Seagen Inc.

FDA approved zolbetuximab-clzb (Vylov) plus chemotherapy for HER2-negative, CLDN18.2-positive gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma, addressing unmet need in PD-L1–low/HER2-negative patients. Routine CLDN18.2 testing is crucial for targeted therapy in previously non-targetable populations.

Pfizer appoints Chris Boshoff, M.D., PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research & Development effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Mikael Dolsten. Boshoff will oversee all R&D functions and maintain Oncology R&D's integrated structure with Roger Dansey, M.D. as Interim Chief Oncology Officer. Johanna Bendell, M.D. will join Pfizer from Roche in 2025 as Chief Development Officer, Oncology.

GSK's DREAMM-7 trial showed belantamab mafodotin + BorDex significantly reduced death risk vs. daratumumab + BorDex in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, meeting OS secondary endpoint. Full results to be presented at ASH 2024.

DREAMM-7 trial interim analysis shows Blenrep plus BorDex significantly reduces death risk in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma compared to daratumumab plus BorDex. Full data to be presented at 2024 ASH Annual Meeting, with results shared with health authorities for regulatory filings.

Ottimo Pharma, backed by Medicxi and led by David Epstein, develops a bi-functional antibody targeting PD-1 and VEGFR2 to enhance cancer immunotherapy, aiming for clinical trials in 2025.

FDA approves Orlynvah, a new UTI drug for adult women with limited treatment options, set to be available by mid-2025. Also covered: potential chemotherapy efficacy issues in obese cancer patients, David Epstein leading cancer startup Ottimo Pharma, Apple's secret blood-sugar monitoring app testing, and Dr. Richard Cash's life-saving cholera therapy.

Ottimo Pharma appoints David Epstein as Chair & CEO, Mehdi Shahidi as Head of Development & CMO, and James Sabry as Vice-Chair. The company focuses on Jankistomig, a PD1-VEGFR2 bi-functional antibody for cancer treatment, anticipating an IND filing in late 2025.

Starboard Value criticizes Pfizer's recent lack of blockbuster drug launches and CEO Albert Bourla's leadership, citing issues with R&D efficiency, future returns on R&D investments, capital allocation, and forecasting. The group alleges Pfizer lost $20-$60 billion in value under Bourla and overpaid for acquisitions like Seagen.

Three S&P 500 dividend stocks—Pfizer, Realty Income, and Franklin Resources—are currently down 53%, 20%, and 43% respectively, offering potential 'forever' holdings with strong dividend yields of 5.8%, 4.9%, and 6%.

Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla's bold bet on a Covid-19 vaccine paid off, making Pfizer a household name and generating billions in sales. However, Pfizer's stock price has since dropped due to miscalculated vaccine demand and underperforming post-pandemic goals. Activist investor Starboard Value has taken a $1 billion stake in Pfizer, criticizing Bourla's leadership. Despite this, Bourla enjoys support from Pfizer's board and has implemented cost-cutting measures and reorganization efforts. Pfizer's post-pandemic slump, miscalculated demand, and underperforming new drug launches have led to a significant drop in stock value. Starboard's campaign against Bourla has become personal, accusing Pfizer of pressuring former executives to support Bourla. Bourla's ambitious goals and risks during the pandemic have been both praised and criticized, with some acquisitions yet to yield results.