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Kevzara: Sanofi Caught In Middle Of US FDA Debate On Data Analysis

 
• By Sue Sutter

Agency staff concluded that sarilumab demonstrated less radiographic progression of structural damage in a 52-week trial but disagreed over the statistical method that should be used to show the data in labeling. CDER Director Woodcock made the final call, choosing the method preferred by sponsor Sanofi and long used for other rheumatoid arthritis treatments.

Drug Review Profile regular column

When views on clinical or statistical issues evolve among US FDA staff, sponsors may find themselves caught in the middle of the agency's internal debate.

The second-cycle review of Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s interleukin-6 receptor antagonist Kevzara (sarilumab) was complicated by a matter seemingly outside the companies' hands: a disagreement within FDA...

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Potency Assay Issues Delayed US FDA Approval Of Mesoblast’s Ryoncil For Years

 
• By Sue Sutter

The company’s failure to show its potency assays measured attributes directly related to the mesenchymal stromal cell product’s therapeutic effect highlights the importance of a robust CMC program for complex cell therapies.

Mesoblast’s Ryoncil: US FDA Changed Its Mind On Need For A Randomized Trial

 
• By Sue Sutter

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Ryoncil Chronology: Three Review Cycles, Two CRLs, One Dispute Resolution Request

 
• By Sue Sutter

The Pink Sheet’s Drug Review Profile looks at the timeline for the clinical development and US FDA review of Mesoblast’s remestemcel for graft-versus-host disease.

Testosterone, TRAVERSE, And A Label Change 15 Years In The Making

 
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Autolus’s Aucatzyl And GSK’s Blenrep Among 10 New Drugs To Get EMA Nod

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The European Medicines Agency has OKd 10 new medicines for EU-wide approval, including a CAR-T therapy for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Two drugs were, however, rejected.

EU Authorization Before US? Biologics Manufacturing Is Likely To Blame

 
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US FDA Punts On New COVID-19 Framework’s Impact On Fall Shots

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

The FDA’s advisors split on whether to update COVID-19 vaccines for the fall. The agency refused to discuss the impact of the new vaccine framework on availability.