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Novotech CEO On Flexible Trial Solutions Amid Tariff, Geopolitical Tensions
Novotech's CEO talks about rising interest for trials in regions with “regulatory agility” and “strategic insulation” from geopolitical complexity, especially among emerging and mid-sized biotech sponsors. Operational "reassessment” among some sponsors on exposure to China-based CROs/CRDMOs is another area he discussed.
Data Analysis
R&D
GSK’s antibody-drug conjugate looks set for a blockbuster future in multiple myeloma after an approval in the UK, and the company’s head of oncology says it is already planning for the next generation of therapies.
Novotech's CEO talks about rising interest for trials in regions with “regulatory agility” and “strategic insulation” from geopolitical complexity, especially among emerging and mid-sized biotech sponsors. Operational "reassessment” among some sponsors on exposure to China-based CROs/CRDMOs is another area he discussed.
The Belgium-based firm will take the first-in-class drug, based on tick saliva, targets inflammation without increasing bleeding, into a Phase IIb trial is in preparation, supported by a new series B funding round.
CFO François Roger tells Scrip the French drugmaker is flexible geographically on making investments but its spend in the US has risen regardless of the threat of tariffs.
Business
Bristol’s CEO Christopher Boerner says business development is the company’s biggest spending priority as analysts raise concerns about growth, citing a need for BMS to do more deals.
CEO Robert Michael said AbbVie is positioned strongly to handle current and potentially upcoming tariffs, while committing $10bn to increased US manufacturing sites.
The German group could pay $3.5bn to get hold of the US firm and its two approved products.
Mosaic Therapeutics has in-licensed two clinical-stage oncology assets from Astex Pharmaceuticals to develop proprietary combination therapies for hard-to-treat cancers. The deal includes up to a 22% equity stake for Astex, future revenue sharing, and a planned clinical study in 2026.
Scrip Originals
Recent moves in the industry include C-suite changes at Dyne Therapeutics, City Therapeutics and ProQR Therapeutics, plus Madrigal Pharmaceuticals acquires chief medical officer from Novartis.
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.
Announcing increased full-year earnings guidance and another dividend increase, Johnson & Johnson’s stock price weakened, outweighed by concerns about the replacement of Stelara revenues and possible drug import tariffs.
Plus deals involving Elix/PRISM, Rege/Syros, Kaken/KalVista, Dr. Reddy’s/Aurigene/Edity, Nissan Chemical/Sanwa, Lupin/Renascience, Shionogi/Link Medicine, Abbisko/Merck & Co., Ono/Reborna and Apollomics/LaunXp.