GlaxoSmithKline

Vesalius Therapeutics aims to revolutionize drug R&D by treating common diseases as multiple distinct diseases, using AI-driven molecular and digital human avatars. GSK's $80 million deal validates Vesalius's approach, focusing on Parkinson’s disease. The technology seeks to identify novel targets and intervention points, potentially eliminating the need for animal models in R&D.

Astellas Korea's CEO, Kim Junil, highlights Padsep, an innovative bladder cancer treatment doubling survival periods, and the swift introduction of new biologics for gastric cancer, emphasizing the company's commitment to patient benefits and innovative drug accessibility.

The phase 3 DREAMM-7 trial showed belantamab mafodotin-blmf (Blenrep) combined with bortezomib and dexamethasone significantly reduced the risk of death compared to daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients. Full results will be presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.

Belantamab mafodotin plus bortezomib and dexamethasone improved overall survival compared with daratumumab plus bortezomib/dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, according to the phase 3 DREAMM-7 trial.

Many biotechs that rose during the pandemic have faced challenges as their COVID-19 candidates faltered. CureVac, after its mRNA vaccine's low efficacy, restructured and partnered with GSK. Novavax, despite FDA approval, struggled with uptake and faced a clinical hold on its flu/COVID shot. Inovio Pharmaceuticals, once a frontrunner with DNA-based tech, faced controversy and delayed its FDA application. Veru's antiviral sabizabulin was denied EUA and now focuses on GLP-1 related treatments.

BioNTech acquires Chinese oncology startup Biotheus for $950m to develop BNT327/PM8002 antibody, aiming to enhance oncology treatment portfolio and expand in China.

GSK and Vesalius Therapeutics form $650m partnership to discover new treatments for Parkinson’s disease and another neurodegeneration indication, leveraging Vesalius’ platform to identify novel intervention points. GSK gains global rights to a preclinical small molecule programme focused on PD, with Vesalius receiving $80m upfront and potential milestone payments of up to $570m plus royalties.

GSK announces positive results from DREAMM-7 trial showing Blenrep plus BorDex significantly reduces death risk in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma compared to daratumumab plus BorDex, with full data to be presented at 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.

GSK's Phase III DREAMM-7 trial for Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) with bortezomib and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma met its key secondary endpoint of overall survival, indicating a significant reduction in the risk of death compared to standard care. The company plans to initiate a Phase III study for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients not eligible for transplant by late 2024.