Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
1. **Novartis Proposes Pluvicto Filing Timeline Extension**
Novartis announced plans to file for an expanded label for its prostate cancer treatment, Pluvicto, in the second half of this year. The firm delayed its filing plans last October citing insufficient survival benefit from a key study that underpins its application.
2. **Arbutus Sees Preliminary Win in Moderna Patent Dispute**
In its lawsuit against Moderna, Arbutus enjoys an early win as a Delaware federal judge sided with its interpretation of three patent claim terms. In 2022, Arbutus and Genevant filed a suit alleging Moderna’s mRNA vaccine uses lipid nanoparticle technology patented by them. They now seek royalties on Moderna’s Spikevax sales.
3. **Further US-China Tensions Stand to Impact Additional Chinese Biopharma Firms**
Recent federal legislation is causing US drugmakers to reconsider their relationship with Chinese firms amidst the potential for broader restrictions. The Biosecure Act threatens to blacklist WuXi AppTec and other similar companies from conducting business in the U.S.
4. **Medtronic Executive Predicts Convergence of Medical and Consumer Technologies**
Medtronic’s acute care and monitoring division president, Frank Chan, expects the intersection of healthcare products and consumer technologies. He underscores how the pandemic-driven shift of care from hospitals to homes has blurred the line between medical and consumer tech.
5. **Sanofi Settles Many Personal Injury Lawsuits over Zantac**
Sanofi agreed to settle approximately 4,000 cases related to litigation alleging that its heartburn medication, Zantac, contained a carcinogen. The settlement is pending the consenting agreements of individual plaintiffs.
6. **Full Trial Results Confirm Paxlovid Failure to Shorten Covid Symptoms in Vaccinated Adults**
Further evidence from a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows Pfizer’s Covid-19 antiviral, Paxlovid, may not be as effective in vaccinated adults and those at low risk for severe symptoms. Pfizer insists it is confident in Paxlovid’s safety and efficacy for eligible patients.
