Plus the week’s top stories

This Week

Apr 12, 2024

Sanofi begins 'full pipeline reprioritization' with layoffs in tow, R&D chief tells staff


Amid corporate restructuring, Novartis plots 680 layoffs in development group


As Humira biosim sales languish, Boehringer Ingelheim plots layoffs in pivot to hybrid marketing model 


Merck & Co. signs $208M deal to acquire startup in bid to improve ADC safety


AACR: 'We have to have a level playing field'—FDA oncology chief explains confirmatory trial rejection


#FierceMadness: AstraZeneca and Ionis cruise to victory as Wainua trounces Lilly's Mounjaro for the tournament win


#FierceMadness: The Best Biotech Name Tournament—A champion is CROWNED 

 

Featured

Sanofi begins 'full pipeline reprioritization' with layoffs in tow, R&D chief tells staff

Sanofi is laying off staff around the globe following a 'full pipeline reprioritization,' according to an email from R&D chief Houman Ashrafian to staff. The communication, obtained by Fierce Biotech, refer to a large-scale restructuring to afford late-stage drug development.
 

Top Stories

Amid corporate restructuring, Novartis plots 680 layoffs in development group

Even as Novartis rolls ahead with a global restructuring campaign targeting thousands of job cuts, the Swiss drug giant has blueprinted several hundred layoffs in its development organizational unit.

As Humira biosim sales languish, Boehringer Ingelheim plots layoffs in pivot to hybrid marketing model

Facing lackluster Cyltezo sales, Boehringer Ingelheim will prune its ranks in the U.S. and adopt a different way of marketing its Humira biosimilar.

Merck & Co. signs $208M deal to acquire startup in bid to improve ADC safety

Merck & Co. led the antibody-drug conjugate shopping spree last year with its multi-billion dollar deal with Daiichi Sankyo, but the U.S. pharma clearly wants to further fine-tune its ADC pipeline.

AACR: 'We have to have a level playing field'—FDA oncology chief explains confirmatory trial rejection

At the inaugural AACR Oncology Industry Partnering Event, the FDA's oncology chief Richard Pazdur, M.D., addressed some key topics at his department, including accelerated approval and confirmatory trial requirement, advisory committee meeting, some new regulatory initiatives and even his succession plan.

#FierceMadness: AstraZeneca and Ionis cruise to victory as Wainua trounces Lilly's Mounjaro for the tournament win

It’s March, so it’s time for some #FierceMadness. Last year, we channeled the NCAA tournament for the best pharma ad campaigns, but this year we’re looking for the best of the best in drug names.

#FierceMadness: The Best Biotech Name Tournament—A champion is CROWNED

What's the best biotech name? It's time to vote in the Fierce Madness #biotechbracket.

UPDATED: In refiling $16.5B Catalent buyout pitch, Novo gives FTC more time for review

After Novo Holdings pitched a $16.5 billion buyout of Catalent in February, the companies have given the FTC extra time to review the deal.

Former bluebird execs hope to fly new startup to 'cutting edge' of gene therapy delivery tech

The untapped potential of gene editing therapies comes down to one major challenge: getting gene editors safely and efficiently into cells. Now, a new startup founded by two genetic medicine luminaries and run by former executives from bluebird bio is officially emerging from stealth mode to reveal its solutions to the industry. 

Johnson & Johnson adds Shockwave Medical to its cardiovascular collection with $13.1B deal

J&J MedTech sees Shockwave’s devices for cracking open calcified arteries as the ticket to its 13th billion-dollar platform.

AbbVie retains ad spending leadership, but some surprise drugs make the top 10 in March

It’s as you were at the top of the pharma drug ad spending list in March as AbbVie’s immunology blockbusters Rinvoq and Skyrizi stay first and second, respectively.

FDA slams Jubilant Generics, Canada's Contract Pharmaceuticals with Form 483s

India’s Jubilant Generics and Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited Canada were each hit with Form 483s by the FDA following inspections that uncovered questionable manufacturing practices.
 
Fierce podcasts

Don’t miss an episode

Seen and unseen: A closer look at barriers to inclusive care for trans men

This week on "Podnosis," we are exploring a topic that hits close to home for many: the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ patients, particularly trans men, when seeking healthcare services.  
 

Resources

Executive Summary

State of third-party logistics in the pharma industry

Learn about the current state of biopharma logistics with insights from 150 manufacturers in this exclusive market survey report. Download the report to learn about how regulatory factors and emerging therapies are having an effect on logistics.
eBook

Discover the future of mAb manufacturing

Unlock the future of mAb manufacturing with our complete guide to integrating the revolutionary Gibco™ Efficient-Pro™ Medium and Feeds System, enhancing productivity and quality for exceptional outcomes 
Whitepaper

How Can a Central Lab Deliver Essential Lab Data and Optimize Study Timelines?

Clinical trials demand accurate lab data. Central labs uphold standards by ensuring consistency in methodologies, equipment, and reporting. Robust and integrated analytical platforms can support this via real-time access to study and lab data with transparent reporting capabilities, as well as to facilitate critical clinical decision-making and solve drug developers' challenges. Learn more about Preclarus®️ Lab Solutions by PPD®️ from expert Chris Clendening in this paper.
Whitepaper

Oncology Market Outlook 2024

This paper assesses the current state of the oncology market, reviewing key expectations for 2024. It addresses CAR-T therapies, KRAS, radiopharmaceuticals, & targeted protein degradation.
Whitepaper

Guidance for Biotechs Choosing Next-Gen Contract GMP/CMC Labs

Choosing the right contract lab can help drug developers accelerate their timelines and generate cost-efficiencies. For insights into what to look for when selecting a GMP/CMC lab partner read this white paper which delves into a range of factors that can support your needs in both the short-term and in planning for the future.
Whitepaper

Industry Insights: What to Expect from a 3PL

Selecting a 3PL with a proven track record of delivering high-quality services is critical to a successful pharma supply chain. Here's how.
 

Industry Events

Drug Development Boot Camp® VIRTUAL | Spring 2024

April ‌10-11, ‌2024

On Helix

Date: ‌4 ‌July ‌2024 ‌- ‌Location: ‌Babraham ‌Research ‌Campus, ‌Cambridge ‌UK

 

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