The FDA has cleared IND applications for UBT-251 injection, a long-acting triple-targeted glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/glucagon receptor agonist developed by The United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The United Laboratories International Holdings Ltd., for adult type 2 diabetes and for overweight or obese subjects.
In another boost to its diabetes portfolio, Medtronic plc was granted CE mark approval for its Simplera continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensor. The EU greenlight for Simplera follows the U.S. FDA approval for Medronic’s Minimed 780G insulin pump system earlier in the year. Simplera is an all-in-one disposable CGM sensor which features a two-step insertion process and will help patients who must have multiple daily injections (MDI) manage their diabetes.
Safety concerns overrode benefit when the U.S. FDA’s Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee (EMDAC) voted unanimously, 19-0, Sept. 21 that the potential risks of Intarcia Therapeutics’ ITCA-650 outweighed the compliance and A1C-lowering benefits the twice-yearly implantable exenatide-device combination product could provide for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Aiming to provide additional utility and information to its continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), Dexcom Inc. is tying in the nutrition information provided by Rxfood Corp.’s app for customers in Canada. Clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, health plans, employers and others can make the app available to the beneficiaries and patients who use the Dexcom G6 or G7 systems, once the program is rolled out.
A Sept. 21 U.S. FDA advisory committee meeting will either be a “Hail Mary” or a last gasp of life for ITCA-650, a twice-yearly implantable exenatide-device combination product intended to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Medwatch Technologies Inc. reported a patent for the use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, from collection of NIR LEDs surrounding a photo diode sensitive to wavelengths in the range 400 nm to 1650 nm, to noninvasively detect blood glucose concentrations, in a multi-sensing wearable device such as a watch or patch.
Innovent Biologics Inc. announced a HKD$2.37 billion (US$306 million) placement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) to advance its late-stage pipeline, including mazdutide, a GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist for diabetes and obesity. The company plans to offer 68 million new shares priced at HKD$34.92, which represents an 8.8% discount to the previous closing price of HKD$38.30 per share, the company said in a filing on the HKEX. Morgan Stanley is the sole placing agent.
Nemaura Medical Inc. recently raised $6.5 million in non-dilutive funding through a clean debt facility with no warrants or convertible elements. The funding came from its existing lender and is expected to fund Nemaura’s ongoing efforts to commercialize its daily disposable, wearable glucose sensors.
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has announced a new research alliance with Novo Nordisk A/S in diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. The collaboration will focus on advancing three programs over the next 3 years.
Abbott Laboratories took the next step in its years-long collaboration with Bigfoot Biomedical Inc. with the announcement after the market close on September 6 that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire the connected insulin cap maker. The financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close this month, were not disclosed.