When I arrived at 3i Group plc in 2000 there was a legendary piece of internal research that classified CEOs that had been successful at 3i investee companies into either first-timers or repeat CEOs. There was no difference in success rates between the two groups. Perhaps the better piece of research in order to increase the chances of success would have been to stratify and exclude those CEOs who had been previously unsuccessful, because two CEOs last week demonstrated that failure often has a habit of making repeat visits.
Stockwatch: Bluebird, Arrowhead And Short Memories
Last year's platform failure and back to the drawing board status of bluebird bio was all forgotten last week as data on a few patients treated with its CAR-T therapy were released. It seems that investors are quick to forget similar failed or problematic products at Arrowhead, uniQure and Juno.
More from Clinical Trials
• By
The firm has lofty ambitions for the aldosterone synthase inhibitor to treat hypertension and kidney disease.
• By
The ZENITH study is a landmark for Merck’s first-in-class activin signalling inhibitor and pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment.
• By
Seeking cell therapy approaches to cure type 1 diabetes, Vertex abandons a candidate encapsulated to avoid immune system detection but hopes to file another candidate for approval in 2026.
• By
A Phase III trial testing the cortisol modulator showed a benefit on PFS and OS in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
More from R&D
• By
The UK giant is forecasting peak sales of $5bn plus
• By
Novo’s semaglutide has shown its benefits as an injectable in patients with peripheral arterial disease and as an oral agent in cardiovascular outcomes, but stronger results are expected soon from Lilly’s tirzepatide.
Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.