Merck, expanding coronavirus work, buys a small biotech and its COVID-19 drug

The large drugmaker will pay $425 million to acquire OncoImmune, which is developing a treatment for severe coronavirus disease. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 23, 2020

AstraZeneca, Oxford vaccine prevents COVID-19, though study results raise questions

Data from two late-stage trials showed the shot to be, on average, 70% effective against COVID-19 — an encouraging finding. The lower dose tested, however, unexpectedly outperformed a higher dose.

By Ben Fidler • Updated Nov. 23, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from BioPharma Dive

Looming patent expiries this decade and intensifying competition from China are forcing drugmakers to adapt, while new opportunities open up in oncology and in neuroscience.

By BioPharma Dive staff

WHO recommends against Gilead's Veklury, in break with US guidelines

The organization argues there's no evidence the antiviral saves lives or improves outcomes for COVID-19 patients, despite positive data on the latter point from a key U.S. study.

By Jonathan Gardner • Nov. 20, 2020

Lilly dives into gene editing

Through a deal with Precision Biosciences, the pharma aims to develop therapies for genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

By Jacob Bell • Nov. 20, 2020

Hospitals scramble to get ready for coronavirus vaccines

Facilities are preparing ultra-cold storage capabilities and reviewing security plans as they brace for their role in distributing potentially multiple shots.

By Shannon Muchmore • Nov. 19, 2020

New AstraZeneca data offer latest hint coronavirus vaccines may protect elderly

Results published Thursday add to hopes the experimental shots now in testing won't only work for young, healthy people. More details are needed, though.

By Ben Fidler • Nov. 19, 2020

Pfizer strikes a deal with newly formed China biotech

The deal, which has Pfizer paying as much as $70 million, is the latest in a series of moves by big pharma companies to forge a stronger position in the world's second-largest drug market.

By Kristin Jensen • Nov. 19, 2020

New coronavirus vaccine data bolster Pfizer, BioNTech claims of strongly effective shot

Reaching the main goal of their large trial, Pfizer and BioNTech reported 162 cases of COVID-19 among participants who received a placebo, and just eight for those who were vaccinated. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 18, 2020

FDA delays decision on Bristol Myers cell therapy, putting Celgene deal payouts in jeopardy

Travel restrictions have made it difficult for the regulator to inspect a plant used to make the treatment, meaning the drugmaker could miss a deadline critical to former Celgene shareholders.

By Jonathan Gardner • Nov. 17, 2020

Moderna's vaccine can last for weeks in a refrigerator, expanding an edge on rivals

Pharmacies and doctor's offices should be able to store Moderna's shot on site, a crucial advantage for the mass immunization challenge that lies ahead.

By Jonathan Gardner • Nov. 16, 2020

Lilly backs a biotech's spinout and places a small bet on protein degradation

An alliance with BeyondSpring spinout Seed Therapeutics makes Eli Lilly the latest pharma company to dive into the fast-emerging drug research field. 

By Ben Fidler • Nov. 13, 2020

AstraZeneca cancer drug found ineffective for COVID-19

The setback follows disappointing results from companies like Novartis and Sanofi, which have also sought to repurpose existing drugs for COVID-19.

By Kristin Jensen • Nov. 12, 2020

Pfizer, with vaccine results positive, readies plans to ship coronavirus shot

Twelve trucks and 20 planes would be used each day to distribute the vaccine, should approvals follow Pfizer and partner BioNTech's positive study results. 

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 11, 2020

Finding the right mix: Digital transformation offers opportunities for improved HCP engagement

Field teams and HCPs alike are learning how digital, data-driven approaches can best support safe, productive engagement.

Nov. 9, 2020

Novartis rare disease drug, repurposed for COVID-19, fails in late-stage study

The Swiss drugmaker's COVID-19 research efforts now largely rest on the outcome of a recent alliance to develop oral medicines for the new coronavirus.

By Ben Fidler • Nov. 6, 2020

Who would get Regeneron's COVID-19 antibody treatment?

The drug, now being considered for emergency clearance by the FDA, seems to work best in patients whose immune systems haven't responded to infection. Fast antibody testing, however, is spotty.

By Jonathan Gardner • Nov. 5, 2020

Merck to pay almost $3B for VelosBio, broadening antibody cancer drug push

Buying VelosBio is Merck's second investment in so-called antibody-drug conjugates since September, reflecting the drug class' fast turnaround.

By Ben Fidler • Nov. 5, 2020

Bristol Myers bet pays off as psoriasis drug beats Amgen rival in study

While full data were not disclosed, the trial's outcome signals competition for Amgen's Otezla, which Celgene was forced to divest last year as a result of its acquisition by Bristol Myers.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 3, 2020

US to pay Lilly $375M for supply of COVID-19 drug

Lilly has asked the FDA for emergency approval of the antibody-based treatment, but scaling up production will take time. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 28, 2020

Sanofi, GSK pledge 200M doses to an international coronavirus vaccine alliance

The two drugmakers are aiding an international effort to ensure low- and middle-income countries can get access to successful coronavirus shots. 

By Kristin Jensen • Oct. 28, 2020

Lilly antibody drug doesn't help hospitalized COVID-19 patients in NIH study

The results could raise doubts about the ability of synthetic antibody drugs to help patients already very sick with COVID-19.

By Ben Fidler • Updated Oct. 27, 2020

Regulatory-driven material control with SAP

Learn about material segmentation, a unique approach for characteristics-based planning and execution.

By Stephen Cloughley, Senior Director, SAP Life Sciences IBU • Oct. 26, 2020

Purdue, reaching $8B settlement with US, pleads guilty to charges over opioid sales

Under a deal reached with the Department of Justice, Purdue faces fines and a forfeiture worth more than $5 billion — the largest penalties ever for a drug company.

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 21, 2020

Patients and physicians brace for flu season amid COVID-19

ZS surveyed more than 500 patients and 500 physicians to gather their perspectives on COVID-19's potential impact on flu vaccination rates.

Oct. 21, 2020

J&J halts studies of coronavirus vaccine due to participant's illness

The company did not disclose details, nor could it confirm whether the participant had received its shot. But J&J is now the second vaccine developer, along with AstraZeneca, to suspend testing for a safety review. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Updated Oct. 13, 2020