Seagen Inc.

The WSG-TP-II trial (NCT03272477) explored de-escalation of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy plus trastuzumab and pertuzumab in HR-positive, HER2-positive early breast cancer. Conducted in Germany, it compared 12 weeks of endocrine therapy or paclitaxel with trastuzumab and pertuzumab, followed by 1 year of adjuvant therapy. The trial found this regimen safe for chemotherapy de-escalation.

KEYNOTE-522 trial demonstrated significant overall survival benefit with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of 86.6% vs 81.7% with chemotherapy alone.

Starboard Value's proxy fight with Pfizer intensifies as critics target CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, alleging stock underperformance and overpaying in acquisitions. However, Pfizer's stock performance aligns with peers, and recent acquisitions show promising returns. The debate centers on Pfizer's strategic direction, with critics favoring short-term gains over long-term growth.

Recent acquisitions of cancer drug developers RayzeBio and Fusion Pharmaceuticals highlight radiotherapy's resurgence. Oncology sees advancements in genetics, immunology, AI, and personalized treatments. Funding remains robust, with potential for highest corporate rounds since 2021. Combination therapies and AI are crucial, with cancer vaccines and precision treatments offering hope. Despite challenges, progress in treating specific cancers has improved patient outcomes.

The drug and biotech industry thrives on M&A, new drug launches, and pipeline successes, with obesity drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading. Large drugmakers like Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Bayer are profitable and innovative, focusing on areas like weight loss, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s. Despite headwinds such as pipeline setbacks and macroeconomic uncertainty, investment in drug/biotech stocks has surged. The Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry ranks in the top 19% of Zacks industries, outperforming the Zacks Medical Sector but slightly underperforming the S&P 500.

Activist investor Starboard Value takes $1B stake in Pfizer, urging changes to improve performance. Starboard has approached former CEO Ian Read and ex-CFO Frank D'Amelio for assistance. Pfizer's stock has declined from $41 in 2019 to $28.58 due to lower COVID vaccine sales, RSV vaccine launch issues, and disappointing obesity pill data. Pfizer has spent $70B on acquisitions since 2020, including $43B on Seagen, drawing investor criticism.

E. Heath reports advisory/consulting, steering committee, honoraria/paid travel, speaker’s bureau, and research support from various companies. J.R. Ribeiro, K. Poorman, and J. Xiu report personal fees and other support from Caris Life Sciences. H. Mamdani reports other support and grants from Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca, and Genentech. A.F. Shields reports personal fees from Caris Life Sciences. G.L. Lopes reports stock ownership, honoraria, consulting, research funding, travel, and other relationships with multiple companies. S.A. Kareff reports personal fees and travel grants from various organizations. M. Radovich and G.W. Sledge report other support from Caris Life Sciences. G.A. Vidal reports relationships with Guardant360, Gilead, BillionToOne, Genentech/Roche, GSK, and AstraZeneca. J.L. Marshall reports personal fees from Caris. No other disclosures were reported by the other authors.

CD70 inhibitors emerge as promising immunotherapy candidates, targeting immune responses and cellular interactions. Dysregulation of CD70 is linked to diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, driving research into its inhibition. Clinical trials, such as Seagen's SEA-CD70 study, aim to evaluate safety and efficacy, potentially revolutionizing targeted therapies.

CD70 inhibitors, emerging in immunotherapy, target immune responses and cellular interactions, with >20 therapies in clinical trials. They offer precision medicine for diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, with ongoing trials like SEA-CD70 evaluating safety and efficacy.

Pfizer's stock has declined 30% over three years due to reduced vaccine demand and upcoming patent expirations, trading at 10 times forward earnings estimates. Despite challenges, Pfizer plans to offset revenue losses with new product launches and strategic acquisitions, aiming for $20 billion in revenue by 2030. The company's oncology business, bolstered by the Seagen acquisition, targets eight blockbuster drugs by 2030. Pfizer's cost-saving measures and revenue guidance raise suggest it's a buying opportunity for patient investors.