Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
1. “Court halts IQVIA’s deal with Propel Media and DeepIntent”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been granted a preliminary injunction against IQVIA over its proposed acquisition of Propel Media and its data-driven healthcare marketing subsidiary DeepIntent. IQVIA and DeepIntent are two of the three leading healthcare programmatic advertising companies, and the FTC worries the acquisition could substantially impair competition in the market.
2. “Longboard’s stock rises following positive epilepsy drug results”
Longboard Pharmaceuticals’ stock rose by over 200% after the company disclosed positive topline data for its oral medication designed to treat seizures associated with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). The Phase Ib/IIa study demonstrated a 53% reduction in seizures compared to roughly 21% in the placebo group.
3. “Boehringer’s argument in Inflation Reduction Act lawsuit ‘fundamentally flawed,’ says Yale free speech group”
The Floyd Abrams Institute at Yale Law School says Boehringer Ingelheim’s First Amendment arguments in its Inflation Reduction Act lawsuit are “fundamentally flawed.” The institute argues that the contracts involved regulate conduct not speech and that involvement in discussions is entirely voluntary.
4. “Omeza warned over manufacturing flaws; MiMedx discusses Axiofill reclassification with FDA”
The FDA issued a warning letter to skin health company, Omeza, following manufacturing problems discovered at its Florida site. MiMedx is in talks with the FDA over the potential reclassification of its placental tissue product, Axiofill.
5. “Corcept loses patent lawsuit with Teva over Cushing’s syndrome drug”
Corcept Therapeutics lost a lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals over the drug Korlym, used to treat Cushing’s syndrome. A judge ruled in Teva’s favor on the grounds that Corcept had not proven there would be a “likelihood of direct infringement” in the future.
6. “Naming brand drugs in emerging categories presents challenges, expert warns”
As brand drug naming becomes increasingly difficult, areas such as obesity and Alzheimer’s disease could face further challenges. Brand Institute’s President of Creative, Scott Piergrossi, said that names hinting at benefits are especially disapproved of by the FDA in these categories.
7. “Sanofi, Regeneron and AbbVie are the leading pharma TV advertisers in 2023”
Sanofi, Regeneron and AbbVie are the healthcare industry leaders in television advertising in 2023.
8. “Beyfortus approved in China to protect infants from RSV; Illumina investor files class action suit”
Beyfortus was approved in China for the protection of infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Meanwhile, an Illumina investor has filed a class-action lawsuit.
9. “FDA warns consumers about counterfeit Ozempic units”
The FDA has seized thousands of counterfeit units of the drug Ozempic and issued a warning for consumers not to use the medication.
