Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
Gilead Acquires CymaBay Therapeutics in $4.3 Billion Deal
Gilead’s acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics could generate $1 billion in annual sales. CymaBay is currently developing Seladelpar, a second-line treatment for primary biliary cholangitis. This cash acquisition at $32.50 per share accentuates Gilead’s historical success in liver disease treatments. The company plans to integrate this purchase within its existing liver sales force.
Takeda Receives US Approval for First Oral Drug for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The FDA has approved Takeda’s Eohilia, the first oral drug for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients in the U.S. This approval places Takeda in competition with Sanofi and Regeneron’s Dupixent, which won its expanded approval for EoE in 2022. Eohilia, which will be available from the end of February 2022, effectively reduces inflammation of the esophagus, enhancing swallowing ability in EoE patients aged 11 years and older.
FTC Approval Paves Way for AbbVie-ImmunoGen and BMS-RayzeBio Deals
AbbVie and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) have each secured Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval for multi-billion-dollar acquisitions. AbbVie’s $10.1 billion acquisition of antibody-drug conjugate firm ImmunoGen was finalized several days after the FTC’s 30-day review period ended on February 7. BMS’ buyout of radiopharmaceuticals specialist RayzeBio for $4 billion is also likely to proceed without FTC objection.
House Republicans Come to Defense of Moderna’s Covid Vaccine Patents
House Republicans Kelly Armstrong and Ben Cline have written to Attorney General Merrick Garland, questioning why the Department of Justice would risk potential patent infringement liability in a lawsuit related to Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine. Armstrong and Cline asked why the Department of Justice is choosing to intervene in patent litigation between private parties and waive sovereign immunity.
Rare Pediatric Disease PRV Reauthorization Faces Uncertain Future
As the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program nears its four-year sunset date, rare disease advocates and experts foresee potential challenges to its reauthorization. The program is designed to stimulate the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Nonetheless, concerns that it disproportionately rewards resource-rich companies could undermine its continuation.
New ViiV Healthcare Ridesharing Series Promotes HIV Prevention
ViiV Healthcare’s latest campaign employs celebrity comedians to promote awareness of its HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapies. The “Backseat Hotseat” video series features comedians driving rideshares and discussing dating, safe sex, and ViiV’s PrEP medication, Apretude, with passengers. ViiV aims to normalize PrEP usage and reach a broader audience with this innovative approach.
