Johnson & Johnson

Orasis Pharmaceuticals appoints Jeff Francis as VP of Sales and Sam Fakhoury as VP of Quality and Operations to support the commercial launch of Qlosi™, a novel eye drop for presbyopia treatment.

The global peptide therapeutics market is projected to grow from $42.1B in 2023 to $56.2B by 2030, driven by technological advancements, increasing demand for targeted treatments, and the rising incidence of chronic diseases. Peptide therapeutics offer high specificity and low toxicity, making them attractive for treating conditions like cancer and diabetes. Innovations in peptide engineering and delivery systems are enhancing their efficacy and stability, expanding their therapeutic potential across various diseases.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) to announce Q3 earnings on Oct. 15, with expected EPS of $2.21 and revenue of $22.16 billion. Recent MedTech acquisitions and drug trial halts are in focus. The company completed the acquisition of V-Wave, which will dilute adjusted EPS by 24 cents in 2024 and 6 cents in 2025. JNJ discontinued its Phase 3 SunRISe-2 trial for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Stock performance has been mixed, with a 9.40% rise in the past six months but lagging behind its 20-day and 50-day moving averages. The MACD indicator leans bearish, and the RSI suggests neutral territory. Investors await Q3 earnings for updates on guidance and segment performance.

FDA approves Imuldosa (ustekinumab-srlf), a Stelara biosimilar, for autoimmune diseases. Developed by Dong-A ST and Meiji Seika Pharma, marketed by Accord BioPharma. Launch anticipated in H1 2025 due to patent litigation. Stelara, a high-cost drug, generated $10.86 billion in 2023 revenue. Imuldosa is the fifth Stelara biosimilar approved in the U.S.

Starboard Value's proxy fight with Pfizer intensifies as critics target CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, alleging stock underperformance and overpaying in acquisitions. However, Pfizer's stock performance aligns with peers, and recent acquisitions show promising returns. The debate centers on Pfizer's strategic direction, with critics favoring short-term gains over long-term growth.

Nexalin Technology appoints Carolyn Shelton as Senior VP of Clinical, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, leveraging her 30+ years of experience in medical device industry to oversee clinical studies, quality systems, and regulatory submissions for the company's DIFS technology, aiming for global regulatory clearances and FDA Breakthrough Device designations.

Orasis Pharmaceuticals appoints Jeff Francis as VP of Sales and Sam Fakhoury as VP of Quality and Operations to support the commercial launch of Qlosi™, a novel eye drop for presbyopia treatment.

Accord BioPharma announces FDA approval of IMULDOSA, a biosimilar to STELARA for treating chronic inflammatory conditions. Anticipated launch in H1 2025, marking Accord's second biosimilar approval.

Ivo Abraham discusses early biosimilar research challenges in the US, emphasizing the need for affordable drug strategies and volume contracts. He recalls initial skepticism and the shift towards equity in biosimilar development.

Dong-A ST received FDA approval for Imuldosa, a Stelara biosimilar, amidst a crowded market of approved but unlaunched biosimilars. Stelara's sales are expected to decline post-2023 patent expiry, with biosimilars like Amgen's Wezlana and Samsung Bioepis's Pyzchiva set to launch in 2025. Stelara, an IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor, treats psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, plaque psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis.