WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

A Phase II trial of AstraZeneca’s Fasenra (benralizumab) for eosinophilic asthma and COPD showed a significant improvement over standard care, with 45% of patients experiencing exacerbations compared to 74% in the steroid group. Fasenra was well-tolerated, with no fatal adverse events reported.

GSK's fully liquid Menveo meningococcal vaccine approved by European Commission, simplifying vaccination process against invasive meningococcal disease.

Australian-supported research published in The Lancet, JAMA, and JACC reveals GMRx2, a triple combination pill, significantly more effective at controlling hypertension than dual combinations, potentially revolutionising global hypertension management.

Winrevair (sotatercept-csrk) significantly reduced the risk of all-cause death, lung transplant, or hospitalization in a Phase 3 trial for PAH patients at high risk of dying, leading to an early trial conclusion. All participants are now offered Winrevair in the SOTERIA extension study.

Moupali Das, Gilead’s HIV Clinical Research executive director, emphasizes the need for inclusive HIV trials, particularly in addressing global health inequalities. The PURPOSE 1 trial, which included pregnant and lactating women, showed 100% efficacy for lenacapavir, a twice-yearly PrEP drug. Das highlights the potential of the PURPOSE program to impact disproportionately affected HIV groups, offering hope for new PrEP choices.

GSK's Menveo, a fully liquid MenACWY vaccine, received EC approval for use without reconstitution, aiding in the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease in children, adolescents, and adults.

Valneva SE submits label extension application to FDA for chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ® to include adolescents aged 12-17 and add 2-year antibody persistence data, following similar EMA and Health Canada submissions. Based on Phase 3 data, IXCHIQ® shows high, sustained immune response and is well-tolerated in adolescents, with long-term durability of immune response.

MediWound announces financial results for Q3 2024, including FDA approval of NexoBrid for pediatric use, $25M financing, and €16.25M EIC funding. NexoBrid demand exceeds capacity, with new manufacturing facility commissioning underway. EscharEx Phase 3 study for venous leg ulcers to commence post-IND submission by year-end, with a planned head-to-head Phase 2 study vs. collagenase in 2025. MediWound anticipates $20M revenue for 2024, down from prior guidance of $24M due to reduced BARDA funding.