Weekly Roundup: Latest Updates in Pharma and Biotech World

10/10/24 • 3 min

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.This week's commercialization news includes updates on Zepbound supply, Enjaymo's new home, and expanding access to HIV drugs. Medicare has tweaked rules for drug price talks, while GSK reports that its RSV vaccine protects against disease over three seasons. GSK's Viiv plans to expand the supply of HIV drugs in Africa, and Sanofi's rare disease drug finds a new home at Recordati. Other news includes a protein prediction winning the Chemistry Nobel and Alnylam submitting an important drug application. Trends suggest that biosimilars may make a mark in 2025, with incentives favoring them in the Medicare market. Protein prediction wins the Chemistry Nobel Prize, Alnylam submits a crucial drug application, Lilly partners with AI specialist Insitro to develop metabolic medicines, and Purespring raises $105 million for gene therapy for kidney disease. AI startup Basecamp allies with The Broad Institute to create 'programmable' genetic medicines. Additionally, Lilly appoints Mount Sinai scientist Thomas Fuchs as its first Chief AI Officer to lead AI initiatives in drug discovery and clinical trials. Other news includes J&J closing a cancer study, Alnylam seeking approval for a potential blockbuster drug, and Propharma receiving a regulatory and compliance award at CPhI.The Supreme Court declined to review a Texas abortion case related to emergency care, a blow to the Biden administration's efforts. A survey found that nearly 70% of healthcare organizations affected by cyberattacks experienced disruptions in patient care. Steward Health Care is auctioning off assets, including closing Norwood Hospital in Massachusetts. Baxter reported no structural damage at their North Carolina site affected by Hurricane Helene. The payer-provider relationship in healthcare is becoming more complex with consolidation and value-based care, leading to tensions over reimbursement and access.Kezar's lupus trial has been put on hold after four patient deaths, making it a potential buyout target. Investor Kevin Tang is interested in acquisition. Big pharma is also investing in cell and gene therapies, with companies like Lilly and Sanofi making moves in the industry. The Genscript Biotech Global Forum 2025 is coming up on January 15, offering a platform to discuss innovations and challenges in gene and cell therapy. Additionally, Lilly's obesity clinical program faces challenges, while Stealth's ultrarare disease candidate may not meet approval standards.Eli Lilly's obesity program is highlighted as a key factor in the company's dominance in the industry, with CEO David Ricks confident in their position. Wuxi Biologics faces uncertainty in the U.S. after setbacks, while big pharma companies show growing interest in cell and gene therapy. Five radiopharma biotechs are identified as potential buyout targets, and Trilink Biotechnologies introduces custom sets of mRNA for screening studies. Other news includes increased investment in cell and gene therapy, activist investor Starboard's stake in Pfizer, and Merck's success with Keytruda in head and neck cancer. AstraZeneca puts $2 billion towards heart disease drugs, Sanofi offloads a rare autoimmune drug, and AbbVie trims earnings guidance.

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Pharma and Biotech Daily: The Essential Updates from the World of Healthcare

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.Sage has decided to discontinue the development of its Alzheimer's drug candidate, dalzanemdor, after disappointing mid-stage readouts. This is the third setback in neurology for the company in six months. Meanwhile, cell and gene therapy investments have increased after a challenging period. The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine reported that investments reached $10.9 billion in the first half of the year, surpassing 2019 totals but still below peak levels during the pandemic.Keytruda has shown success in head and neck cancer trials, leading to a potential $1.9 billion collaboration deal for Merck. Additionally, Wuxi Biologics faces an uncertain future in the U.S. following regulatory challenges.Biotech mergers and acquisitions have leveled off, with private biotechs being acquired at a faster rate than public ones in 2024. Kailera Therapeutics has emerged with $400 million for obesity drugs, while Triveni has received $115 million to accelerate immune drug work. Judo Bio has launched with $100 million to develop RNA drugs for the kidney. Sanofi's rare disease drug has found a new home with Recordati.An Alzheimer's drugmaker, Cassava Sciences, is facing accusations of data manipulation but is continuing with two phase 3 studies. The top biopharma conferences to watch in 2025 are highlighted as important events for research progress and clinical trial results in the industry. Oncologists are comfortable referring patients for CAR T-cell therapy, but formal referral processes are lacking.The newsletter "Emerging Biotech Weekly" covers these developments and more in the biopharma industry.

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Pharma and Biotech Daily: GSK settles Zantac lawsuits, Bluebird Bio's gene therapy concerns, and more!

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.GSK has settled Zantac lawsuits for $2.2 billion, resolving 93% of product liability cases regarding allegations that the heartburn drug could cause cancer. Analysts are now shifting focus to the company's vaccines business. In other news, pediatric patients treated with Bluebird Bio's gene therapy developed blood cancers, Pfizer's phase III prostate cancer trial results may lead to a broader label for Talzenna-Xtandi combo, and Gritstone Bio has filed for bankruptcy in an effort to save its clinical research in cancer and infectious disease.On the marketing front, Hershey is using AI to refine its media strategy for the high-stakes Halloween season, with executives emphasizing the importance of targeting and timing, especially with the holiday falling just before the U.S. elections. United Airlines has successfully brought its Kinective media network to market, with the managing director of strategic partnerships sharing lessons learned and discussing future plans. However, a report from Interbrand indicates that a focus on performance marketing has cost brands trillions due to a lack of investment in long-term strategy. PepsiCo Foods' creative chief discussed in-housing and borderless content strategies, while Mountain Dew refreshed its visual identity to align with a new era of marketing. Duracell's CMO shared lessons on bringing low-interest brands into culture, and Diageo highlighted how AI helps them target audiences and navigate regulatory waters.Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events, company announcements, and resources on customer engagement, retail trends, and more in the marketing industry.