ABBVIE

Amgen, a leading biotech firm, excels in oncology, cardiovascular, and other health markets, with a robust pipeline and strong cash position for growth. Its key drugs and biosimilars, including Tezspire and Lumakras, are expanding through approvals and label expansions, despite some sales challenges. Biosimilars like Amjevita are pivotal for future growth.

Integrin αvβ6 plays a crucial role in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling, with significant implications in cancer progression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Its up-regulation is linked to poor prognosis in various cancers, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. Research focuses on its biology, role in healthy humans, and therapeutic targeting strategies, including imaging and drug delivery approaches.

The biopharmaceutical industry fears the Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation could harm R&D investments. Despite concerns, major firms report increased R&D spending and optimistic future earnings. M&A activity remains strong, with a focus on small molecule drugs and treatments for older adults, showing little impact from the IRA.

The U.S. market sees biosimilars for nine types, with FDA approvals in two more. Byooviz competes with Lucentis; Humira biosimilars expected in 2023. Cardinal Health predicts biosimilars for Actemra, Stelara, Eylea, Simponi by 2024, Soliris, Prolia by 2025, and Enbrel by 2029. Recent biosimilars achieve 74% market share, indicating growing acceptance and potential savings.

The article reviews the high failure rate in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) drug development, analyzing 98 failed phase II and III compounds from 2004 to 2021. It highlights a 2.0% success rate, attributing failures to insufficient evidence for pivotal trials and trial design shortcomings. Recommendations include better adherence to drug development principles, targeting AD subtypes, and exploring multi-target approaches.

The global peptide cancer therapeutics market is projected to exceed US$ 20 billion by 2026, driven by the increasing prevalence of cancer and the demand for efficient treatments. Over 150 cancer peptides are in clinical trials, with more than 20 already marketed. Peptides offer advantages like high tissue permeability and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, making them effective in cancer management. Major pharmaceutical companies are investing in peptide-based drugs, with strategic alliances and new product launches fueling market growth.

Dominik Höchli, MD, with 20 years in biopharma, led global launches like Venetoclax. Wiebe Olijve, a biotech leader, discovered Keytruda. Carlos Cuesta-Mateos, PhD, specializes in onco-immunology. Fernando Terrón, MD, MBA, founded multiple biotech firms. Bert Jan Haijema focuses on therapeutic antibodies. Gerda van Tol manages clinical trials. Marlies Van Hoef, MD, PhD, MBA, has diverse biopharma experience.

Calico Labs, backed by Google, focuses on combating ageing through R&D, leveraging technology and collaborations. Partnered with AbbVie since 2014, they've extended their collaboration to 2030, focusing on age-related diseases. Calico also collaborates with academic institutions like Broad Institute and QB3, advancing research into longevity and age-related diseases.

AbbVie and Calico Life Sciences extend their collaboration to 2025, focusing on age-related diseases like neurodegeneration and cancer. Since 2014, they've developed over 20 early-stage programs, advancing three targets to clinical trials. Both will contribute an additional $500 million, sharing costs and profits equally.

The FDA approved Johnson & Johnson's Rybrevant, a bispecific antibody for treating a specific mutation in non-small cell lung cancer. Bispecific antibodies, targeting two proteins simultaneously, are emerging as a promising treatment for various cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, with several drugs in advanced clinical trials.