Entries by Thomas Gabrielczyk

Roche’s lampalizumab halts geographic atrophy

A publication in Science Translational Medicine shows that Roche has a rising star in the 15 million patient market of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In a Phase II trial, US and German researchers showed efficacy in geographic atrophy, an advanced stage of AMD, which has currently no treatment.

Epigenetic drugs set to boost immunoncology

German oncologists have unveiled that market-approved inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DMNTi) and histone deacetylases (HDACi) act through expression of cancer neoantigens. They already have a biomarker test to identify responders.

AMD: Novartis challenges Regeneron

Following shrinking sales for its wet AMD drug Lucentis, Novartis is back with convincing Phase III results of its anti-VEGF-A singe chain antibody fragment brolucizumab. In two pivotal studies the drug proved to be non-inferior to Regeneron/Bayer’s Eylea (aflibercept).

Evotec invests in Facio Therapies

Evotec and co-investors support Dutch Facio Therapies BV with €4.8m to push development of Dux4 inhibitors to treat facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy.

Delay in MAA for Asit Biotech’s BTT009

Belgian Asit Biotech S.A. (formerly Biotech Tools) has announced that its grass pollen allergic rhinitis immunotherapy gp-ASIT+ did reach the primary efficacy endpoint in a Phase III trial but needs confirmation through an additional Phase III study. Market access is receding into the distance.

J&J completes acquisition of Actelion

After today’s completion of the acquisition of Actelion Ltd by J&J for US$30bn in cash, equivalent to US$280 per share, through the US company’s Swiss subsidiary, Janssen Holding GmbH, Actelion will become part of Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Medicxi launches €267m fund

Novartis and Alphabet/Google asset Verily Life Sciences LLC has co-invested into the late stage fund designed to finance programmes with up to €25m post clinical proof of concept.

Germany is blocking EU Unitary Patent Court

Germany’s Constitutional Court has stopped the government from ratifying the EU’s Unitary Patent Package. At the time of the announcement, The German Bundestag and Council of Federal states had already adopted and signed the legislation.