AstraZeneca

Sanofi and GSK's Vidprevtyn, a protein subunit Covid-19 vaccine, shows promising phase 3 trial results, with 58% efficacy against symptoms, 75% against moderate/severe disease, and 100% against severe disease. It's effective as a booster, increasing antibodies 18-30 fold. Plans to seek US and EU authorization, with 100 million doses already produced.

Massachusetts biopharma firms set a record in 2021, raising $13.7 billion in venture capital, a 70% increase from 2020. Cambridge startups led with significant funding, though 42% of investments went outside the biotech hub. Despite 25 companies going public, raising $3.8 billion, the sector faced challenges, with a notable market downturn affecting publicly traded biotechs.

HUTCHMED announces the NDA for ORPATHYS® and TAGRISSO® combination for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC with MET amplification has been accepted by China's NMPA, triggering a milestone payment from AstraZeneca. The SACHI trial supports the NDA, showing improved PFS. HUTCHMED and AstraZeneca aim to enhance NSCLC treatment continuity and quality of life.

The FDA authorized AstraZeneca's Evusheld, a COVID-19 treatment combining tixagevimab and cilgavimab, for unvaccinated individuals aged 12+ with medical constraints. It's not a vaccine substitute, effective for six months pre-exposure, and reduces COVID-19 risk by 77%. Side effects include allergic reactions and fatigue.

Evotec and Exscientia used AI to develop an anticancer molecule in 8 months, a process traditionally taking 4-5 years. Exscientia's AI platform accelerates drug discovery, leading to partnerships and significant funding. AI's role in drug discovery is expanding, with companies like Recursion and BenevolentAI leveraging AI for innovative treatments and collaborations with pharma giants.

BRCA1/2 genes are crucial for DNA repair, with mutations increasing cancer risk. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) target these mutations, showing efficacy in BRCA1/2 mutated cancers and some BRCA wildtype tumors with HRD. FDA-approved PARPi include olaparib, rucaparib, and niraparib, used in ovarian, breast, and other cancers, despite potential hematologic toxicities.

Vaccines have drastically reduced or eradicated deadly diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, saving millions. With COVID-19 vaccines now rolling out, there's hope for ending the pandemic, mirroring historical successes in combating infectious diseases through vaccination.

UK Biobank, with a consortium of biopharmaceutical companies, launches a large-scale study to measure 1,500 plasma proteins in 53,000 participants, enhancing proteomics research. This aims to understand genetics-disease links, support drug development, and includes SARS-CoV-2 infection impact analysis.

Biologic therapy, including dupilumab, mepolizumab, and omalizumab, offers new treatment options for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), targeting T2 inflammation. These biologics show promise in improving symptoms and quality of life, with dupilumab being FDA-approved. Patient selection for biologics considers disease severity, polyp recurrence risk, and cost-effectiveness, alongside patient preferences and goals.

PARP inhibitors target cancer cells with BRCA1/2 mutations by exploiting their DNA repair deficiencies, leading to cell death. Despite their efficacy, resistance remains a challenge. Strategies to overcome resistance include combining PARP inhibitors with other therapies like BET inhibitors, immunotherapy, and traditional chemotherapies. Research focuses on enhancing therapeutic efficacy and overcoming resistance mechanisms.