The top 10 data flops of 2021
To view this email as a web page, click here

Editor’s Note: You may have noticed some more big changes to our Fierce Biotech website. Our new fierce makeover is designed to create a better experience for our readers. Learn more about the new look here.

Today's Rundown

Featured Story

Intellia now has the data for No. 1 unanswered gene editing question: Does it last?

Intellia proved last year that gene editing can work in humans. But a lingering question was, for how long? Now, the biotech has the data to begin to answer that question. 

read more

Top Stories

Editas shares boosted as patent office rules in favor of Broad's CRISPR patents

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has ruled in favor of the Broad Institute in a dispute over the patents around CRISPR gene editing technology, sending Editas' shares up.

read more

2021's top 10 clinical trial flops

Thousands of studies are registered each year in the U.S. alone, so there is always a vast array of disappointing results to choose from as we compile our top 10 clinical trial flops.

read more

Sponsored: The Importance of the Patient in Advancing Care in Rare Diseases

Read more to learn about Ipsen's commitment to the rare disease community and to ensuring their patients have a voice.

read more

Pfizer fails phase 3 C. diff vaccine test but still spies possible path forward

The casualties in the Clostridium difficile vaccine race are starting to pile up. Having been vaulted to the front of the queue by Sanofi’s failure, Pfizer has now missed the primary endpoint in its phase 3 trial.

read more

AbbVie bets $130M on UCB spinout, bagging early-phase Alzheimer's and depression prospect

AbbVie is betting $130 million on an early-phase neuroscience play. The upfront outlay has given AbbVie ownership of Syndesi Therapeutics, a UCB spinout that recently began phase 1b clinical trials of its lead candidate SDI-118 in cognitive decline and depression.

read more

Gemini CEO out the door as 80% of staff laid off, strategic review gets underway

The CEO of Gemini Therapeutics exited Monday as the company laid off 80% of its staff, shifted priorities to a preclinical asset and began searching for a future.

read more

Johnson & Johnson, Legend's CAR-T Carvykti enters myeloma ring with FDA nod

An FDA approval for Johnson & Johnson and Legend Biotech’s CAR-T therapy may be three months late, but it still came. Having watched first-in-class Bristol Myers Squibb stumble with supply during the roll-out, the two companies have devised a game plan to ensure a smoother launch.

read more

FDA stresses the importance of regular checkups for aortic aneurysm implants

According to the FDA’s letter, complications from endovascular aneurysm repair devices could be detected much earlier—potentially reducing long-term mortality rates—if patients and physicians stick to a regular checkup schedule.

read more

Editor's Corner: Fierce Pharma gets a fierce makeover

We’re excited to share the new Fierce Pharma website. Starting today, our site will feature an improved layout designed to be easier to read and navigate—and better serve your needs. 

read more

2 new compounds might help intervene in Type 2 diabetes, a disease that's 'foxed scientists for generations'

Researchers at University of Leeds said they found two new compounds, known as molecule modulators, that might lead to new drug development options for Type 2 diabetes. The modulators help slow down and speed up the process that creates amyloid fibrils, which are associated with the disease's development.

read more

Moody's: Failure to close Change deal would diminish UnitedHealth's long-term growth

If UnitedHealth Group's bid to acquire Change Healthcare is ultimately stopped by the Department of Justice, it would be credit positive for UnitedHealth because of the short-term beneficial effect on debt and leverage.

read more

Researchers detail structure of C. diff’s protective armor, potentially opening path for drugs to break the stubborn layer

Researchers said they were able to map the chain-mail-like structure of Clostridioides difficile's outer layer, potentially paving the way for new drugs that specifically target the superbug. The bacteria is one of multiple superbugs resistant to most antibiotics, which is becoming a growing concern as drug developers' pipelines don't match the threat, according to a recent BIO report.

read more

Resources

Whitepaper: Lipid-Based Drug Delivery System to Bring Poorly Soluble Drugs to Market

How can Lipid-Based Drug Delivery System help bring poorly soluble drugs to market?

Whitepaper: Versatility of Softgel Technology - Encapsulation of a Volatile Compound

Learn more about how the versatility of Softgel Technology helped a customer with a volatile compound.

Whitepaper: The Most Suitable Dosage Form Technologies for the Oral Delivery of Lipid-Based Formulations

What is the most suitable dosage form technology for the Oral Delivery of Lipid-Based Formulations?

Whitepaper: The CNS Market: 2021 Year in Review & Outlook for 2022

What’s in store for the CNS therapeutics market in 2022? This paper looks ahead in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, DMD, psychiatric disorders, pain, and more.

Webinar: The Faster Path From Pre-Filled Syringe to Auto-Injector

Ypsomed and Catalent Biologics experts discuss strategies for integrated PFS manufacturing and auto-injector assembly to accelerate timelines and more in this webinar.

Whitepaper: Formulation Strategies When Transitioning From Vial to PFS

Learn how formulation development for a PFS affects manufacturing to drive the industry toward optimizing delivery of injectable products and, ultimately, improving patient care.

Events