PFIZER INC.

Novo Nordisk, Roche, and Terns Pharmaceuticals presented data on their oral obesity candidates at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting, showing weight loss figures of 4%, 4.9%, and 6.1% respectively. Roche's CT-996 led in efficacy but had high adverse event rates, while Novo's amycretin faced manufacturing challenges. Terns' TERN-601 showed potential for high efficacy and tolerability, though it requires further Phase II data.

Hill Holliday launches new healthcare practice, Hill Holiday Quest, led by former Pfizer executive Christy Lopé. The practice aims to tackle healthcare challenges from a client perspective, leveraging Hill Holliday’s DTC experience and Lopé’s expertise in consumer health and wellness brands. Quest seeks to bring fresh energy to the healthcare market by drawing on Hill Holliday’s broader network of non-health verticals.

Article sent to my@email.address. All fields required; separate multiple recipients with a semicolon. Active subscribers access full article; others directed to abstract.

The Global Gene Therapy Market is valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 19.25% during 2024-2035. Gene therapies aim to treat genetic disorders by introducing healthy genes or inactivating faulty ones. The market has seen significant advancements, with 345 companies involved in developing therapies, and 1,100 active clinical trials in April 2024. By 2034, gene therapies are expected to treat over 65.6 million patients.

FDA approves Sanofi and AstraZeneca's new filling line for Beyfortus, enabling expanded manufacturing capacity and supply in the U.S. for the 2024/2025 RSV season. Beyfortus, a long-acting antibody, was FDA-approved in July 2023 for infants and children up to 24 months old at severe risk of RSV infection. CDC analysis in March 2024 showed Beyfortus 90% effective at preventing RSV hospitalization.

Moderna's mResvia RSV vaccine uptake slower than expected, facing challenges from GSK and Pfizer. Moderna executives acknowledge initial optimism and difficulties in contracting and CDC approval.

The NIAGARA study showed AstraZeneca's Imfinzi improved event-free survival in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, with a 25% reduction in death risk. This contrasts with Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo, which was previously approved for adjuvant use. The FDA's cautious stance on perioperative studies may delay Imfinzi's approval, despite its potential impact. Other ongoing trials, like KEYNOTE-866 and VOLGA, aim to further evaluate immunotherapies in this setting.

Pfizer’s Phase II study of ponsegromab showed significant weight and muscle function improvements in cancer cachexia patients. The 12-week treatment with ponsegromab (400 mg) led to a 5.61% weight gain and better appetite, physical activity, and overall symptoms. No clinically significant adverse events were reported. Pfizer plans to initiate registration-enabling studies in 2025.

New therapy, ponsegromab, shows promise in treating cachexia, improving weight, appetite, and quality of life in cancer patients, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.