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Paxlovid benefits high-risk COVID-19 patients, reducing hospitalizations but not recovery time. Its efficacy in non-high-risk individuals and Long COVID remains uncertain. Future studies aim to explore Paxlovid's role in Long COVID treatment, focusing on high-risk groups and immune response markers.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) combine monoclonal antibodies with chemotherapy drugs to target and kill cancer cells selectively, sparing healthy tissues. Examples include tisotumab vedotin for cervical cancer and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan for HER2-positive tumors. ADCs offer targeted therapy with reduced off-target effects, improving treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. Despite advances, challenges like managing toxicities and resistance remain, with ongoing research aimed at enhancing ADC efficacy and safety.

Capricor Therapeutics reports deramiocel cell therapy slows Duchenne muscular dystrophy progression by 47%, improves cardiac function, with mild adverse events. Plans FDA discussions for BLA in Q3 2024, Phase III data expected Q4 2024. Potential to transform DMD treatment, impacting market and healthcare costs.

Switzerland excels in life sciences due to its strong regional hubs like Basel, Zurich, and Geneva/Lausanne, fostering innovation through bioparks and collaboration between academia and industry. This ecosystem supports start-ups and attracts global talent, maintaining Switzerland's leadership in drug discovery and biotech advancements.

Capricor Therapeutics' deramiocel cell therapy shows sustained safety and efficacy over three years for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), slowing disease progression by 47% and improving cardiac function. Adverse events were mostly low grade. Capricor plans to discuss BLA filing with the FDA in Q3 2024, with Phase III data expected in Q4 2024.

The AI-based clinical trials solution provider market is projected to grow from USD 2.2 billion in 2024 to USD 8.7 billion by 2034, with a 14.3% CAGR. AI enhances trial efficiency, patient recruitment, and data analysis, offering real-time insights and automating processes. Key drivers include personalized medicine, regulatory support, and the need for faster, cost-effective drug development. Challenges include data quality, ethical concerns, and regulatory uncertainties. Major players focus on innovation, partnerships, and expanding AI applications in clinical trials.

FDA expanded approval for Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy Elevidys to DMD patients aged 4 and older, including non-ambulatory ones, based on clinical benefits despite missing primary endpoints. Sarepta’s stock rose over 32%. Pfizer’s DMD gene therapy failed in Phase III, contrasting with Sarepta’s success in secondary endpoints, highlighting the unmet need and potential market for Elevidys.

Pfizer's phase III study on fordadistrogene movaparvovec for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) failed primary and key secondary endpoints. The therapy aimed to improve motor function in boys aged 4-8. Despite safety concerns, Pfizer plans to share detailed results soon. Sarepta Therapeutics leads the DMD treatment market.

The FDA approved Moderna's RSV vaccine, mResvia, for adults 60+, following GSK and Pfizer's vaccines. Aimed at preventing RSV, which severely affects infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised, the vaccine is expected by fall. Moderna's mRNA-based vaccine targets RSV's prefusion F protein, offering ease of use with a prefilled syringe.

GSK's RSV vaccine, Arexvy, gains FDA approval for adults aged 50-59 at high risk, marking the first such vaccine for this age group. It's already approved for those 60+ in several countries. GSK's stock rose 11.2% this year, with Arexvy generating £1.2 billion in 2023 sales. Pfizer's Abrysvo, another RSV vaccine, also seeks expanded use.