Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
Roche’s TIGIT Treatment Triumph Tarnished By Study Limitations
Roche has achieved a Phase III victory with its TIGIT antibody tiragolumab on the back of the SKYSCRAPER-08 trial. However, the study’s design may leave some questioning the results. The trial sought to investigate tiragolumab in combination with Roche’s other checkpoint inhibitor Tecentriq, and chemotherapy in Asian patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. While the treatment met the primary endpoints of progression-free survival and overall survival, the study was limited in its scope and failed to include a global patient group. Despite this, the progression-free survival was 6.2 months for the tiragolumab arm against 5.4 months for the placebo group.
Bayer Trims Management Roles Amid Major Internal Overhaul
In a move set to shrink its workforce, Bayer has announced significant cuts in managerial roles. This restructuring is part of the company’s shift towards a new operating model, strategically aimed at improving productivity and simplifying decision-making processes. The specifics of these reductions have yet to be shared, but they follow recently announced plans to scale back its crop sciences division and downsize from 14 to just 8 divisions.
Pfizer and BioNTech Take Moderna’s Covid Patents to Review Board
In a pivotal move, Pfizer and BioNTech are petitioning the US patent review board to examine Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine patents. This bid, if successful, could result in the revocation of Moderna’s exclusive rights to its mRNA vaccine, and consequently open up the field for further competition. With the stakes high, further developments in this legal arena are being closely observed by industry professionals and investors alike.
Humira Biosimilar Market Stagnates as AbbVie Retains Market Share
Despite growing competition, pharmaceutical giant AbbVie has only lost 2% of market share in the Humira biosimilar market, a report by Samsung discloses. This sluggish rate of change reveals the challenges competitors face when taking on well-established brands and therapies.
Gilead Slashes Oceanside Expansion, Shifts Operations to Bay Area
Gilead Sciences has revealed plans to drop its biologics expansion project in Oceanside and instead shift these operations to the Bay Area. The company’s decision to relocate its biologics operations stems from a strategic intent to consolidate manpower and resources.
FDA+ Roundup: Senator Tillis Criticizes Biden Administration’s Position on March-In Rights
Republican Senator Thom Tillis has voiced criticism against the Biden Administration’s support for march-in rights, which allows the government to license pharmaceutical patents to third parties. This move has sparked significant debate regarding government involvement in proprietary developments.
European Commission Takes on Drug Shortages With New Alliance
In an effort to combat critical drug shortages, the European Commission has launched a new alliance. The group will seek to identify and rectify disruptions in the supply chain and ensure the steady provision of essential medications across Europe.
FDA Approves First CRISPR-Edited Therapy for Beta-Thalassemia
The US FDA has given the green light to Vertex and CRISPR’s Casgevy, the first CRISPR-edited therapy for beta-thalassemia. This landmark decision marks a significant advancement in the field of gene-editing and offers renewed hope for patients with rare blood disorders.
