Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
1. AbbVie has paid $64m for two healthcare programs offered by Tentarix Biotherapeutics, one in oncology and one in immunology. With Tentarix’s focus on developing its internal molecules, AbbVie’s move signals a continuation of its deal-making spree, which notably includes recent multi-billion dollar acquisitions in neuroscience and oncology.
2. German researchers found that using CAR-T cell therapies to treat autoimmune disorders in 15 patients substantially improved or eliminated symptoms. This follows an earlier report supporting CAR-T treatment as viable for autoimmune diseases. It’s hoped that CAR-T treatment’s ability to deplete B cells, the source of autoantibodies causing such disorders, could reset pathologic autoimmunity.
3. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is developing a “taste-masked” formulation for its FDA-approved ALS drug, Relyvrio. This potential new formula aims to mask the “beyond awful” taste of the current formula and possibly extend its patent life.
4. Simone Song’s ORI Capital has closed a $260M second fund following the success of its investment in biotech firm CG Oncology. The fund aims to invest further in biotechs focused on cancer, metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
5. In healthcare business deals this week, MD Anderson has purchased certain assets from Bellicum, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals announced their Lyme Disease trial data, Rigel has acquired Gavreto from Blueprint Medicines, and Hox Therapeutics and Vernalis are collaborating on cancer research.
6. Moderna is expanding its commercial operations from Covid-19 vaccinations to their RSV vaccine, which is expected to be the company’s first commercial product since launch.
7. The end of the year marked a transition for Novavax and Gavi as they settle their dispute over Covid-19 vaccine partnership.
8. Adaptative Biotechnologies has cut a few jobs as it approaches the end of its corporate strategic review.
9. Teladoc isn’t predicting rapid growth, putting the future of telehealth into question.
10. Emergent taps new CEO, Joe Papa, to lead a turnaround following pandemic issues.
