Takeda gets zesty with $1.2B+ Kumquat deal

Today’s Big News

Apr 16, 2024

Biotech naming trends bypass 'buzzwords and business speak' to build whimsical, memorable brands 


Cullinan rebrands, halts lymphoma trial to reflect autoimmune refocus


Takeda inks sweet $1.2B+ deal with Kumquat for immuno-oncology program


J&J reports strong sales numbers for Tecvayli, bolstering company's multiple myeloma 'stronghold'


Fierce Biotech Layoff Tracker 2024: Vedanta cuts CMC staffers; Major pharmas turn to layoffs


Fierce Biotech Fundraising Tracker '24: Asher adds on $55M; PureTech launches Seaport with $100M


Startup SelSym hopes to control bleeding with squishy synthetic platelets 

The Top Line Podcast: Don’t miss out on the newest episode. Listen now.

 

Featured

Biotech naming trends bypass 'buzzwords and business speak' to build whimsical, memorable brands

In a world overrun by innovative biotechs, be a Mammoth Biosciences. Or a Nutcracker Therapeutics. Or Viking Therapeutics or Centessa Pharmaceuticals.
 

Top Stories

Cullinan rebrands, halts lymphoma trial to reflect autoimmune refocus

It’s not unusual to see a CD19-focused cancer company dip its toe into the autoimmune space these days, but Cullinan Oncology is going one stage further with a name change to reflect this new approach.

Takeda inks sweet $1.2B+ deal with Kumquat for immuno-oncology program

Takeda is offering Kumquat Biosciences the chance to make more than $1.2 billion biobucks in a new exclusive pact that centers around an unnamed immuno-oncology small molecule inhibitor.

J&J reports strong sales numbers for Tecvayli, bolstering company's multiple myeloma 'stronghold'

For the first time, Johnson & Johnson is reporting sales of its multiple myeloma drug Tecvayli, which is off to a strong launch and contributing to the company's overall strength in treating the disease.

Fierce Biotech Layoff Tracker 2024: Vedanta cuts CMC staffers; Major pharmas turn to layoffs

We really didn't want to have to create another Layoff Tracker this year. But here we are, launching the third annual iteration tracking biopharma layoffs. 

Fierce Biotech Fundraising Tracker '24: Asher adds $55M, PureTech launches Seaport with $100M

Welcome to Fierce Biotech's Fundraising Tracker, 2024's version.

Startup SelSym hopes to control bleeding with squishy synthetic platelets

SelSym's "biomaterials approach" to developing synthetic platelets appears to have paid off so far, with successful results in mice, rats and pigs. The preclinical studies will likely be part of an investigational new drug application with the FDA.

CSL Behring shuts down filling department, lays off 65 staffers at major Illinois manufacturing site

The filling department closure comes as part of a regulatory commitment, a spokesperson said. The site in Kankakee County, Illinois, has been active for 70 years and employs around 1,500 workers.

FDA delivers de novo clearances to 2 novel antibacterial implant coatings

Though the initial green lights cover spine and orthopedic hardware, Orthobond and Onkos Surgical said their respective disinfectants could shield a wide variety of implants.

Boehringer Ingelheim leans on late-stage pipeline, plots 25 new launches over the next decade

The company's late-stage pipeline focuses on oncology, cardiorespiratory diseases, mental health and cardiovascular-renal-metabolic conditions. Boehringer looks to kick off ten new phase 2 and 3 trials in the next 12-18 months, it said in its earnings release.

The key to #FierceMadness victory for AZ and Ionis' Wainua? Unique sounds and 'phonetic appeal,' per the Brand Institute

The drug’s name—pronounced way-NOO-ah—came about as part of a “lengthy, thoughtful process” between the two companies, according to Rachel Payne, global commercial VP of the ATTR team within AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular, renal and metabolism business.
 
Fierce podcasts

Don’t miss an episode

Deep dive: Biopharma layoffs in Q1

Using data from Fierce Biotech's layoff tracker, Gabrielle Masson and Max Bayer analyze the trends of layoffs in the first quarter of 2024, comparing them to previous years.
 

Resources

Whitepaper

Antibody Profiling: Decoding the Humoral Immune System

Antibody biomarkers are redefining precision medicine, from diagnosing diseases earlier to stratifying patients – download your FREE white paper today!
Whitepaper

Straight to Market in an Autoinjector

The use of prefilled syringes to administer biotherapeutics is beginning to gain traction because they offer a range of stability, efficacy, and patient safety benefits. Download this white paper to learn how Lonza has developed a novel workflow to ensure confidence regarding functionality in PFS and autoinjectors.
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

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.
 

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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