Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
1. Vertex’s Potential Humira-like Drug
The pharmaceutical industry is paying close attention to Vertex’s proposed acquisition of Alpine Immune Sciences for $4.9 billion. This move is based on the potential for the development of a drug for IgA nephropathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, and lupus nephritis that has potential similarities to Humira.
2. Rare Neuro Disorder Sparks Competition
A rare neurological disorder known as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is becoming a new area of competition among drug developers. At the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, Argenx and Sanofi updated their programs on CIDP. While Argenx leads with its already approved drug, Vyvgart, analysts expect Sanofi and others to prove valuable competitors in this significant market niche.
3. Histogen Bankruptcy & Barinthus Bio HPV Treatment
Histogen has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, planning to confirm a liquidation plan to distribute value to stakeholders. Meanwhile, Barinthus Bio shared encouraging phase 1b/2 data for its HPV treatment VTP-200. The treatment was found safe for women with high-risk HPV-associated cervical lesions, with a high HPV clearance rate compared to placebo.
4. Changes in Key Positions at Recursion and Sana
Recursion Pharmaceuticals welcomes a new Chief R&D and Commercial officer, Najat Khan, from Johnson & Johnson. Moreover, Doug Williams resigns from his post as Sana’s R&D chief.
5. FDA Approves Roche’s Lung Cancer Drug, Alecensa
The FDA expanded approval for Roche’s Genentech’s lung cancer drug, Alecensa. It is now allowed as an adjuvant treatment for patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer following tumor resection, reducing their risk of recurrence significantly.
6. Sanofi Restructures US Commercial Vaccines Sales Force
Sanofi is restructuring its US commercial operations for vaccines, intending to cut an undisclosed number of jobs as the company plans to increase operations in its Phase 3 pipeline and to become an ‘immunology powerhouse.’
