Therapeutic-Specific Areas

The acquisition will strengthen Astellas Pharma’s position in ophthalmology.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that diabetes drugs called thiazolidinediones can promote the metabolism of glutamine to help control disease-causing inflammation.

Stem-cell developer TiGenix has been acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical for approximately EUR 520 million (US$604 million).

Novartis is set to partner with MorphoSys and Galapagos in a deal worth up to $1.1 billion to develop and commercialize their joint investigational, fully human, IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against the target IL-17C.

The acquisition would combine Sangamo’s ex vivo gene-editing capabilities with TxCell's regulatory T-cell (Treg) expertise to create chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-Treg therapies.

The company has run into a snag in producing Kymriah for the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patient population, the second indication for which the therapy was recently approved by FDA.

The agency has approved Tpoxx (tecovirimat), the first drug with an indication for the treatment of smallpox, to address the impact of a potential outbreak.

The pharma major intends to spinoff Alcon as a stand-alone eye-care devices company.

The European Medicines Agency recommended Novartis’ Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Kite’s Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, for approval in the European Union.

Macromolecular drugs are typically injected, but oral dosage forms are being developed to improve the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

The companies will partner to develop T-cell therapies for cancer.

A new oral delivery method developed by the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences could change the way diabetics regulate blood sugar levels.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have developed a new approach to immunotherapy that led to the complete regression of breast cancer in a patient who was unresponsive to all other treatments.

The companies will partner in research for HIV and hepatitis B immunotherapies, and Hookipa will manufacture arenavirus-based vectors for clinical development by Gilead.

The agency has approved Mylan’s Fulphila (pegfilgrastim-jmdb) as the first US-approved biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) to reduce infection risk during cancer treatment.

EMA has recommended marketing authorization for Aimovig (erenumab), a new treatment for migraine.

Lonza has added four liver cell types to its hepatocytes portfolio for testing of in vitro drug models.

Right-to-Try bill sent to White House for President’s signature after passage by Congress.

Allergan will buy a potential depression treatment from Aptinyx.

The agency approved Amgen and Novartis’ Aimovig (erenumab-aooe), the first FDA-approved preventive treatment for migraine in adults.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Novartis’ gene therapy pipeline.

The use of more targeted therapies is expanding as the public gains access to low-cost genetic testing, and more advanced computer systems are offering data from healthcare systems.

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Biotech will acquire biotechnology company BeneVir Biopharm to strengthen Janssen’s immunotherapy platform.

The companies plan to advance programs for dementia and other neurological conditions.

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed a new method that could help increase the long-term effectiveness of gene therapy.

Research from Gladstone Institutes suggests that transplanting genetically altered interneurons could improve cognitive function for Alzheimer’s disease.

The agency has released new guidance on the development of new medication-assisted treatments for opioid dependence.

LNC Therapeutics has appointed a new CEO and is strengthening its R&D for gut microbiome-based drugs.

The contract renewal allows AMRI to continue to provide medicinal chemistry and ADME services for advancing drug discovery programs in neurotherapeutics.

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen partners with Bristol-Myers Squibb to advance next-generation therapies for cardiovascular diseases.