Entries by Uta Mommert

En route to Adaptive Pathways

The European Medicines Agency’s new, accelerated route to approval for innovative drugs seems to be especially attractive for biotech companies. But Health Technology Assessment institutions warn that the lack of substantial data might interfere with reimbursement. 

Post-Brexit EU funding secured

Philip Hammond, the UK’S chancellor has announced the government will guarantee funding for EU-backed "structural and investment fund" projects whose timelines extend beyond the UK’s departure from the EU, provided the projects are signed prior to this year’s Autumn Statement on the UK budget. The decision ensures continued funding for farmers, companies and institutions involved in the EU’s Horizon 2020 project. The move could cost the UK government up to £6bn (€6.9bn).

Epigenomics considers US listing

Back in April, the American FDA gave the green light for the colorectal cancer-screening test Epi procolon. Now Berlin-based diagnostics specialist Epigenomics is considering a secondary listing in the US. A draft of the required registration document was confidentially submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 

Genmab in HIV antibody deal

Danish Genmab AS has granted Gilead Sciences license to use its DuoBody technology platform to develop bispecific antibodies for the treatment of HIV. The deal is worth up to €252m.

Ploughing ahead after Phase III setback

Hungarian Gedeon Richter and Irish Allergan are staying on course in the face of dissappointing Phase III results for depression drug cariprazine. The partners will now begin another Phase III study needed for approval.

Alzheimer’s vaccine clears Phase I

Araclon Biotech’s Alzheimer’s vaccine ABvac40 is going forward into Phase II after showing a good safety profile in Phase I. The promising trial results were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. 

EMA keeps approval speedway open

After a two-year pilot period, the EMA has published its report on its adaptive pathways approach. The agency plans to explore the concept further and will continue to accept proposals.

Inflammation spin-off launched

Life science venture capital group Epidarex has launched Nodthera Ltd, a biotech based on research by Poland-based drug discovery company Selvita. The start-up aims to develop novel inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome. 

GSK picks up asthma mAb

GlaxoSmithKline has in-licensed Janssen’s anti-IL-33R monoclonal antibody for severe asthma. The British drugmaker is paying €208m up front for the mAb.