Deals, Development and Manufacturing

The companies will collaborate on research and development solutions for coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

N4 Pharma will be undertaking a proof-of-concept research project using a COVID-19 DNA plasmid to demonstrate the ability of its delivery system, Nuvec, to collaborative partners developing DNA or RNA vaccines.

As COVID-19 rapidly spreads, the bio/pharma industry is committing significant efforts to fast track development of therapies.

The new molecules entering the development pipeline are bringing forth exciting challenges in drug delivery.

The companies are entering into a partnership to develop fully human neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 to prevent or treat COVID-19.

Daiichi Sankyo has entered into a partnership with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical for the use of Ultragenyx’s proprietary AAV-based gene-therapy manufacturing technology.

The partnership will focus on the development of up to five novel protein replacement and mRNA therapies.

ProBioGen will facilitate the development of Immunogenesis’ monoclonal antibody candidate and will be responsible for manufacturing the drug at its new facility in Berlin, Germany.

The companies will use CytomX’s Probody therapeutic technology platform and its proprietary bispecific formats and CD3 modules.

Prior to the global market downturn, data from the United Kingdom BioIndustry Association (BIA) and Informa Pharma Intelligence have revealed that biotech companies in the UK had raised £309 million (US$379 million).

Mylan and Pfizer announced a postponement of the transaction that would see Mylan and Upjohn Combined until the second half of the year as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has welcomed the latest statement by the members of the European Council on efforts to tackle COVID-19.

AstraZeneca has revealed that it will collaborate with Silence Therapeutics on the discovery, development, and commercialization of small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, and respiratory diseases.

Grifols has entered into a formal collaboration with US Federal public health agencies, including the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to produce a treatment that specifically targets COVID-19.

The strategic alliance provides an integrated product offering around drug discovery and development.

The transgenic mouse R&D platform will support the discovery of fully-human monoclonal antibodies.

Emergent BioSolutions will help develop and manufacture an oral vaccine candidate and will develop plasma-based antibody therapeutics.

Belgian-based bioprocessing provider, Univercells, has launched a CDMO, Exothera, that will support developers of cell and gene therapies through process development and production of viral vectors.

Synairgen, a respiratory drug discovery and development company, has announced that it has received expedited approvals to conduct a trial of its inhaled formulation of interferon-beta-1a, SNG001, in COVID-19 patients.

The acquisition will expand Dover’s biopharma and hygienic applications capabilities by enhancing its portfolio of flow control technologies with flow rate sensors.

The partners have initiated an observational case-control study of siltuximab in patients with COVID-19 who have developed serious respiratory complications.

On March 11, 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered the 2020 Budget to the government of the United Kingdom, revealing the proposed spending and tax plans for the conservative government for the coming year.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a positive recommendation for Teva Pharmaceutical’s migraine therapy, Ajovy (fremanezumab).

Through the agreement, Emergent will manufacture the vaccine, which is formulated based on Novavax’s proprietary recombinant protein nanoparticle technology platform and its Matrix-M adjuvant to boost immune responses.

Through the agreement, Bora will obtain ownership of the entire Mississauga site, including all facilities, under the proper regulatory clearances.

The acquisition will expand Nexelis’ immunology testing expertise.

The deal is expected to close during the first half of 2021.

CN Bio Innovations has raised $9 million (£6.9 million) in investment funding that will be used to support commercial development and strengthen market position in the United States

Full-service contract research organization, Pivotal, has announced its acquisition of Akcelis, a Belgian company that specializes in patient engagement, recruitment, and retention.

The acquisition will give Gilead access to Forty Seven’s investigational lead product candidate, magrolimab, a monoclonal antibody in clinical development for the treatment of numerous cancers.