AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca presented interim results of AZD0486, a CD19xCD3 BiTE, at ASH 2024, showing 96% ORR and 85% CR in r/r FL patients. AZD0486's CRS rate of 45% with all grade 1 events compares favorably to Epkinly and similarly to Lunsumio. A phase II trial is underway, with potential for first-in-class approval and $158 million in global sales by 2030.

Despite headwinds, the techbio sector continues to attract significant investment and drive innovation, exemplified by the 2024 launch of Xaira, backed by over $1 billion, aiming to design novel therapeutic proteins using advanced AI. The sector is maturing through strategic consolidation, significant capital deployment, technical diversification, and steady clinical validation, as illustrated by 25 techbio organizations, including notable players like Isomorphic Labs, Generate:Biomedicines, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Schrödinger Inc., all leveraging AI for drug discovery. Emerging players such as Archon Biosciences, AION Labs, and Antiverse are also making strides, while established companies like Insilico Medicine and Ginkgo Bioworks continue to expand their platforms and partnerships.

FDA approves durvalumab for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) after platinum-based chemo and radiation. LS-SCLC cells hide via PD-L1 proteins, making it aggressive. Durvalumab, marketed as Imfinzi, binds to PD-L1, aiding immune system to target cancer cells. Clinical trial results showed Imfinzi extended life expectancy to nearly 56 months compared to 33.4 months with placebo, delaying cancer progression to 16.6 months from 9.2 months.

The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to Daiichi Sankyo's ADC datopotamab deruxtecan for EGFR-mutated NSCLC, based on early TROPION-Lung05 trial results showing clinically meaningful tumor response. The drug, co-developed with AstraZeneca, aims to address significant unmet needs in advanced NSCLC treatment.

The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) for EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients who progressed after EGFR-TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy, based on TROPION-Lung05 and TROPION-Lung01 trials. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, with NSCLC accounting for 80-85% of cases.

Adenosine antagonists market growth driven by R&D in neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, and cardiovascular disorders. Innovations in formulation and delivery systems enhance efficacy and safety, increasing adoption. Key companies include Arcus Biosciences, Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Portage Biotech, Palobiofarm, iTeos Therapeutics. Promising drugs like Etrumadenant, Ciforadenant, PORT-6, and Inupadenant are in various clinical trial phases.

Datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) received Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) in the US for treating EGFRm NSCLC patients progressing after EGFR-TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy. Developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, the BTD was based on TROPION-Lung05 and TROPION-Lung01 trial data. AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo also submitted a Biologics License Application for accelerated approval.