Immunology and inflammation

A Reuters report on Friday revealed that FDA researchers have found additional molecular evidence tying blockbuster asthma therapy montelukast to adverse neuropsychiatric effects.
Trump fingers Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the HHS, lupus and ATTR-CM dominate headlines this week, bluebird bio has a cash gap to leap and RegenxBio eyes Sarepta in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
After the unexpected success of their PHOENYCS GO study for dapirolizumab pegol in lupus earlier this fall, Biogen and UCB are planning a second late-stage trial by the end of the year to support a drug application.
Incyte’s pipeline updates on Monday bring into question the value of its $750 million Escient acquisition in April 2024—and further erode confidence that the biotech can effectively mitigate the impacts of Jakafi’s loss of exclusivity in the coming years, according to analysts.
In line with the restructuring initiative, 23andMe is looking for strategic opportunities for its pipeline assets, including licensing deals or outright sales.
The companies did not provide detailed data for Tezspire, however, and William Blair’s Matt Phipps said in a note he does not expect the antibody to outperform Dupixent.
In a tough fundraising space, cell therapy biotechs pursuing autoimmune indications review staffing to ensure the right expertise is in place to tackle the new disease area.
Multiple players are exploring whether modalities designed to combat B cell malignancies can be repurposed against lupus, myasthenia gravis and other conditions traced to misdirected immune response.
While some of the initial excitement around immunotherapies has waned, companies—particularly smaller biotechs—are developing newer iterations that will take cancer care to the next level.
Offsetting Merck’s growth in the third quarter were disappointing revenues from its HPV vaccine Gardasil and type 2 diabetes pill Januvia, with the company on Thursday narrowing its 2024 sales and adjusted profit outlooks.
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