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Today’s Big News

May 17, 2024

Erasca lays off 18% while swapping out KRAS program for fresh anti-tumor options

Bayer lifts lid on pivotal data ahead of filings to challenge Astellas for menopause market

Chutes & Ladders—Atai appoints co-CEO and a Fierce goodbye

In Big Pharma's growth rankings, Lilly took top spot from Novo Nordisk in Q1

FDA snubs another China-made PD-1 with rejection of Elevar, Hengrui's liver cancer combo

Featured

Erasca lays off 18% while swapping out KRAS program for fresh anti-tumor options

By James Waldron

Erasca is spending a combined $22.5 million upfront to import fresh preclinical KRAS and molecular glue assets while clearing space in its own pipeline and laying off 18% of its employees in the process.

Bayer lifts lid on pivotal data ahead of filings to challenge Astellas for menopause market

By Nick Paul Taylor

Bayer’s master plan for its OASIS program is coming together, with the German drugmaker posting phase 3 data that suggest it could challenge Astellas for a recently unlocked menopause market.

Chutes & Ladders—Atai appoints co-CEO and a Fierce goodbye

By Max Bayer,Gabrielle Masson

Atai Life Sciences, one of the leading shareholders in psilocybin drug developer Compass Pathways, is swapping CEOs.

In Big Pharma's growth rankings, Lilly took top spot from Novo Nordisk in Q1

By Kevin Dunleavy

The momentum the biopharma industry showed in the fourth quarter of 2023 has continued into this year. With 18 of the industry’s top 25 companies achieving year-over-year revenue gains, Q1 came close to matching the final quarter of last year, when 21 of the top 25 companies showed increases. Once again, the dominant players were the sellers of GLP-1 diabetes and obesity drugs.

FDA snubs another China-made PD-1 with rejection of Elevar, Hengrui's liver cancer combo

By Angus Liu

China-made PD-1 inhibitors continue to struggle at the FDA. This week, the U.S. agency rejected Elevar Therapeutics and Jiangsu Hengrui Pharma's PD-1 combination in liver cancer.

From cell collection to commercial contracting: Advancements in cell & gene therapy manufacturing (Part II)

By Ayla Ellison,Fraiser Kansteiner

This week’s episode of “The Top Line” is the second part of a three-part series exploring the latest advancements in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

Going beyond A, B and O: Thermo Fisher unveils DNA test for the rarest blood types

By Conor Hale

Thermo Fisher Scientific has put forward a DNA-based test it says can offer much more precise identification of blood and its compatibility.

Cleveland Clinic's operating margin inches up as inflation pressures hold volume gains in check

By Dave Muoio

The Ohio-based health system touted "strong demand for both inpatient and outpatient services" but still had to contend with rising labor and supply spending during 2024's opening quarter.

New AbbVie photo exhibit captures psoriasis patients—including 'Scandal' star Katie Lowes—feeling 'Clearly Me'

By Andrea Park

AbbVie’s newest psoriasis awareness-raising campaign is taking the skin condition out of the spotlight.

Fierce Pharma Asia—Eisai eyes Leqembi surge; Takeda nabs Alzheimer's drug option; BIOSECURE Act advances

By Angus Liu

Eisai has projected a significant sales increase for Leqembi. Takeda put down $100 million upfront for an option to license an anti-amyloid vaccine from AC Immune. The House oversight committee has voted overwhelmingly to advance a tweaked version of the BIOSECURE Act. And more.

Fierce podcasts

Don’t miss an episode

From cell collection to commercial contracting: Advancements in cell & gene therapy manufacturing (Part II)

This week’s episode of “The Top Line” is the second part of a three-part series exploring the latest advancements in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

A deep dive into health system and health plan Q1 earnings

Fulfilling the promise of cell & gene therapies through manufacturing (Part I)

Resources

Whitepaper

Comprehensive Cell Solutions: Focus on Cellular Therapy Collections

Precision collection of cell therapy source material doesn’t happen by chance. Our new whitepaper illuminates the science and strategies for successful apheresis.

Sponsored by: Comprehensive Cell Solutions

Whitepaper

In Vitro Antibodies – Next-Gen Science Delivers Optimized Candidates

Learn how Specifica’s in vitro antibody discovery platform can deliver better antibodies than traditional immunization approaches.

Sponsored by: Specifica, a Q2 Solutions company

Whitepaper

Branded Digital Companions in Biopharma

This paper defines “digital companions” in biopharma, explores their value from the patient & company perspectives, & outlines a process for successfully fielding a new digital companion.

Presented by: Blue Matter, strategic consultants in the life sciences

Whitepaper

Vaccine Development Challenges in Facing Influenza and COVID-19

Explore the complex considerations of vaccine development for influenza and COVID-19, including the challenges posed by viral evolution and the importance of ongoing research in this paper by vaccine expert, Dr. Lisa Kierstead.

Sponsored by: PPD®️ Laboratory Services

eBook

Designing Patient-Centered Endpoint in Rare Disease Trials

To make every rare disease trial count, we design patient-centric, relevant strategies for sponsors and caregivers to produce impactful results every time.

Patient Engagement Series

Discover the secrets behind successful patient engagement

Antibody Profiling: Decoding the Humoral Immune System

Antibody biomarkers are redefining precision medicine, from diagnosing diseases earlier to stratifying patients – download your copy today!

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 now to learn how Lonza has developed a novel workflow to ensure confidence regarding functionality in PFS and autoinjectors.

Presented by: Lonza