GlaxoSmithKline

Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (BorDex) significantly reduced the risk of death in the DREAMM-7 phase III trial for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma compared to daratumumab plus BorDex, showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful overall survival benefit.

Pharma leaders discussed clinical trial quality at SCOPE Europe, emphasizing the shift from reactive to proactive, risk-based approaches. Challenges include cultural resistance and high implementation costs, highlighting the need for senior leadership support and data-driven decision-making to ensure quality and efficiency in clinical trials.

Echo IQ (ASX:EIQ) signed an integration agreement with top US cardiology hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, leveraging its FDA-cleared AI-powered algorithm for heart disease detection. This deal, following FDA clearance, positions EIQ for significant industry exposure and potential revenue generation, with further hospital partnerships anticipated. EIQ's technology targets aortic stenosis and heart failure, with reimbursement from insurance companies forming its revenue model. The company is also in advanced negotiations with the prestigious Mayo Clinic for clinical validation of its heart failure product.

GSK announces positive Phase III results for linerixibat in treating cholestatic pruritus associated with PBC, showing significant itch reduction over 24 weeks versus placebo. Linerixibat, an IBAT inhibitor, targets the root cause of itch in PBC, a rare autoimmune liver disease affecting women, with no current cure.

T.C.-F.Y. advises and speaks for Gilead Sciences. G.L.-H.W. advises AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Virion Biotherapeutics, speaks for Abbott, AbbVie, Ascletis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Echosens, Ferring, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Roche, and received a research grant from Gilead Sciences.

Medicus Pharma appoints Faisal Mehmud, MD as Chief Medical Officer and promotes Edward Brennan, MD to Chief Scientific Officer & Head of R&D. The company is developing a dissolvable doxorubicin-containing microneedle array (D-MNA) for non-melanoma skin cancer, with a Phase 1 study showing safety and complete response in six participants. A Phase 2 trial is recruiting 60 patients across nine U.S. sites.

Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics market includes symptomatic treatments (cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists) and disease-modifying therapies (anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies). Market growth driven by aging population, diagnostic advancements, and R&D investments. Market expected to grow from USD 5.5 billion in 2023 to USD 30.8 billion by 2033 at 18.8% CAGR. Major companies include Biogen, Merck, GSK, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi, Pfizer, Teva Pharmaceutical, and AbbVie, each with strategic initiatives and collaborations in Alzheimer’s research.

Sarilumab more effective than methotrexate in enabling steroid taper in polymyalgia rheumatica patients, according to ACR Convergence 2024 data.