Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Meghana Keshavan
Published on 2024-04-02 13:38:48
Biotech industry updates are always exciting to follow, and in today’s news, Verve Therapeutics has made a significant decision to pause testing of its PCSK9-focused gene editing treatment. Additionally, the FDA has approved the first digital therapeutic from a pharmaceutical company. Let’s delve into these updates and more in the realm of biotechnology.
Roivant, a prominent player in the biotech industry, announced positive results from a Phase 2 trial of an autoimmune drug it acquired from Pfizer. This drug targets two proteins, including the TYK2 protein, which has garnered attention in the industry recently. Roivant also unveiled plans for a share buyback program worth up to $1.5 billion, with a portion dedicated to acquiring its former partner Sumitomo.
On the licensing front, Ipsen struck a deal with Sutro Biopharma to obtain an antibody-drug candidate for solid tumors. The agreement involves near-term payments of $90 million and potential longer-term milestones exceeding $800 million. This partnership highlights the ongoing collaborations driving innovation in the biotech space.
In a significant development, Verve Therapeutics has decided to halt trials of Verve-101, a gene-editing treatment targeting familial hypercholesterolemia. This decision was prompted by adverse reactions in a patient receiving the treatment. Despite this setback, the company remains optimistic and plans to launch a new clinical trial for a similar gene-editing medicine, VERV-102. This shift in focus underscores the importance of safety and efficacy in biotech research.
Looking ahead to the second quarter, various biotech companies are poised to make advancements in diverse therapeutic areas. Zealand Pharma’s long-acting amylin analog, petrelintide, shows promise in promoting weight loss while preserving muscle mass. Sage Therapeutics will present updates on treatments for Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and essential tremor. The upcoming quarter promises a flurry of data releases and progress in various biotech endeavors.
In another groundbreaking development, the FDA has greenlit Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s smartphone-based digital therapy, Rejoyn, for the treatment of major depressive disorder. This innovative program, developed in partnership with Click Therapeutics, aims to complement traditional antidepressants by offering cognitive-emotional training through a six-week regimen. Otsuka’s foray into digital therapeutics underscores the evolving landscape of mental health treatment.
Amidst these advancements, policymakers are urging the inclusion of additional Chinese biotech companies on a list of entities suspected of collaborating with China’s military. This move reflects growing concerns over national security and data protection in the biotech sector. Legislation is being contemplated to safeguard American interests and mitigate potential risks associated with foreign collaborations.
In a contrasting turn of events, Gritstone bio has reported underwhelming Phase 2 data for its personalized neoantigen cancer vaccine. The preliminary results did not demonstrate significant benefits in progression-free survival, prompting the company to reassess its approach. CEO Andrew Allen acknowledged the challenges of pioneering new therapies and expressed optimism for future clinical outcomes.
The biotech landscape is constantly evolving, with a mix of breakthroughs and setbacks shaping the industry. As we await further developments and data releases in the coming months, it’s evident that innovation and collaboration will continue to drive progress in biotechnology. Stay tuned for more updates on the science and politics fueling biotech advancements globally.
