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Tristan Manalac

Tristan Manalac

Contributing Writer | News

Tristan is an independent science writer based in Metro Manila, with more than eight years of experience writing about medicine, biotech and science. Being formally trained in molecular biology, he once dreamed of collecting degrees and starting his own lab. But these days, he finds his greatest joy in a bottle of beer and a beautiful sentence. He can be reached at tristan.manalac@biospace.com, tristan@tristanmanalac.com or on LinkedIn.

Whitchurch-Stouffville, On, Canada: - May 30, 2021: Teva Canada Ltd facility in Whitchurch-Stouffville, On, Canada. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is an Israeli pharmaceutical company.
Obesity
Teva Brings First GLP-1 Generic for Obesity, Targets Novo’s Saxenda
In December 2024, Teva also secured FDA approval for the other liraglutide brand Victoza, indicated for type 2 diabetes.
August 29, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem tours the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Cetner with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Senator Rand Paul on Fort Detrick, Maryland, June 16, 2025. (DHS photo by Tia Dufour)
Government
Senate Summons Kennedy Again Amid CDC Leadership Turmoil
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Sept. 4, following the ouster of CDC Director Susan Monarez and tapping of HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill as her interim replacement.
August 29, 2025
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3 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Allschwil, Switzerland - 09. May 2022: The modern architecture of business center of Johnson and Johnson, which is a world famous company for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
Immunology and inflammation
J&J Ends Rheumatoid Arthritis Program After Disappointing Mid-Stage Data
Nipocalimab, approved as Imaavy for generalized myasthenia gravis earlier this year, failed to show significantly added benefit when used with an anti-TNFα therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
August 29, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Illustration showing large scissors cutting employees in half
Layoffs
Exelixis Lays Off 130 as Pennsylvania Site Closes Down
Exelixis is looking at the possibility of relocating some of the eliminated Pennsylvania roles to its headquarters in Alameda, California, according to a company spokesperson.
August 28, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Vaccine and syringe injection. Doctor hand with syringe. Vaccination of people for prevention, immunization and treatment from virus infection. Medicine, flu shot, test with needle. Vector
Vaccines
FDA Clears Updated COVID-19 Shots From Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax—But With Restrictions
The American Academy of Pediatrics called the decision to limit children’s access to COVID-19 vaccines “deeply troubling.”
August 28, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Novo Nordisk's logo on the facade of its building in Germany
Obesity
Novo Seeks RNA Approach to Obesity, Diabetes With $550M Replicate Deal
Novo Nordisk has brought on other cardiometabolic collaborators this year, including United Laboratories International and Deep Apple Therapeutics.
August 28, 2025
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1 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Dashed line from pills isolated on white
Rare diseases
Amylyx Axes Drug Program for Rare Neurodegenerative Disorder
AMX0035—approved as Relyvrio in 2022 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but voluntarily pulled from the market last year—was unable to distinguish itself from placebo in a mid-to-late-stage trial of progressive supranuclear palsy.
August 27, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Pictured: A brain surrounded by falling pills
Neuroscience
Novartis, BioArctic Partner To Penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier
Novartis has bet up to $772 million to gain access to BioArctic’s BrainTransporter platform, which was leveraged in a partnership with Eisai to produce Leqembi.
August 27, 2025
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1 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Contemporary art collage of target and hands with the megaphone on a ue background with copy space. Concept of reaching a goal and spreading.
Rare diseases
Regeneron Eyes 2026 Filing for siRNA Myasthenia Gravis Drug After Phase III Win
Regeneron’s cemdisiran, used alone or in combination with its complement inhibitor Veopoz, significantly improved activities of daily living in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis.  
August 27, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Pictured: Pfizer's signage outside its office in Canada/iStock, JHVEPhoto
Layoffs
Pfizer Cuts 100 From Former Seagen HQ Amid ‘Digital Enablement and Automation’ Push
The layoffs will affect employees at Pfizer’s Bothell, Washington site, which previously served as the headquarters for Seagen before being acquired by the pharma for $43 billion.
August 27, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Indianapolis, U.S. - April 16, 2016: Eli Lilly and Company World Headquarters. Lilly makes Medicines and Pharmaceuticals VII
Obesity
Lilly Plots Path to FDA After Second Phase III Readout for Orforglipron
While Truist Securities analysts said the results from the ATTAIN-2 trial leave “room for competition,” they also pointed to a manufacturing advantage that could unlock a “double-digit billion dollar opportunity” for Eli Lilly.
August 26, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Pictured: CDC signage at its headquarters in Georg
COVID-19
CDC Names Vaccine Critic Retsef Levi as Head of COVID-19 Workgroup
The MIT professor of management, who already sits on the CDC’s revamped immunization advisory committee, is a known skeptic of vaccines, particularly mRNA technology.
August 26, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Creative picture image collage banner of guy worker jump from financial charts determined company success.
Rare diseases
Argenx Eyes ‘Broadest Label’ for Vyvgart in Myasthenia Gravis After Positive Phase III Data
Based on new data, argenx expects to file for the expansion of Vyvgart’s label into patients with generalized myasthenia gravis who are negative for antibodies against the AChR marker—an indication William Blair analysts called the broadest option in this disease space.
August 26, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Close-Up Of Syringe With Bottles Against Blue Background
Vaccines
Trump, Kennedy Could Ban COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Within Months’: Report
The White House has denied reports that the government could soon ban COVID-19 vaccines, noting that in the absence of an official announcement, “any discussion about HHS policy should be dismissed as baseless speculation.”
August 26, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
Concept art for large layoffs showing a line of blocks a cliff
Layoffs
Appia, Former Kite Cell Therapy Collaborator, Shuts Down
Appia Bio’s shutdown continues an unfortunate trend this year that has seen biotech closures nearly every month.
August 26, 2025
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2 min read
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Tristan Manalac
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