PFIZER INC.

Hematologists at ASH discussed limited sickle cell disease treatment options, weighing disease-modifying vs. curative therapies post-Oxbryta withdrawal.

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Pfizer, with a $143B market cap, is unlikely to make investors millionaires quickly due to slow growth. However, its 6.5% forward dividend yield and potential for modest appreciation make it a solid portfolio addition. The company plans to reduce debt and increase R&D investment, with potential growth from cancer drugs in phase 3 trials and an anti-obesity candidate in phase 2. Its current valuation is lower than historical averages, presenting a buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. merged with Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., forming a unified company under the name Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. The new company will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PVLA” starting December 16, 2024. Led by CEO Wes Kaupinen, Palvella focuses on rare disease biopharmaceuticals, with a late-stage clinical pipeline including QTORIN™ rapamycin for microcystic lymphatic malformations and cutaneous venous malformations. Backed by $80 million in cash, the company aims to fund operations into 2027 and expand its QTORIN™ platform.

PATINA trial results show IBRANCE® (palbociclib) significantly improves progression-free survival in HR+, HER2+ metastatic breast cancer when added to anti-HER2 and endocrine therapy, extending median PFS by over 15 months.

Focke Ziemssen, Michelle Sylvanowicz, Winfried M. Amoaku, Tariq Aslam, Bora Eldem, Robert P. Finger, Richard P. Gale, Laurent Kodjikian, Jean-François Korobelnik, Xiaofeng Lin, Anat Loewenstein, Paul Mitchell, Moira Murphy, David R. Owens, Nick Parker, Ian Pearce, Francisco J. Rodríguez, Jude Stern, S. James Talks, David T. Wong, Tien Yin Wong, and Jane Barratt disclose various financial interests including travel grants, personal fees, advisory board memberships, speaker fees, research sponsorship, and consulting roles with companies such as Allergan, AbbVie, Alimera, Bayer Healthcare, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, and others.

Pfizer and AFT announced phase 3 PATINA trial results showing Ibrance plus standard-of-care improved progression-free survival in HR+, HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. Median PFS was 44.3 months with Ibrance vs. 29.1 months without, extending PFS by over 15 months. Safety profile consistent with known data. Results presented at SABCS.

Foracort led with Rs 82 crore in sales, followed by Augmentin and Glycomet GP. Urology grew 18%, dermatology 16%, and cardiac/pain relief 13%. Respiratory therapies grew due to air pollution. Cold Preparation Ethicals and paracetamol subgroups performed well. VMN and dermatology segments grew significantly. Sun Pharma led with an 8% market share. 746 new SKUs were introduced, and 3,024 SKUs saw PTR changes.

The ZEST trial failed to enroll enough ctDNA-positive patients for niraparib to prevent breast cancer recurrence. Lessons include starting ctDNA testing during treatment and focusing on high-risk patients. Only 40 patients were enrolled, with niraparib showing a median recurrence-free interval of 11.4 months vs. 5.4 for placebo.

EMA’s CHMP recommended approval of eight new medicines, including BridgeBio’s TTR stabilizer and Geron’s telomerase inhibitor. BridgeBio’s Beyonttra acoramidis, following U.S. approval, seeks EU approval to compete with Pfizer’s Vyndaqel. Alnylam submitted an EMA application for Amvuttra vutrisiran.