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The vibe at BIO 2026 in San Diego last week was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees observing noticeable changes at the FDA and an uptick in dealmaking and IPOs. Plus, a top medical journal this week retracted a pivotal study for Amgen’s rare disease drug Tavneos, which has been in the FDA’s crosshairs since January.
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At the BIO International Convention in San Diego, attendees marked the 50th anniversary of original biotech Genentech, reflecting on the immense challenges facing companies as China becomes a powerhouse innovator.
A recent FDA reversal sparked new hope for patients with Huntington’s disease. Flying under the radar, Skyhawk Therapeutics revealed 12-month functional data from a midstage trial of its own candidate showing improvements on a key disease measurement scale.
Recent approvals for Corcept Therapeutics and Merck have injected momentum into the space, where GSK, Allarity Therapeutics, OSE Immunotherapies and others are advancing their own candidates.
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If cell and gene therapy makers are going to achieve their mission to improve patients’ lives, the industry must come together to share information across stakeholders, from regulators to manufacturers to payers.
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Oditrasertib, which blocks the inflammatory RIPK1 protein, earlier this year also failed a Phase II trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, forcing the company to discontinue its development a few months later.
Vaccine biotech Gritstone bio is filing for bankruptcy while securing a stalking horse bid from an unnamed party, which the company hopes will save its clinical research in cancer and infectious disease.
Astellas is opening a second location of Universal Cells, its wholly owned subsidiary, at a research campus in Japan and transferring 12 roles from Universal’s Seattle location.
In the third episode of our mini series on artificial intelligence, Lori and guests continue their exploratory discussion on AI and the opportunity in patient lives.
The overall survival data from the late-stage trial will help Pfizer in its bid to expand the label for Talzenna and Xtandi, potentially covering all patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer regardless of biomarker status.
The pediatric patients, with a rare neurodegenerative disease, were treated with bluebird bio’s Skysona to slow the progression of neurologic dysfunction. Six patients developed myelodysplastic syndrome and one patient developed acute myeloid leukemia.
The settlement, which is at the low end of Jefferies analysts’ $2 billion to $3.5 billion estimate, will resolve 93% of the product liability cases regarding allegations that GSK’s heartburn drug could cause cancer. Analysts say separate concerns remain about its vaccines business.
Carlos Doti has moved countries and changed jobs, but one thing hasn’t changed. Making an impact on patient care has always been a priority for the AstraZeneca executive.
After four patient deaths, Kezar’s lupus trial is officially on hold, sparking investor Kevin Tang’s interest for acquisition.
Large pharmaceutical companies were out in force at this week’s 2024 Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa, as they look to expand their presence in the industry.