Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corporation

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.

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.

Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) demonstrated a favorable long-term benefit-risk profile through 76 weeks in adolescents with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, achieving EASI-75 in 84-96% of patients across three phase III trials. Both 15 mg and 30 mg doses met primary endpoints, with acne and nausea as most common adverse events. Long-term outcomes were consistent with known AE profile, with no new signals observed. The analysis involved 542 adolescents, with data gathered from August 2018 to April 2022.

PhotonPharma Inc. appoints Derek Brown as CEO, securing $2.5 million in seed funding for ovarian cancer therapy. Brown, with over 25 years of biopharmaceutical experience, replaces Alan Rudolph and will guide the company through its growth phase.

The ADC market, driven by technological advancements and personalized medicine, is expected to reach ~USD 26 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of ~14%. North America leads due to high cancer incidence and strong biopharmaceutical sector. Key players include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED, and Pfizer Inc. The market is dynamic, influenced by regulatory frameworks and innovation in linker technologies and payloads.

Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus reduced heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death risk by 14% in a Phase 3 trial involving people with diabetes and heart/kidney disease. Novo plans to seek FDA approval for Rybelsus to protect heart health in diabetics by end of 2024, positioning it alongside Jardiance and Farxiga. Rybelsus, an oral semaglutide, also shows potential in weight loss, though Novo has not yet filed for obesity approval.

Bridge Biotherapeutics, Daewoong, and Ildong Pharmaceutical lead in IPF treatment development, with Bridge's BBT-877 in Phase 2 trials targeting autotaxin. Daewoong's Versiporocin aims to reduce PRS protein action, while Ildong's IL1512 targets CXCR7. Hanmi's HM15211, initially for MASH, shows IPF efficacy. Boehringer Ingelheim's Nerandomilast met primary trial endpoints, but side effects are a concern.

Clinical trials face challenges from complex therapies, staffing issues, and tech integration. Despite this, Parexel, under CEO Peyton Howell, highlights DEI initiatives and tech advancements like AI for study startup and patient recruitment. Howell acknowledges the tech burden on sites and the need for better training. Staffing remains competitive, but Parexel's APEX program aims to streamline onboarding. Walgreens' entry into clinical trials, with patient-centric approaches and partnerships, offers potential benefits for research organizations.

Oprah Winfrey reflects on the impact of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which dominate the obesity market. The rise of GLP-1 drugs, initially for diabetes, has led to a 'silent revolution' in obesity treatment. Competition is heating up, with 16 new drugs expected by 2031. Small-cap companies like Viking Therapeutics and Terns Pharmaceuticals are emerging as key players, focusing on oral drugs and new therapeutic targets. Investors are advised to consider long-term efficacy and side effect management.

Tulisokibart maintained clinical and endoscopic improvements in IBD patients through week 50 in phase II trial extensions, with 48% of ulcerative colitis patients and 56% of Crohn's disease patients achieving clinical remission. The drug was well-tolerated with no identified safety signals.