Ono Pharmaceutical’s acquisition of Deciphera Pharmaceuticals adds to a cancer drug pipeline that already spans multiple modalities. Deciphera develops drugs that target the on-off switch of enzymes that drive cancer cell growth.
Clasp Therapeutics’ novel T cell engagers could offer advantages over others in this class of cancer immunotherapies. The startup is based on the research of Johns Hopkins University scientist Bert Vogelstein.
At the Payer Insights sessions on Day 1 of ViVE 2024, a panel on prior authorization offered compelling insights from speakers who shared the positive developments in this area after years of mounting frustration. Speakers also shared challenges as they work with providers to figure out how policy developments and technology will work in practice.
Tubulis’s next-generation ADC cancer drugs are designed to overcome limitations of currently available therapies in this drug class. The new financing will support clinical trial plans, but first, preclinical proof-of-concept data will be presented during the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting.
A Hengrui drug that interferes with a cancer cell’s DNA damage response is heading to Merck KGaA for €160 million up front and up to €1.4 billion tied to milestones. The deal also gives the German company an option to license a Hengrui antibody drug conjugate.
Oncology is already a big piece of Pfizer’s drug lineup. The portfolio is expanding to multiple myeloma with FDA approval of Elrexfio, a bispecific antibody that targets the cancer protein BCMA.
Johnson & Johnson’s Akeega is approved for treating advanced prostate cancer with a BRCA mutation. The drug, which interferes with a way cancer cells repair themselves, will compete against recently approved drugs from Pfizer and partners AstraZeneca and Merck.
The TSX Venture Exchange has a strong history of helping early-stage health and life sciences companies raise patient capital for research and development.
Revolution Medicines is acquiring EQRx in an all-stock deal bringing that company’s more than $1 billion in cash. It marks the end for EQRx, a company that aimed to develop and commercialize lower-cost drugs for cancer and other diseases.
Nexo Therapeutics is developing cancer drugs that expand the scope of amino acids addressable by covalent chemistry. Versant Ventures founded the startup and led its Series A financing.
Seagen’s cancer drug research and collaborations have focused on the development of antibody drug conjugates. By licensing rights to a preclinical Lava Therapeutics asset, Seagen gets a shot to develop a different kind of antibody therapy that could compete against approved products from Johnson & Johnson and Takeda Pharmaceutical.
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and Oncopeptides each received separate negative advisory committee votes for their respective cancer drugs. In other recent regulatory news, clinical trial holds were placed and lifted and the FDA is seeking public comment on its draft guidance for including children in clinical trials.
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Breast cancer drugs and cell therapies were prominent in this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Here’s a recap of some of the news highlights from the biggest cancer conference of the year.
Bristol Myers Squibb is splashing out $4.1 billion to acquire Turning Point Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech whose lead drug is currently in pivotal testing as a treatment for certain lung cancers. Recently reported preliminary data suggest the small molecule could have advantages over currently available drugs in the same class from rivals Pfizer and Roche.
Drugs that work for one patient may not work for another, even if both patients have the same diagnosis. This is why each patient should be tested to select the most effective and least toxic drug regimen for that individual before initiating treatment.
TG Therapeutics is pausing its cancer drug research and withdrawing the approved cancer drug Ukoniq from the market. The move comes as the FDA places greater scrutiny on Ukoniq’s drug class—concerns that will be discussed during an FDA advisory committee meeting scheduled for April 21.
Rondo Therapeutics is developing bispecific antibody drugs capable of treating solid tumors, which have eluded this type of cancer therapy. Led by co-founders and Teneobio veterans Shelley Force Aldred and Nathan Trinklein, the biotech startup has emerged from stealth backed by a $67 million Series A round of funding.