Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
1. Emergent Hires CEO Joe Papa for Company Turnaround
Following numerous issues during the pandemic, Emergent BioSolutions has called on new CEO, Joe Papa, to engineer a company turnaround. Emergent, which hoped to be a leading emergency manufacturer for vaccines and treatments, instead wasted extensive vaccine batches due to manufacturing issues. This led to the government cutting its pandemic contract and the stock plummeting roughly 90% within a year. Papa, however, is known for his expertise in turnarounds providing hope for the future prosperity of the firm.
2. Dupixent in a Pill? Insamo to Experiment
Emerging biotech startup, Insamo, plans to develop a new type of treatment aiming to convert effective antibody drugs into pill form. Backed by a $12 million seed round, the company intends to develop macrocyclic peptides that could potentially replace regular injections or infusions with oral administration.
3. J&J Bispecific Receives New Dose Schedule
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new and reduced dosing regimen for Johnson & Johnson’s multiple myeloma bispecific antibody, Tecvayli. The change allows patients who have been in remission for at least six months to shift from a weekly to a biweekly dosing schedule.
4. Bavarian Nordic Shifts Focus to Infectious Diseases
Bavarian Nordic is halting its work on cancer vaccine development to focus on infectious diseases following a surge in sales from its smallpox vaccine, Jynneos. The decision includes discontinuing a Phase I cancer vaccine project.
5. ViiV’s Cabenuva outperforms Daily Oral HIV Treatments
ViiV Healthcare’s long-acting injectable, Cabenuva, has demonstrated superior efficacy in maintaining viral load suppression compared to daily oral therapy, according to a Phase III study.
6. DarioHealth Acquires Twill
Digital health company, DarioHealth, acquires mental health startup, Twill, in a deal worth $40 million as part of a recent trend of consolidation in the mental health startup market.
