Drug Development

FDA
Following patient deaths in a lupus trial that led to the termination of that program, Kezar’s autoimmune candidate zetomipzomib faces a partial clinical hold barring four trial participants from continuing treatment in the open-label portion of the trial, though the trial itself will continue as planned.
FEATURED STORIES
In this deep dive, BioSpace examines how small, medium and large companies are using artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance their drug discovery efforts.
Subscribe to ClinicaSpace
Clinical trial results, research news, the latest in cancer and cell and gene therapy, in your inbox every Monday
THE LATEST
While supportive of Amylyx’s acquisition of a GLP-1 drug, analysts say the company’s future hinges on key upcoming readouts from multiple products in its pipeline.
In the largest study of its kind, GSK’s two-drug regimen Dovato demonstrated non-inferior efficacy compared to Gilead Sciences’ three-drug regimen Biktarvy for the treatment of HIV-1.
RSV
Merck’s clesrovimab lowered the risk of medically attended lower respiratory infections associated with RSV infection when used in infants, according to topline results announced Tuesday.
Innovent Biologics’ dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist mazdutide is also being developed for chronic weight management. China’s regulator accepted Innovent’s drug application for this indication in February 2024.
With GLP-1 receptor agonists expected to dominate the weight loss market in the near term, several young companies are building on this mechanism, while others are taking a completely different approach.
ALS
After a long and challenging journey for its stem cell therapy NurOwn, BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics has aligned with the FDA on the parameters of a Phase IIIb ALS trial that is expected to begin by the end of 2024.
While type 2 diabetes and obesity are the primary conditions currently treated with blockbuster GLP-1 drugs, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly aim to enter additional markets.

While its investigational regimen fell short of the primary efficacy endpoint, AVEO dug into data from its control group and touted a “clinically meaningful” improvement in progression-free survival in patients receiving Fotivda monotherapy.
This is the third episode of Denatured’s discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion. Here, our guests discuss imperatives around access and accountability.
Agenus is now looking for alternative pathways to initiate a Phase III trial for BOT/BAL, including potential partnerships.