Here’s a biotech week in review for this week:
The biotech sector saw several notable developments this week, with clinical trial results, regulatory decisions, and strategic moves shaping the landscape.
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals reported positive Phase 3 results for vutrisiran in treating transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy, boosting the company’s prospects in this rare disease area[4]. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk advanced its hemophilia pipeline, presenting encouraging Phase 3 data for its preventive treatment, positioning it as a potential competitor to Roche’s Hemlibra[4].
On the regulatory front, PTC Therapeutics faced another setback as European regulators voted against renewing approval for Translarna, its Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug[4]. In contrast, Merck received a boost when a CDC advisory panel unanimously recommended its pneumococcal vaccine Capvaxive for use in older adults and certain younger populations[4].
In the obesity drug race, Altimmune and Hengrui presented promising early trial data at the American Diabetes Association meeting, while Eli Lilly shared details on Zepbound’s impact on sleep apnea[4]. Novo Nordisk further solidified its commitment to this space by announcing a $4 billion investment in a new U.S. manufacturing facility[4].
The M&A landscape saw activity with AbbVie acquiring Celsius Therapeutics for $250 million, expanding its inflammatory bowel disease portfolio[4]. Additionally, 2seventy bio divested its hemophilia assets to Novo Nordisk for $38 million as part of a strategic realignment[4].
Sources
[1] Our Communities, and Biotech, Need Local Journalism https://timmermanreport.com/2021/01/restoring-local-journalism-in-america/
[2] The Boston Globe’s Health & Biotech Week 2024 https://healthandbiotech24.splashthat.com
[3] Steve Berberich – Freelance writer of business, science … – LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sberberich/de
[4] BioPharma Dive: Biotech and Pharma Industry News https://www.biopharmadive.com
[5] BioCentury – Home https://www.biocentury.com/home