NOVARTIS

The Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment Market is projected to reach USD 10.13 billion by 2030, driven by increased screen use, aging population, and eye disease prevalence. Evaporative dry eye syndrome dominates due to high screen exposure. OTC products lead, with only 10% on prescription therapies. Innovations and new product launches by key players like Novartis, AbbVie, and Oyster Point Pharma are boosting the market.

Novartis ranks first in the 2024 Access to Medicine Index, highlighting its leadership in research, development, and governance of access, with best practices in malaria access plans and product registration in LMICs.

Gender bias in cardiac treatment guidelines puts women at risk due to underrepresentation in clinical trials. Syndax Pharmaceuticals receives FDA approval for Revuforj in leukemia. Biosion sells antibody rights to Aclaris for $940M. Novartis expands radiopharma with $745M Ratio deal. Arbutus Biopharma presents promising hepatitis B cure data. Neurogene faces safety concerns with Rett syndrome gene therapy. Keymed out-licenses bispecific antibody CM-336 to Platina for $626M. Biopharma deal value surges 72% in October. China's biopharmaceutical sector sees growth driven by policy reforms. BioWorld Insider podcast features Modifi Biosciences' journey to acquisition.

Companies are adopting inclusive business models to reach low-income countries, but outcomes are mixed with unclear patient reach. R&D focus is insufficient, especially in low-income countries, risking exclusion of diverse populations and limited product access. Voluntary licensing and technology transfers are crucial for sustainable access, yet activities have slowed, with limited efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.

Two new drugs, an siRNA and an oral agent, reduced Lp(a) by 80% in phase II studies. Zerlasiran, the siRNA, lowered Lp(a) by 85% over 36 weeks, while muvalaplin, the oral agent, reduced Lp(a) by 70% with a traditional assay and over 85% with an intact assay. Both therapies offer potential for treating cardiovascular disease, with muvalaplin providing an oral alternative to injectables.

Muvalaplin, an oral drug, significantly reduced lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) by 70% in a traditional blood test and 85.5% in a new test, according to a phase 2 study presented at the 2024 AHA Scientific Sessions. The drug, developed by Eli Lilly, targets Lp(a), a genetically driven variant of LDL cholesterol linked to cardiovascular disease, with no current treatments. Muvalaplin disrupts the bonding of apo(a) to apoB, preventing Lp(a) formation, and also reduced oxidized phospholipids. The study involved doses of 10 mg, 60 mg, and 240 mg over 12 weeks, with 97% of participants achieving Lp(a) levels below 125 nmol/L. Phase 3 trials and cardiovascular outcomes trials are next steps before market potential.

Novartis' NVP-DFV890, an NLRP3 inhibitor with a unique sulfonimidamide motif, shows reduced hydrolysis and promising PK in humans. It is advancing in Ph. II trials for coronary heart disease and knee osteoarthritis, with discovery and preclinical data presented by Angela Mackay at EFMC-ISMC 2024.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals wins FDA approval for Revuforj, a leukemia treatment; Cybin's psilocin-based drug shows efficacy in treating depression; Neurogene halts high-dose gene therapy for Rett syndrome due to safety concerns; Eli Lilly's Zepbound reduces heart failure-related hospitalizations in trial.

Vera Therapeutics appoints Jason S. Carter as Chief Legal Officer, enhancing its team for the pivotal ORIGIN 3 trial of atacicept in IgAN, with topline results expected in Q2 2025 and a planned BLA submission to the FDA.