MERCK KGAA

The Cas nuclease market is forecasted to grow from $2.75 billion in 2023 to $6.56 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 19.0%, driven by advancements in genome editing, increased biotechnology funding, and demand for personalized medicine.

54% of patients with TGCT saw tumor shrinkage with pimicotinib, compared to 3.2% in the placebo group. Pimicotinib, a once-daily CSF-1R inhibitor, showed significant improvements in stiffness and pain, and was well-tolerated. Abbisko licensed pimicotinib to Merck KGaA for $70 million upfront, aiming to develop it for various conditions.

Merck KGaA's pimicotinib, a CSF-1R inhibitor, achieved a 54% objective response rate in a phase 3 trial for tenosynovial giant cell tumour (TGCT), outperforming Daiichi Sankyo's Turalio and potentially Ono's vimseltinib. The drug showed efficacy in reducing joint stiffness and pain, with Merck now planning to register it as the first systemic therapy for TGCT in China.

Merck KGaA announced that the Phase III MANEUVER trial of pimicotinib, developed by Abbisko Therapeutics, met its primary endpoint, showing a 54.0% objective response rate in tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) patients at week 25, compared to 3.2% for placebo. The study also demonstrated significant improvements in secondary endpoints, including stiffness and pain, with pimicotinib well-tolerated and showing no evidence of cholestatic hepatotoxicity.

Pimicotinib showed significant improvements in TGCT symptoms, with safety data consistent from previous reports. The MANEUVER study, involving both Asian and Western patients, aims to establish pimicotinib as a new treatment option for TGCT, addressing the unmet need for systemic therapy.

Biopharma layoffs continue into 4Q 2024, affecting companies like Thermo Fisher, Charles River, Pfizer, Evonik, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, AGC Biologics, and others. These layoffs are part of restructuring initiatives, site closures, and focus shifts in strategic core growth areas.

The Asia Pacific mRNA therapeutics contract development & manufacturing market is rapidly growing due to increased R&D investments, disease prevalence, and technological advancements. Infectious diseases dominate the market, with mRNA technology expected to be a 'game-changer' in vaccine manufacturing. Key markets include Japan, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, China, South Korea, and India. Horizon Databook offers comprehensive data, insights, and customizable reports to aid informed decision-making and strategic advantage.

PDS Biotech is preparing a Phase 3 trial for Versamune HPV + pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive HNSCC. CEO Frank Bedu-Addo discusses the company's history, technology, and clinical successes, including Versamune HPV's potential in HPV-positive cancers with a TAM exceeding $6B in the U.S.

The Biotechnology Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2024 to 2031, driven by key players like F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pfizer, and Merck KGaA. The market leverages biological systems for applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management, addressing health, food security, and sustainability challenges.