Zydus Cadila Group could make history after applying for approval for the first ever human DNA vaccine in India. But that could be just the start for a technology that could treat a vast array of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases and chronic diseases.
Just weeks after announcing plans to invest billions in an mRNA therapeutics research center, Sanofi SA has acquired Translate Bio Inc. for $3.2 billion, building on a development partnership focused around the technology.
After a long and tortuous development Astrazeneca plc’s anifrolumab has been approved by the FDA for the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), setting up a rivalry with its U.K.-based counterpart Glaxosmithkline plc. The first-in-class type 1 interferon receptor antibody, the first new drug for the disease in a decade, will be marketed under the brand name Saphnelo for adults with moderate to severe disease who are receiving standard therapy.
Zydus Cadila Group could make history after applying for approval for the first ever human DNA vaccine in India. But that could be just the start for a technology that could treat a vast array of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases and chronic diseases.
NHS England has announced a new £340 million (US$481 million) Innovative Medicines Fund, as the country grapples with the issue of bringing ultra-pricey specialist medicines to patients on the country’s taxpayer-funded health care system.
Sweden’s Calliditas Therapeutics AB has licensed its rare kidney disease therapy to Stada Arzneimittel AG in Europe to help it navigate the complexity of the region’s market, ahead of a potential European and U.S. approval in the coming months.
Shares in Ardelyx Inc. have crashed after its tenapanor, under FDA review for managing phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD), ran into trouble with the regulator. The company said that the FDA has identified “deficiencies” in the data package, which prevent discussions about labeling and postmarketing commitments.
French biotech Pep-Therapy SAS is taking its potentially first-in-class cancer cell penetrating peptide technology into the clinic, after raising €5.4 million (US$6.4 million) in an extended series A funding round. The series A fundraiser initially brought in €2.6 million, but the extension brought in a further €1.6 million in equity from Anaxago, i&i Prague and Badge as well as a €1 million loan from Bpifrance.
Cancer Research UK took a significant hit when its U.K.-wide charity shop chain had to close last year because of the pandemic. But, according to latest figures, its commercial arm could help it to bounce back after seeing its income more than double in the recent biotech boom. The organization reported record levels of investment in its spinout companies, which more than doubled in 2020-2021 compared with the previous year, jumping from £400 million (US$555 million) to £822 million (US$1.14 billion)
