This week, biotech’s momentum strengthened going into March. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) grew by 7.56%, reaching $101.05. At the same time, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) rose by 1%. More notably, the Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bull ETF (LABU) ended the week 22% higher.
From Seema Haider, Head of Emerging Markets at GSK, and Sonia Pulgar, MPH, Head of Global HEOR & Market Access, experts share how integrated evidence impacts patient outcomes and healthcare decisions. Sonia Pulgar has led 10 product launches, constructed strong HEOR teams, and bridged R&D and commercial sectors for optimal market access.
Respiratory indications pose significant challenges to global healthcare. Conditions ranging from asthma to lung cancer, often worsened by pollution and tobacco use, afflict millions. Progress has been made, but chronic respiratory diseases continue to burden communities—particularly in developing regions. Hopes for breakthroughs in treatment and prevention are high heading into 2024.
In the realm of respiratory medicine, changes are driven by factors from demographic trends to technological advancements. Over 34 million individuals in the United States are wrestling with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD, emphasizing the need for action. The global market for lung disease therapeutics reflects this urgent need, showing signs of substantial growth. The rates of obesity, pre-term births, smoking habits, and air quality issues all contribute to this growth.
With these challenges in mind, strides in diagnosis, treatment, and management offer a glimmer of hope. Research aiming at early detection of lung cancer shows promising methodologies such as CT scans, biomarkers in blood and sputum, and advanced machine learning algorithms. Innovative therapies, such as Treprostinil Palmitil Inhalation Powder (TPIP), hold promise as unique interventions for rare pulmonary disorders. These advancements highlight the necessity for continued innovation to confront respiratory issues on a global scale.
In 2024, multiple catalysts could spawn groundbreaking advancements in respiratory medicine. Notable catalysts include drugs that have received Breakthrough Therapy Designation. These catalysts include the eagerly awaited FDA review of sotatercept’s approval application for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
In respiratory medicine, leading pharmaceutical and biotech giants such as AstraZeneca PLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck & Company Inc., Pfizer Inc, Roche Holding AG ADR, and United Therapeutics Corporation have an extensive list of approved treatments and ongoing research initiatives. However, startups and innovators like Trevi Therapeutics, Inc., Instil Bio, Inc., Compugen Ltd., Ikena Oncology, Inc., Puma Biotechnology, Inc., BeyondSpring Inc., and Innate Pharma SA are also pioneering advancements in respiratory care through their innovative research.
In 2024, several critical conferences will shape the trajectory of research and clinical practice in respiratory medicine. Examples include the European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC) by ESMO, the American Thoracic Society International Conference (ATS), and the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC). The American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting and the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conference will provide additional opportunities to explore groundbreaking research in lung cancer and oncology.
In conclusion, 2024 promises significant advancements in respiratory medicine. A blend of technological innovations, breakthrough research initiatives, and a dynamic landscape of catalysts, companies, and conferences all culminate to provide the potential for significant improvements in patient care.
This past week, Janux Therapeutics, Inc. released new clinical findings for its two clinical initiatives, PSMA-TRACTr JANX007 and EGFR-TRACTr JANX008. The results show promising safety levels and effectiveness, particularly in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with JANX007 and late-stage solid tumors with JANX008. Similarly, Vivani Medical, Inc. has unveiled preclinical findings regarding the weight loss capabilities of NPM-115.
On the contrary, Kineta, Inc. is downsizing its workforce and halting new participant enrolment in the ongoing VISTA-101 Phase 1/2 clinical study. Societal CDMO, Inc. has entered a binding agreement with CoreRx, Inc. Under this agreement, CoreRx will acquire Societal CDMO by purchasing all outstanding shares at a rate of $1.10 per share in cash.
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