GlaxoSmithKline

MSD and Daiichi Sankyo presented interim results from the Ideate-Lung01 trial at WCLC, showing the 12 mg/kg dose of ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) had a 54.8% overall response rate (ORR) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 90.5%. The higher dose also showed improved progression-free and overall survival. Safety concerns included interstitial lung disease and gastrointestinal toxicities, but no 'great surprises'. The companies have started phase 3 Ideate-Lung02 study.

ESMO 2024 in Barcelona will feature discussions on cancer therapeutics, including anticipated presentations on bispecific antibodies and anti-TIGIT therapies. Other topics include radioligand therapies and synthetic lethality assets. Experts are optimistic about the potential of these therapeutic classes, despite past challenges.

GSK's phase III trial MATINEE shows Nucala (mepolizumab) significantly reduces COPD exacerbations in patients with type 2 inflammation. Nucala targets IL-5, a key cytokine in type 2 inflammation, and preliminary safety results align with its known profile. Full results to be presented at a future scientific congress.

The WHO's mpox declaration led to significant stock market increases for pharmaceutical, medical tech, and biopharmaceutical companies, while airline stocks declined, reflecting investor concerns about mpox's global spread.

News media often repeat drug makers' medical claims as news, giving pharma companies free advertising and potentially misleading consumers. Examples include a shingles vaccine's alleged dementia risk reduction, GLP-1 agonists' mental health benefits, and Xolair's new urticaria treatment, all linked to conflicts of interest. Medical journals complicate conflict of interest identification, and news media rarely investigate the sources of these claims.

Biologic drugs for asthma can be used during conception, pregnancy, and breastfeeding with shared decision-making. Use should be recorded in registries, and restarting after birth is recommended if halted. Inactivated vaccinations for infants are safe even if mothers received biologics. Concerns remain due to limited clinical trial data, especially for newer biologics like tezepelumab.

GSK's Nucala succeeded in a Phase 3 study for COPD patients with chronic bronchitis/emphysema, significantly reducing exacerbations. This follows a 2018 FDA rejection for lack of data. Nucala targets interleukin-5 and is already approved for severe asthma. GSK will discuss the new data with regulators and present it at a future medical meeting.

GSK announced positive results from the MATINEE phase III trial evaluating Nucala (mepolizumab) for COPD, showing a significant reduction in moderate/severe exacerbations. Nucala targets IL-5, key in type 2 inflammation, and is currently not indicated for COPD.