Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
Catalent Courted by Several Bidders Before Novo’s Acquisition
Before Novo’s acquisition, Catalent was in discussions with another company. The business identity remains undisclosed, however, they are known to have had an existing commercial relationship with Catalent. Multiple other potential buyers were also in talks before the sale to Novo.
Sanofi Announces Job Cuts and Pipeline Restructuring
Undergoing a “full pipeline reprioritization project”, Sanofi confirmed plans to make job cuts and scrap several oncology research projects. The changes form part of CEO Paul Hudson’s plan to become an “immunology powerhouse” as the company braces for Dupixent’s loss of exclusivity.
Icahn Steps Down from Illumina Board
Activist investor Carl Icahn has decided not to rerun for election to the board of diagnostic company Illumina. It remains unclear why his director, Andrew Teno, also won’t run again and whether it signals the end to Icahn’s attempt to instigate change at Illumina.
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s Enhertu
The FDA has granted accelerated approval to Enhertu, an antibody-drug conjugate from Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca. The approval indicates it for adults with advanced HER2-positive solid tumors, expanding the therapeutic option to patients with less common cancer types that express HER2.
Bristol Myers and 2Seventy Win Label Expansion for Abecma
The FDA has approved the use of Bristol Myers Squibb and 2Seventy bio’s CAR-T therapy, Abecma, to early-stage multiple myeloma patients. The decision is expected to greatly benefit patients as many develop resistance to available treatments or relapse.
AstraZeneca Set to Expand Imfinzi into Early-Stages of Lung Cancer
AstraZeneca has revealed positive data from its Phase 3 ADRIATIC trial, showing that its cancer drug, Imfinzi, made a significant improvement to overall survival and progression-free survival rates. The data supports the drug’s use earlier in the treatment process for small-cell lung cancer patients.
