BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB

The FDA approved Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy, the first schizophrenia treatment targeting cholinergic receptors, offering a new alternative to traditional antipsychotics. Cobenfy, unlike previous treatments, does not target dopamine receptors, potentially reducing adverse effects like movement disorders and metabolic dysfunction. Despite skepticism, the approval opens doors for further innovations in mental health treatment.

Linear ablation combined with ethanol infusion via the vein of Marshall (EIVOM) significantly improves freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence without antiarrhythmic drugs (70.7% vs 61.5%; hazard ratio, 0.73) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing first-time ablation, according to a randomized clinical trial involving 498 patients.

T.C.-F.Y. advises and speaks for Gilead Sciences. G.L.-H.W. advises AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Virion Biotherapeutics, speaks for Abbott, AbbVie, Ascletis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Echosens, Ferring, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Roche, and received a research grant from Gilead Sciences.

Cassava Sciences appoints Freda Nassif as Chief Commercial Officer, positioning the company for commercial readiness ahead of Phase 3 trial results for Alzheimer's drug simufilam by end of 2024.

EMA CHMP recommends approval of Opdivo plus Yervoy for first-line treatment of MSI-H/dMMR unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer, based on CheckMate -8HW trial results showing significant PFS improvement and manageable safety profile.

Medicus Pharma Ltd appoints Faisal Mehmud, MD as Chief Medical Officer and promotes Edward Brennan, MD, FACS to Chief Scientific Officer & Head of R&D, focusing on expanding drug development pipeline and commercializing novel non-invasive treatments for basal cell carcinoma.

Halozyme proposes to acquire Evotec for €11.00 per share, creating a leading global pharma services company with capabilities in drug discovery, biologic manufacturing, and drug delivery technologies, diversifying and scaling Halozyme's revenue and EBITDA into the next decade. The all-cash transaction would be funded by cash on hand and new debt, with expected net leverage less than 2x two years post-close.

Bristol Myers Squibb's Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) recommended by EMA's CHMP for MSI-H/dMMR unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer, showing 79% reduction in disease progression risk compared to chemotherapy. EC to review for EU approval.