BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB

Denovo Biopharma's DB104 (liafensine) receives FDA fast track designation for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Liafensine, a triple reuptake inhibitor, shows potential via a novel pharmacogenomic biomarker, DGM4, in phase 2b ENLIGHTEN trial. This marks a significant advance in TRD treatment and precision medicine for psychiatric diseases.

Bristol Myers Squibb forms Autoimmunity Cell Therapy Network (ACTioN) Steering Committee to advance CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases. Daniela van Eickels discusses unmet needs in severe autoimmune diseases and the potential of CAR-T to induce long-term remissions. ACTioN aims to foster collaboration, build knowledge, and adapt healthcare ecosystems for new therapies.

AI accelerates drug discovery by identifying candidates faster, reducing costs, and shortening timelines. It excels in early stages, chemical synthesis, clinical trials, and precision medicine, enabling quicker development of treatments for previously untreatable diseases.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical firms, sparking industry lawsuits and warnings of stifling innovation. Negotiations on the first 10 drugs are complete, with government estimates of $6 billion savings in 2023. Legal challenges argue the IRA is unconstitutional, while some industry voices express reluctant acceptance. The law could alter R&D strategies and regulatory approaches, potentially skewing towards biological drugs. Critics argue the IRA could curb innovation, while others see it as a necessary shift towards valuing truly innovative medicines.

Former Pfizer executives Ian Read and Frank D’Amelio decline to support Starboard Value’s efforts to reform Pfizer, citing support for current management. Starboard alleges coercion by Pfizer, which denies the claim. Starboard, with a $1 billion stake in Pfizer, seeks changes to boost profitability, criticizing excessive spending on acquisitions post-COVID-19 vaccine success. Pfizer faces challenges including falling vaccine sales, missed opportunities in obesity drugs, and patent expirations.

Regeneron, despite being a latecomer in cancer therapies, aims to leverage its packed pipeline to become a leader in the next wave of oncology treatments. Dr. Israel Lowy, senior vice president of translational and clinical sciences in oncology, highlights the company's focus on combinations like Libtayo and fianlimab, which could rival existing treatments like Opdualag and Keytruda. Regeneron's journey includes pioneering bispecific antibodies and facing early challenges, but with ongoing clinical trials and collaborations, the company seeks to establish itself as a major player in cancer therapy.

Recent acquisitions of cancer drug developers RayzeBio and Fusion Pharmaceuticals highlight radiotherapy's resurgence. Oncology sees advancements in genetics, immunology, AI, and personalized treatments. Funding remains robust, with potential for highest corporate rounds since 2021. Combination therapies and AI are crucial, with cancer vaccines and precision treatments offering hope. Despite challenges, progress in treating specific cancers has improved patient outcomes.

The World Companion Diagnostics & Liquid Biopsy Summit APAC, Nov 13-14, 2024 in Singapore, brings together experts to discuss NGS, biomarker development, and clinical trial assay advancements. The event offers networking, insights, and discussions on regulatory guidelines, market access, and novel technologies for precision medicine.

R&D World Index (RDWI) closed at 4,005.40, up 0.62%. Eight members gained, led by Alibaba (+6.71%), while 17 lost value, with Stellantis NV (-17.06%). Highlights include ULA's second Vulcan Centaur rocket launch, Microsoft's $4.75B investment in Italy's cloud and AI, Eli Lilly's $4.5B drug center, and India-US R&D collaboration talks.

Big Pharmas are aggressively acquiring radiopharmaceutical biotechs, inspired by Novartis' success with therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera. Companies like Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Sanofi are making significant investments, with deals involving Aktis Oncology, ARTBIO, Nucleus RadioPharma, PeptiDream, and RadioMedix, highlighting the sector's growth and potential.