Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd

Pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges with over 14,000 layoffs in 2024 due to deteriorating financial performance, rising costs, and regulatory pressures. Companies like Pfizer and Takeda are cutting costs and closing R&D facilities, prioritizing short-term financial health over long-term innovation. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act is expected to further strain the industry by reducing revenue streams starting in 2026, adding to the impact of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and patent expirations. These financial pressures force companies to streamline operations and reduce expenditures, potentially leading to slower innovation and reduced capacity to bring new therapies to market.

July's Molecules of the Month feature Novartis' molecular glue degrader for sickle cell disease, Pfizer's tinlorafenib for melanoma with brain metastasis, AstraZeneca's AZ-PRMT5i-1 for MTAP-deficient cancers, MTX-531 for dual EGFR/PI3K inhibition, and LifeMine Therapeutics' XC219 discovered via top-down approach. Paxalisib shows promising data in glioblastoma, and Takeda's OX2R-selective agonist offers potential in Alzheimer's disease.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals announces FDA approval of Voquezna (vonoprazan) tablets for treating heartburn associated with Non-Erosive GERD in adults, marking a significant milestone for millions of GERD patients.

In Q2 2024, FDA and EMA approved 26 new/expanded indications and 9 new oncology agents, targeting 19 solid tumors and 5 hematologic malignancies. Highlights include 6 NSCLC treatments, 4 tumor-agnostic approvals, and 3 biologics for follicular lymphoma. Key approvals: alectinib, durvalumab, epcoritamab. Safety updates included hepatotoxicity risks and CAR T-cell therapy warnings.

Switzerland excels in life sciences due to its strong regional hubs like Basel, Zurich, and Geneva/Lausanne, fostering innovation through bioparks and collaboration between academia and industry. This ecosystem supports start-ups and attracts global talent, maintaining Switzerland's leadership in drug discovery and biotech advancements.

Denali Therapeutics reported Q1 2024 financials, highlighting progress in neurodegenerative and lysosomal storage disease treatments. Key updates include positive clinical data for tividenofusp alfa in MPS II, DNL343's Phase 2/3 ALS trial enrollment completion, and advancements in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s therapies. The company raised $500M in financing, focusing on BBB-crossing therapeutics.

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), the first ADC drug approved globally, targets CD33 in AML patients. Despite initial safety concerns leading to its withdrawal, reevaluation at lower doses showed improved safety and efficacy, leading to FDA reapproval in 2017. GO, combined with chemotherapy, enhances prognosis for AML patients, demonstrating its value in treating CD33-positive AML.

The global cytomegalovirus treatment market is projected to grow from USD 467.9 million in 2023 to USD 997.0 million by 2034, with a CAGR of 7.12%. Antiviral medications like ganciclovir and valganciclovir are key, with stem cell and organ transplantation applications leading growth. North America dominates, while Asia Pacific shows highest growth potential.

The cytomegalovirus infections market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.32% from 2024 to 2034, driven by high CMV prevalence, advancements in diagnostics, novel antiviral agents, and increased screening among pregnant women. The report covers market analysis, treatment methods, drug development, and competitive landscape across the US, EU5, and Japan.

Takeda and Janssen collaborate with ActiGraph to develop a digital measure for nighttime scratching in skin conditions, aiming to use it as a clinical trial endpoint for new drugs.