ABBVIE

Teva and Sanofi's experimental drug duvakitug showed 'best-in-class potential' in Phase 2 trials for inflammatory bowel disease, with significant symptom improvement in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease patients. The drug targets TL1A protein, a focus for several pharma companies. Teva and Sanofi plan to advance to Phase 3 pending regulatory discussions, with Sanofi set to pay Teva $600 million upon initiation.

AbbVie to acquire Nimble Therapeutics for $200 million, adding its peptide synthesis platform and an IL23R inhibitor for psoriasis and IBD. AbbVie also completed acquisition of Aliada Therapeutics, bringing ALIA-1758 for Alzheimer’s disease into its pipeline.

The US biosimilar market surged in 2024, driven by FDA approvals and looming patent cliffs, with 63 biosimilars approved and 42 launched. Innovator companies like Novartis, Biogen, Pfizer, and Amgen are entering biosimilar development to mitigate sales erosion. Challenges include market access, reimbursement barriers, and HCP/patient perception. Education and transparency are crucial for biosimilar adoption, with AI tools potentially aiding HCPs.

New drug therapy Vyalev, developed by AbbVie with input from KU's Valentino Stella, aims to improve Parkinson’s treatment with a wearable pump delivering consistent L-dopa/carbidopa therapy. FDA approved in 2024, Vyalev showed superior motor symptom control in clinical trials. Stella, with a history of inventing FDA-approved drugs, highlights the impact of his work on patients' lives.

BioAge Labs halted azelaprag trials due to safety concerns; Biohaven's taldefgrobep alfa showed muscle-preserving effects in failed SMA trial, prompting obesity study. Roche's tiragolumab failed phase 3, dimming anti-TIGIT drug prospects; Gilead/Arcus' domvanalimab shows promise. AbbVie's emraclidine failed schizophrenia trials, impacting market cap. Cassava's simufilam failed Alzheimer's phase 3, amid SEC investigation.

A mother raises funds for gene therapy for her son's rare disease, offering to name the treatment after the highest donor. Edgewise Therapeutics' experimental drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy shows positive results. Neurocrine Biosciences gains FDA approval for a congenital adrenal hyperplasia drug. AbbVie acquires Nimble Therapeutics for $200 million. Viridian Therapeutics' drug improves thyroid eye disease symptoms. Novo Holdings' acquisition of Catalent is finalized. South African regulators end investigation into Vertex's cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta.

AbbVie announced positive phase 3 TEMPO-2 trial results for tavapadon, a Parkinson’s disease candidate, meeting primary and secondary endpoints. The company plans to submit a new drug application to the FDA in 2025. AbbVie acquired tavapadon through its $8.7bn Cerevel Therapeutics acquisition.

Dr Pooja Hingorani, Senior Medical Director of Oncology Early Development at AbbVie, shares her journey in STEM, overcoming challenges as a woman and immigrant to advance cancer treatments. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, diversity in experiences, and the unique strengths women bring to STEM, advocating for a more inclusive environment in the field.

The global Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapeutics Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4% during 2024-2032, driven by advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

Despite FDA approval of anti-amyloid antibodies for Alzheimer's, skepticism persists due to limited efficacy and safety concerns. The amyloid hypothesis, central to these drugs, faces challenges, with some experts questioning its validity. Despite this, companies continue to invest in anti-amyloid therapies, with ongoing efforts to improve drug delivery and efficacy.