Alimentary/Metabolic
Over the past few months, Chinese developers of CNS and cardiometabolic therapies have attracted the interest of domestic investors, amid generally modest funding activity.
Two Phase III trials testing tegoprazan read out positively, but the potassium-competitive acid blocker will compete with Phathom’s Voquezna (vonoprazan).
The biotech reported Phase I multiple-ascending dose data for its obesity drug for the second time in a week, but its safety and tolerability do not offset concerns about relatively unimpressive weight reduction.
The company announced positive topline results for the oral GLP-1 drug in type 2 diabetes that beat expectations.
With the FDA asking for another Phase III trial, the short bowel syndrome drug apraglutide could be years away from market, while the Linzess patent expiry and near-term debt loom.
The company discontinued development of its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management due to a safety signal.
The end of semaglutide and tirzepatide shortages means large-scale compounding is declining, ICER noted. But compounded versions – and the demand for them – are likely here to stay.
Adstiladrin sales hit €70m in first full year on the market
ICER’s new white paper pointed to estimates that the GLP-1 drugs may result in more than $100bn in annual spending, highlighting the need to rein in costs.
The company plans a tiered sales approach as it targets endocrinologists for hypothalamic obesity, which is more widely diagnosed than its current indication for Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
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.
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.
The obesity market leader has unveiled its second deal in days, paying $75m upfront for a potential first-in-class ACSL5 inhibitor, while the deal also provides some respite for Lexicon.
The company is planning to launch oxylanthanum carbonate for chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis with hyperphosphatemia.
After a long wait for patients, Vykat has become the first drug approved for Prader-Willi syndrome symptoms, opening the market up for Soleno and future challengers.
The obesity market leader is teaming up with China’s United Bio-Technology to develop a product they believe could beat Lilly’s late-stage same-class candidate retatrutide.
The Belgian firm banks nearly €77.7m to push its Charcot-Marie-Tooth to proof-of-concept.
The company sees potential for the GLP-1/glucagon receptor dual agonist in MASH as well as alcohol-related liver disease as hopes to move pemvidutide into Phase III in obesity with a partner.
Evaluate Pharma’s top 10 list of unpartnered mid-stage obesity assets shows that few credible challengers to Novo’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound remain available.
CEO Adam Steensberg has led a major change in fortunes for the Danish biotech since March 2022.