NOVARTIS

Pembrolizumab plus chemoradiotherapy significantly improved OS for women with high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer, making it the new standard of care.

Merck's stock has risen 72% in 5 years, driven by Keytruda's success, but faces uncertainty as Keytruda's patent expires in 2028. Merck forecasts 2024 revenue growth of 5-7% and seeks new blockbusters, while competition from biosimilars and alternative treatments poses risks.

Experts at the Skin of Color Update discussed recent FDA approvals for dermatology treatments, emphasizing the importance of clinical trial diversity. Key approvals included roflumilast and tapinarof for psoriasis, roflumilast for seborrheic dermatitis, and roflumilast for atopic dermatitis. Additionally, biologic therapies such as bimekizumab for psoriasis, secukinumab for hidradenitis suppurativa, and nemolizumab for prurigo nodularis were highlighted. The FDA is developing a diversity action plan to ensure more inclusive clinical trials.

R.A.S., M.S.T., C.Y., R.N., H.S.R., M.D., A.J.C., E.S.-R., J.C.B., C.O., K.K., A.D.E., C.V., N.W., K.S.A., A.S.C., C.F., C.I., A.T., J.T., K.Y., L.H., K.G., F.M.H., T.S., A.L.A., P.B., P.N., G.L.H., W.F.S., J.P., P.P., A.D.M., D.Y., L.J.v.V., N.M.H., L.J.E. report various institutional research funding, advisory roles, consultancy, honoraria, patents, and stock ownership.

MEDSIR hosted an informational breakfast at the ESMO congress in Barcelona, bringing together key players in cancer research to discuss the future of breast and lung cancer treatments, emphasizing the importance of early detection, international collaboration, and the integration of AI and new technologies.

The FDA approved Roche's Ocrevus Zunovo, an under-the-skin injection for multiple sclerosis, expanding treatment options to centers unable to administer the IV version. The 10-minute injection, given twice a year, targets CD20-positive B cells and is based on a study showing no significant difference in Ocrevus levels when administered subcutaneously.

Various researchers report financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, including Deciphera, during and outside the conduct of the study.

Roche's subcutaneous Tecentriq approved for cancer treatment; Gilead's twice-yearly HIV shot reduces infection risk by 96%; Biogen appoints Lloyd Minor and Menelas Pangalos as independent directors; Sanofi secures rights to a rare cancer radiopharmaceutical; Eli Lilly to expand Irish manufacturing for Alzheimer's drug Kisunla.

The FDA approved Roche's subcutaneous formulation of Tecentriq, branded as Tecentriq Hybreza, making it the first SC anti-PD-(L)1 cancer immunotherapy in the U.S. The SC option reduces treatment time to about 7 minutes compared to 30-60 minutes for IV infusion and is available for all Tecentriq indications.

Roche's injectable Ocrevus, approved by FDA, shortens MS treatment time from hours to 10 minutes, available from October, reducing need for specialized infusion centers and potentially aiding competition defense.