Samsung Bioepis Co. Ltd. announced positive top-line phase I and phase III data for SB-27, a proposed biosimilar to Merck & Co. Inc.’s blockbuster immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Preliminary analysis of parallel-run global phase I and phase III studies demonstrated SB-27’s clinical and pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence to the reference product, according to a company announcement.

While the U.S. Supreme Court made it clear earlier this month in Hikma v. Amarin that skinny labels are still on the board for generics, the court didn’t resolve all disagreements over the generic carveouts.

One company was looking to add to its royalty stream and R&D portfolio. The other was seeking strategic alternatives in the wake of clinical misfires over the last few years. In an agreement aimed at satisfying both goals, Zymeworks Inc. will acquire Theravance Biopharma Inc., paying $17 per share, or about $929 million, though the transaction is structured in a way that minimizes the former’s current capital position.