GlaxoSmithKline

Tulisokibart, an anti-TL1A monoclonal antibody, outperformed placebo in inducing clinical remission at week 12 in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, according to the ARTEMIS-UC trial. The study incorporated a predictive biomarker for response, showing significant clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, and clinical response in patients on tulisokibart compared to placebo. A phase 3 program is planned to confirm these results.

GSK discontinued its HSV therapeutic vaccine, GSK3943104, after a Phase I/II trial failure, highlighting challenges in developing a vaccine for genital herpes. Moderna and BioNTech are now leading contenders with mRNA-based HSV vaccine candidates in development.

FDA approves FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration, Novavax updates COVID-19 vaccine, GSK reports positive data for co-administered RSV and shingles vaccines, WHO adds MVA-BN mpox vaccine to prequalification list, New England ranks as most vaccinated region, pharmacist education reduces vaccine hesitancy, and Vaxcyte announces positive data for 31-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Avantor enters 10-year virtual power purchase agreement for 25GWh of renewable energy annually from 2026, supporting three new solar projects in Spain. The agreement reflects Avantor's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering supply chain costs.

GSK's Menveo, a MenACWY vaccine, recommended by EMA's CHMP for single-vial, fully liquid use to protect against invasive meningococcal disease. If approved, it will be licensed for children from 2 years, adolescents, and adults, simplifying immunisation. GSK's submission is based on positive phase IIb trials, showing comparable immunogenicity and safety to the existing formulation. The EC's decision is expected by November 2024.

Wegovy, a weight loss treatment from Novo Nordisk, is expected to be part of Medicare's second round of drug price negotiations in 2027, according to a recent paper. Novo Nordisk's CEO defended the high prices of its obesity and diabetes drugs, arguing that Medicare negotiations could stifle innovation. Other drugs likely to be negotiated include GSK's Trelegy Ellipta and Astellas Pharma's Xtandi.

Landmark, a three-year research partnership, aims to detail Parkinson’s disease through sequencing tissue samples from the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank. The project, involving Parkinson’s UK, Imperial College London, and pharmaceutical companies, seeks to identify predictive biomarkers and new drug targets. Funded by a £4m gift from the Gatsby charitable foundation, the initiative will apply snRNAseq to understand Parkinson’s at a cellular and genetic level, with data made freely available globally.

GSK's Menveo meningococcal vaccine in a new single-vial, fully liquid presentation receives positive European CHMP opinion. If approved, it will offer healthcare providers a non-reconstituted option for MenACWY vaccine before use, with a marketing authorisation expected by November 2024. Over 6 million doses of GSK's MenACWY vaccine have been distributed to European countries since 2017.

EMA's CHMP recommends a fully liquid Menveo (MenACWY vaccine) for invasive meningococcal disease, expected EU approval by Nov 2024. This single-vial option simplifies immunisation for children, adolescents, and adults.

S.K., D.A.M., J.P., H.S., X.Z., P.H., T.X., and H.S. have financial ties to various pharmaceutical companies, including stock ownership and advisory roles. F.C., J.D., E.V.C., H.S.W., T.Y., R.Y., and J.T. also report consulting or advisory roles and research funding from multiple institutions and companies.