Kronos Bio | MedPath

Biopharma Industry Faces Continued Layoffs in 2025 Amid Strategic Realignments

4 months ago

• Biopharma companies continue to announce layoffs in 2025, driven by strategic realignments, pipeline reprioritizations, and challenging financial conditions. • Several companies, including Intellia Therapeutics and IGM Biosciences, are cutting a significant portion of their workforce to focus on key programs and extend cash runways. • These workforce reductions are often accompanied by discontinuation of certain drug development programs and a shift in strategic focus towards core assets. • The layoffs reflect a broader trend in the industry as companies adapt to evolving market dynamics and prioritize efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Kronos Bio Halts Istisociclib Development, Considers Strategic Alternatives

6 months ago

• Kronos Bio discontinued istisociclib (KB-0742) development after safety concerns arose in a Phase I/II trial for platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer. • The trial revealed neurological adverse events in five of seven patients, leading to treatment discontinuation or dosage reduction in some participants. • Facing financial pressures, Kronos Bio is exploring strategic alternatives, including acquisition or merger, to maximize stockholder value and preserve cash. • The company is also seeking partnerships for preclinical assets KB-9558 and KB-7898, while focusing on IND application for multiple myeloma and autoimmune disorders.

Roche to Acquire Poseida Therapeutics; Merck, AstraZeneca, and Novartis Report Pipeline Success

6 months ago

• Roche will acquire Poseida Therapeutics for $1.0 billion, expanding its CAR-T therapy portfolio, targeting hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases. • Merck's Winrevair phase III study met its primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant reduction in morbidity or mortality events in advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension. • AstraZeneca's Truqap, combined with Zytiga and ADT, significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival in PTEN-deficient metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. • Novartis received European Commission approval for Kisqali to treat HR+/HER2- early breast cancer patients at high risk of disease recurrence, based on the NATALEE phase III trial.

Kronos Bio Advances Autoimmune Pipeline with KB-7898 for Sjögren's Disease

7 months ago

• Kronos Bio has nominated KB-7898, a p300 KAT inhibitor, as its first development candidate for autoimmune diseases, specifically targeting Sjögren's disease. • KB-7898, designed as an oral therapy, aims to modulate immune responses by inhibiting p300's cofactor role in interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) activity. • Preclinical data, to be presented at ACR Convergence 2024, demonstrates KB-7898's ability to reduce antibody production in B cells and cytokine production in T cells. • IND-enabling studies for KB-7898 are planned for Q4 2024, addressing the unmet need for treatments targeting the underlying cause of Sjögren's disease.