Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Damian Garde
Published on 2024-03-07 14:30:18
Biotechnology is a field that is constantly evolving, with new advancements and discoveries being made every day. To stay informed about the latest developments in biotech, one can sign up for a biotech newsletter that provides updates on the science and politics driving the industry today.
In a recent update, Novo Nordisk’s experimental oral GLP-1 drug, amycretin, showed promising early results by delivering a 13.1% loss of body weight in a 12-week study without notable side effects. This development is significant as current GLP-1 drugs, which are in high demand, are typically administered through injections. The introduction of oral drugs could potentially expand the market for these medicines even further.
Another interesting case before the FDA is Applied Therapeutics, whose lead drug for the rare disease galactosemia is up for approval. Despite not meeting its primary endpoint in a study, the drug has shown enough promise to attract the attention of Wall Street investors. With a new FDA official likely to be more receptive to the application, Applied Therapeutics may have a chance at approval.
President Biden is set to address the State of the Union and is expected to push for an expansion of a program that allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices. The current program, which allows negotiation for up to 20 drugs per year, could potentially be expanded to include 50 drugs. This proposal is likely to face opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, but amending the law would require convincing Congress, which may be difficult with the House under Republican control.
The biotech industry has seen a resurgence in IPOs, with Boundless Bio being the latest company to file for an IPO. The company, based in San Diego, is developing drugs targeting extrachromosomal DNA found in tumors but not in healthy cells. With its lead drug in Phase 1 trials, Boundless Bio has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of oncology.
In other news, a bill in Congress aims to ban certain Chinese life sciences companies from doing business in the U.S. to protect the competitive advantage of American drug manufacturers. However, this move could have unintended consequences, such as drug shortages, for companies that rely on these Chinese firms for manufacturing.
Overall, the biotech industry is constantly evolving, with new developments and challenges emerging regularly. Staying informed through newsletters and updates is essential for anyone interested in the world of biotechnology.
