Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
Headline: Bristol Myers Buys RayzeBio for $4.1B, Expanding into Radiopharmaceuticals
In a deal worth approximately $4.1 billion, Bristol Myers Squibb is set to acquire radiopharmaceuticals biotech RayzeBio. This major move comes shortly after the company announced its $14 billion acquisition of neuroscience drugmaker Karuna Therapeutics. The emerging interest in radiopharmaceuticals has seen a burst lately with companies like Eli Lilly and Novartis delving into the field as well.
Headline: Cytokinetics Phase III Cardiomyopathy Win Ignites M&A Speculation
Cytokinetics’ new drug, aficamten, significantly improved patients’ results in an exercise test used to measure heart functioning in a recent late-stage study. This moves aficamten one step closer to competing with Bristol Myers Squibb’s drug, Camzyos, for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and has resulted in speculation of Cytokinetics becoming a big deal target in the healthcare sector.
Headline: FDA Seizes Counterfeit Ozempic Units
The FDA has seized thousands of counterfeit Ozempic units and urged consumers against their use. Five patients have reported adverse effects linked with the counterfeit product, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Ozempic, produced by Novo Nordisk, treats diabetes. The FDA is working closely with Novo Nordisk to identify and investigate suspect counterfeit semaglutide injectable products found in the US.
Headline: Regeneron Wins Eylea Patent Battle against Mylan, Blocking Biosimilar
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals claimed victory in a major legal patent dispute against Mylan, successfully defending its flagship eye drug, Eylea, and fending off biosimilar competition. This is a significant win for Regeneron as it extends patent protection for low-dose Eylea from 2024 to 2027, potentially delaying the arrival of biosimilars until then.
Headline: AstraZeneca Buys Gracell for $1B to Boost Cell Therapy and China Ties
AstraZeneca has made a $1 billion deal to acquire China-US cell therapy company, Gracell Biotechnologies, as part of the company’s procedural strategy to augment its product pipeline. The acquisition of Gracell will help AstraZeneca enhance its position in the field of autoimmune cell therapies and strengthen its ties with China’s fast-growing biotech industry.
