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Sierra Believes It Can Do Better Than Gilead With JAK Inhibitor Momelotinib

 
• By Joseph Haas

With many on the executive team who worked on the drug previously, Sierra thinks the stalled Phase III compound could be differentiated from Jakafi and others in the myelofibrosis space based on anemia benefit.

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Sierra Oncology Inc. believes it is uniquely positioned to succeed where Gilead Sciences Inc. didn’t with momelotinib in myelofibrosis, by focusing on the benefit demonstrated in clinical trials for addressing anemia and positioning the drug for myelofibrosis patients with or at risk for thrombocytopenia.

The Vancouver biotech acquired the Janus kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) and activin receptor type 1 (ACVR1) inhibitor for the bargain price of $3m up front on Aug. 22, along with the potential for up to $195m in milestone payments, pegged mainly to commercial performance

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Sanofi R&D Head’s Words Of Wisdom For Biotechs

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Houman Ashrafian tells delegates at Swiss Biotech Day that ‘literally only two things matter in our industry – target credentialing and differentiated pharmacology. The rest is execution.’

Shionogi In $1bn Deal For Japan Tobacco’s Pharma Ops

 
• By Ian Haydock

Mid-sized Japanese pharma firm to acquire tobacco giant’s pharma operations and take private the listed Torii Pharmaceutical business, in bid to build sales reach and strengthen manufacturing.

Sarepta Slammed By Double Blow: Elevidys Sales Miss, Prasad’s CBER Appointment

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Sarepta’s stock price was battered after Vinay Prasad was appointed to lead the US FDA’s CBER, then the company’s shares were bruised when Q1 Elevidys sales came in below consensus.