Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

FDA Questions Geron’s Imetelstat ahead of Committee Meeting

The FDA has raised questions about the safety and efficacy of Geron’s imetelstat treatment for certain anemic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients who are reliant on blood transfusions. The regulator has expressed doubts that the benefits of the drug outweigh its risks.

Positive Adcetris Topline Data Could Result in New Indication for Pfizer

Positive Phase III data for Pfizer’s blood cancer drug Adcetris, developed in partnership with Takeda, could lead to a new indication for the therapy. The drug, when paired with chemotherapy and Rituxan, demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Madrigal Faces NASH Awareness Challenge Ahead of FDA Approval

As it strives to secure FDA approval for its NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) drug resmetirom, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals must navigate a widespread lack of awareness about the disease in the U.S.

Tackling Obesity: From TikTok to Eli Lilly

Obesity drug marketing is leaving the confines of pharmaceutical companies and entering the realms of social media influencers and Hollywood personalities, fueling misconceptions of medicines such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1s as lifestyle drugs.

U.S. Spends $3 Billion on DMD Treatments Amid Ongoing Confirmatory Studies

The U.S. has spent roughly $3 billion on three Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treatments from Sarepta Therapeutics. However, all three treatments are yet to complete confirmatory trials, a recent JAMA paper noted.

Takeda Lays Off 190 Staff at Austrian Facility

Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda is winding down operations at its Austrian site, resulting in the layoff of 190 employees. The move follows the company’s inability to find a buyer for the facility.

Merck Collaborates with Pearl Bio for Cancer Biologics

Merck has entered a new collaboration with Pearl Bio to develop biologics for cancer treatment. Additional details around the partnership remain undisclosed.

Bristol Myers Drops Another CytomX Program

Pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb is terminating another program with CytomX Therapeutics. The company has yet to provide details on the program being ended.