AstraZeneca

2024 was a stagnant year for biopharma stocks, with the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) sliding 4% and the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) dipping 0.3%. Mesoblast's FDA approval led to a 35% jump in its ADRs. Top performers included Bright Minds Biosciences (+2,615%) and Monopar Therapeutics (+1,470%), while Aditxt (-99.89%) and CNS Pharmaceuticals (-99.84%) were the biggest losers.

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, an AI-powered biotech, leverages AI for drug discovery, potentially revolutionizing medicine. Its merger with Exscientia enhances its platform, offering a promising pipeline of therapeutic candidates. However, financial losses and competitive landscape pose risks, making it too early to invest with conviction.

2024 saw mixed progress in NSCLC treatment and screening. Sacituzumab govitecan failed to improve OS in EVOKE-01 trial. A BLA for datopotamab deruxtecan was withdrawn. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) was emphasized to address testing gaps. Updated guidelines expanded lung cancer screening eligibility by removing quit time and reducing pack-year criteria.

The global targeted protein degradation market is projected to grow from USD 0.548 billion in 2023 to USD 4.37 billion by 2034, driven by precision medicine, drug discovery investments, and technological advancements. PROTACs lead the market, with molecular glues expected to grow fastest. Therapy development dominates applications, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies are the largest end-users. North America leads in revenue, while Asia-Pacific shows the highest growth rate.

Lynparza (olaparib), co-developed by Merck and AstraZeneca, demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival for patients with germline BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer, according to 2024 clinical trial data.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals' shares rose 5% after FDA approved its RNA-targeted therapy, Tryngolza, for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), marking the first treatment for FCS in the U.S. The approval is supported by phase III BALANCE study results showing significant triglyceride-lowering and reduced acute pancreatitis attacks. Tryngolza is Ionis' first wholly-owned drug and independent commercial launch, expected by year-end. The company is also evaluating Tryngolza for severe hypertriglyceridemia and has collaborations with major drugmakers for various treatments.

Precision medicine startup Promise Bio emerged from stealth with an $8.3 million seed investment led by Awz Ventures, supported by AION Labs, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. The company received a grant from the Israel Innovation Authority. Promise Bio offers a cloud-based platform for epiproteomic analysis in precision medicine, focusing on immune-mediated diseases. The funds will accelerate development of its computational platform using epiproteomics and AI for predicting patient treatment responses and supporting drug R&D.

Roche's experimental Parkinson’s drug, prasinezumab, failed another key trial but shows potential in levodopa users, prompting further exploration. Despite mixed results, Roche plans continued studies and data evaluation.

Evaluating CHO cell clones expressing antibodies in fed-batch and semi-perfusion modes using microwell plates, we assessed growth, metabolic, and productivity performance, ranking clones by cell-specific productivity (qP) and Manufacturability index (MICL). Both strategies revealed operation mode and perfusion rate impacts on clone ranking, suggesting different candidate sets might be selected based on mode. Reproducibility of results demonstrated consistency in growth performance and ranking.

Japan's biopharma industry, once a global leader, declined significantly post-1990s due to economic stagnation, reduced R&D investment, and regulatory hurdles. Recent government initiatives aim to revitalize the sector, including easing drug approval processes and supporting startups, signaling potential for an upswing.