GlaxoSmithKline

At EHA 2024, key studies on MM treatments were presented, including DREAMM-8, LINKER-MM1, and GMMG-HD7. Blenrep showed promising results in RRMM, with a 77% ORR. Linvoseltamab demonstrated efficacy in RRMM, with a 71% ORR. Sarclisa improved treatment responses in newly diagnosed MM, showing higher MRD negativity rates.

The FDA approved Moderna's RSV vaccine, mResvia, for adults 60+, following GSK and Pfizer's vaccines. Aimed at preventing RSV, which severely affects infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised, the vaccine is expected by fall. Moderna's mRNA-based vaccine targets RSV's prefusion F protein, offering ease of use with a prefilled syringe.

GSK's RSV vaccine, Arexvy, gains FDA approval for adults aged 50-59 at high risk, marking the first such vaccine for this age group. It's already approved for those 60+ in several countries. GSK's stock rose 11.2% this year, with Arexvy generating £1.2 billion in 2023 sales. Pfizer's Abrysvo, another RSV vaccine, also seeks expanded use.

Indian drugmakers urged to focus R&D on antibacterial and anti-fungal medicines, aligning with public health needs, especially for LMICs. ATMF highlights the global shortfall in developing replacement antibiotics against AMR, stressing the need for early access programs and broader registrations to combat superbugs and save lives.

ASCO's annual meeting highlights include BMS's Opdivo/Yervoy combo showing promise in liver cancer, Sanofi's Sarclisa combo reducing multiple myeloma progression, BMS's Breyanzi efficacy in lymphoma, and AstraZeneca's Enhertu improving breast cancer PFS. Other notable updates include GSK's Blenrep in myeloma, AstraZeneca's Imfinzi in lung cancer, and Pfizer/Takeda's Adcetris in Hodgkin lymphoma.

John Mulcahy, CEO of SiteOne Therapeutics, notes pain treatment's recent industry resurgence. The company aims to use new funding to achieve 'proof of concept' for its pain medicines.

The digital health market, valued at $180.2 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $549.7 billion by 2028, driven by technologies like mHealth, telehealth, and digital therapeutics. Key players include DexCom and Teladoc Health, with the US market leading at $88 billion in 2023. Telemedicine and wearable devices are pivotal, with the telemedicine market projected to reach $286.22 billion by 2030. Precision medicine and medical imaging technologies are also transforming healthcare, with companies like Merck & Co., Sanofi, and AstraZeneca leading in innovation and growth.

GSK removed branded Flovent, a crucial asthma drug for children, from the US market, replacing it with a costly generic lacking insurance coverage. This has left families struggling to afford essential asthma medications, despite some manufacturers capping out-of-pocket costs at $35. The situation endangers children's health, with limited, expensive alternatives available.

Pfizer's RSV vaccine Abrysvo showed promising immune response in higher risk adults under 60, similar to older adults. Pfizer plans to seek expanded approval for ages 18-59. GSK also aims to expand its RSV vaccine Arexvy's age range, with FDA decision expected by June 7. RSV is a major cause of pneumonia in toddlers and older adults.