Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
WuXi Faces Potential US Crackdown
Shanghai-based WuXi AppTec’s ties to the biopharma industry are so intertwined that potential US crackdowns may create chaos in the system and could cause some biotech businesses to fail. Driven by alleged links to the Chinese military, a bill in Congress could cut WuXi off from its partners. Drug makers like Amicus Therapeutics, Sound Pharmaceuticals, and Eli Lilly could face delays and shortages.
Eli Lilly Turns to Amazon Pharmacy for Medicine Delivery
Diabetes, obesity, and migraine medicine manufacturer Eli Lilly has signed an agreement with Amazon Pharmacy to deliver its medications directly to patients. Serving as a part of Lilly’s telehealth platform LillyDirect, this is the first time Amazon’s pharmacy business has partnered directly with a drug maker. This direct relationship could disrupt traditional prescription and retail pharmacy processes.
Ionis Touts Successful Phase II MASH Study Data
Ionis has announced that its metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) drug, ION224, has met primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase II trial. Tested at 120 mg and 90 mg in 160 patients over 49 weeks, it showed histologic improvement and MASH resolution.
Silence Announces Positive Phase II Drug Data, Ends Mallinckrodt Alliance
Biotech company Silence announced positive data from its Phase II study on its cholesterol drug and also revealed the discontinuation of its alliance with Mallinckrodt.
Sanofi to Close ex-Kymab R&D Facility in UK
Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi announced closure plans for its ex-Kymab R&D facility in the UK.
Takeda Releases Phase II mezagitamab Data; Apogee Raises $483M; Galderma Prepares for IPO
[Awaiting more information]
Novartis Partners up with IFM Therapeutics
Novartis has teamed up with IFM Therapeutics for an undisclosed project.
Relation Raises $35M for Osteoporosis Research
Biotech startup Relation raised $35 million, with backing from Nvidia, for its work on osteoporosis.
Crinetics’ Carcinoid Syndrome Drug Heads for Registrational Test
Mid-stage biotech company Crinetics’ carcinoid syndrome drug is heading for a registrational test after delivering a Phase II data update.
