (Livmarli; maralixibat chloride oral solution) to treat cholestatic pruritus in 1-year-old or older patients with Alagille syndrome, a development that the company touted for how quickly it followed similar approvals elsewhere. Read More
In a deal potentially worth $392 million, C4 Therapeutics Inc. signed with Betta Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. to develop and market an orally bioavailable BiDAC degrader for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Read More
Despite the title of the Sunday, June 4 lead-off presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago, there was little room left for doubt about the increasingly important place of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug development. Read More
Incannex Healthcare Ltd. had quietly been developing its commercialization plans for psychedelic clinics well before Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration announced it would allow psilocybin and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) to be prescribed by authorized psychiatrists for treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Read More
Additional data from a phase II trial of S1P modulator icanbelimod (CBP-307) reinforced earlier positive results in ulcerative colitis (UC), potentially putting Connect Biopharma Holdings Ltd. in a better negotiating position as it seeks a partner to take the program forward, while in-house activities remain focused on an early 2024 regulatory filing for atopic dermatitis candidate CBP-201. Read More
Biopharma financings are continuing a faster pace than last year, with $25.82 billion raised in the first five months of 2023, up 20.46% from $21.44 billion in the same time period last year. Value is down compared to 2021’s $59.29 billion and 2020’s $48.03 billion but it is more than 2019’s $23.21 billion from January to May. Read More
Clinical updates from Asia, including trial initiations, enrollment status and data readouts and publications: Abbisko, Alterity, Aum, Beijing Luzhu, Biophytis, Brii, Caliway, Canbridge, Connect, Harbour, Revive, Structure. Read More
Biopharma happenings in Asia-Pacific, such as deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Adcendo, Affamed, Affyxell, Avacta, Bioray, Biosenic, Celltrion, Cleave, Daewoong, Duality, Impact, J Ints, Jiangsu Nhwa, Lotus, Medsenic, Nascent, Neurogastrx, Nrx, Phebra, Philogen, Rani, Seven and Eight, Sun, Trevena, Yuhan. Read More
Regulatory snapshots, including drug submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations in Asia-Pacific: Amarin, American Regent, Ascentage, Astrazeneca, Beigene, Biophytis, Canbridge, Cocrystal, Daiichi Sankyo, Eddingpharm, Gilead, Hutchmed, Innovent, Inventiva, Novavax, Sino, SK, Takeda. Read More
