The Latest
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California, Massachusetts go toe-to-toe for title of best biotech hub
For yet another year, the two states put out reports showcasing statistics that back why they ought to be called biopharma's No. 1 hub.
Marketing -
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Marketing -
ICER finalizes report finding asthma biologics too pricey
After taking comments from the drugmakers into consideration, ICER's main takeaway was unchanged: these drugs are overly expensive.
Corporate News -
Express Scripts plans 'Flex' formulary focused on authorized generics
Gilead’s generic versions of its own hepatitis C treatments Epclusa and Harvoni are first on the list for the new formulary, which starts Jan. 1.
Marketing -
Specialty drugs drive Rx spending increase, Blue Cross says
Insurers under the Blues' umbrella, which accounts for dozens of independently run payers, spent about $100 billion on prescription drugs in 2017.
Marketing -
Sobi snags rights to AstraZeneca drugs in another immunology play
"Immunology now becomes the second leg to Sobi and it helps us to articulate what specialty care is about," the company's CEO said on the deal.
Mergers and Acquisitions / Deals -
AbbVie showcases Mavyret's curative power with shorter regimen
The aim of EXPEDITION-8, a Phase 3b study, was to see if 8-week dosing would work in treatment-naive hep C patients with compensated cirrhosis.
Clinical Trials -
Solid's manufacturing work allows trial to restart
After a challenging year, it looks as though Solid Biosciences' gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is back on track.
Clinical Trials -
Amarin's Vascepa trial stirs data debate as stock drops 10%
A five-year clinical trial showed strong heart benefits for the fish oil-based pill, but questions on the placebo used in the study have raised doubts as well.
Clinical Trials -
'Super'-responder analysis gives more power to Viking's fatty liver drug
VK2809 reduced liver fat content by 50% or more in 67% of patients, the analysis found, further supporting Viking's view that its drug could help with both NAFLD and NASH.
Clinical Trials -
At SITC, clear wins for immunotherapy combos remain elusive
Findings presented over the weekend illustrate the challenge drugmakers face in their quest to improve on the success of Keytruda and Opdivo.
Clinical Trials -
PwC: Healthcare will outspend all other industries on R&D by 2020
Roche, Novartis and Pfizer were among the pharmaceutical companies PwC pegged as "high-leverage innovators."
Corporate News -
Ionis, Akcea succeed in heart drug trial, setting up Novartis decision
The Phase 2 trial achieved all primary and secondary endpoints, helping lower lipoprotein(a) levels with a solid safety profile. Now, Novartis can choose to lead a Phase 3 trial or back out.
Clinical Trials -
Novartis' Entresto offers superior benefit to enalapril in heart study
Results from the PIONEER-HF trial reinforce the Swiss pharma's confidence that its drug can be a foundational therapy for certain heart failure patients.
Clinical Trials -
AstraZeneca calls victory in CV study, but will payers feel the same?
A large cardiovascular study found the British pharma's Farxiga offers heart health benefits, yet the diabetes drug still faces stiff competition.
Clinical Trials -
UK calls Vertex on contentious Orkambi negotiations
A key committee has asked for more information from Vertex on its case for the cystic fibrosis drug, including the price offered to NHS.
Regulatory / Compliance -
Mylan, Theravance win FDA approval for COPD drug
The companies now face the daunting task of launching Yupelri into a market dominated by several heavyweight brands.
Mergers and Acquisitions / Deals -
Gilead's search for the next great liver drug won't end with its FXR agonist
GS-9674 scored in clinical trials across multiple indications, but the drug is having difficulty standing out against rival therapies.
Clinical Trials -
NASH drugs come into focus as field awaits late-stage data
This year's Liver Meeting could shift the fortunes for a second wave of NASH-focused biotechs advancing behind the four drugmakers currently out in front.
Clinical Trials -
UK's NICE gives early no to expanded use of AstraZeneca's Lynparza
In a draft decision, a committee for the U.K.'s cost watchdog recommended not providing coverage for expanded use of the PARP inhibitor in ovarian cancer.
Marketing -
PARP makers search for a way to break through
Though Lynparza, Zejula and Rubraca saw growth in the third quarter, they've each had trouble breaking further into the ovarian cancer maintenance market.
Marketing -
Coherus biosimilar to launch in US at 33% discount to Neulasta
Udenyca will be the second biosimilar in the U.S. to challenge Amgen's Neulasta when it hits markets in early January.
Regulatory / Compliance -
AstraZeneca at 'inflection point' in turnaround, predicts CEO
Products sales growth for the year could swing positive for the first time since 2014. But a promise to crest $40 billion in annual sales by 2023 remains far off.
Corporate News -
Hikma, Vectura team up to target GSK respiratory drugs
Together, the companies plan to develop generic copies to at least three of GSK's lineup of Ellipta medicines.
Mergers and Acquisitions / Deals -
AbbVie staves off 6th Humira biosimilar in US
Momenta's copycat will get in line behind others from Amgen, Mylan and Sandoz, with a launch date set for late 2023.
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