IO Biotech - Executive Changes, Apr 15, 2024
IO Biotech has appointed Marjan Shamsaei, PharmD, as SVP of Commercial Development and Portfolio Lead for their cancer vaccine candidate, IO102-IO103, currently in a Phase 3 trial. With extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, including roles at Allogene Therapeutics and Five Prime Therapeutics, Dr. Shamsaei will report to CEO Mai-Britt Zocca, Ph.D., and will be based in the United States.
Full Article: https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/IO-BIOTECH-INC-129052295/news/IO-Biotech-Announces-Marjan-Shamsaei-as-Senior-Vice-President-46437986/
RenovoRx - Private Placement, Apr 15, 2024
RenovoRx Inc. closed a private placement, raising $11.1 million in gross proceeds, bolstering its balance sheet for advancing its Phase III TIGeR-PaC trial in pancreatic cancer and expanding its TAMPclinical pipeline. The study evaluates RenovoGem™ using the Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP) platform, with the second interim analysis anticipated in late 2024.
Full Article: RenovoRx Closes $11.1 Million Private Placement, Providing Cash Runway into 2026
Innovent Biologics - Executive Changes, Apr 15, 2024
Innovent Biologics, Inc. appoints Dr. Nageatte Ibrahim as Oncology CMO, bringing extensive industry expertise from Merck and GSK to lead global clinical development. Dr. Ibrahim's track record aligns with Innovent's goal of advancing innovative cancer treatments, bolstering its position in the biopharmaceutical landscape.
Full Article: Innovent Announces the Appointment of Dr. Nageatte Ibrahim as the Oncology Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
Innate Pharma - Positive trial data, Apr 15, 2024
Innate Pharma SA has initiated the Phase 2 dose expansion of the Sanofi-sponsored clinical trial for SAR443579 / IPH6101 (NCT05086315), an investigational anti-CD123 NK cell engager for blood cancers. The milestone triggers a €4m payment from Sanofi to Innate Pharma under their collaboration. Peter Adamson, Global Development Head, Oncology, Sanofi, expresses optimism about the study's progress for AML patients.
Full Article: Innate Pharma Announces Advancement of Sanofi-developed NK Cell Engager SAR443579 / IPH6101 Progressing to Phase 2 for Blood Cancer Patients
Johnson & Johnson - Drug Sales, Apr 16, 2024
Johnson & Johnson's Tecvayli, a novel multiple myeloma treatment, saw strong sales of $133 million in its first reported quarter, compared to $63 million the previous year. The majority of sales came from the United States, where it's used after four prior treatments. Jennifer Taubert, J&J's innovative medicines chief, highlighted rapid adoption globally, citing Tecvayli's potential for deep and durable responses. Additionally, the company's mainstay Darzalex reported a 21% year-over-year increase to $2.7 billion, with significant growth in the front-line setting, making the multiple myeloma franchise a "true stronghold" for J&J.
Full Article: Johnson & Johnson Reports Strong Launch for Tecvayli, Adding to Its Strength in Multiple Myeloma
Evaxion - Positive trial data, Apr 17, 2024
Evaxion Biotech's Phase 2 trial for the EVX-01 cancer vaccine, designed with their AI-Immunology™ platform, is progressing well. The first patient completed dosing with KEYTRUDA, showing promising safety and immune response results. The trial, initiated in 2022, aims to evaluate efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients, with a one-year clinical efficacy readout expected in Q3 2024.
Full Article: Evaxion Announces Phase 2 Clinical Trial Update: First Patient Completed Dosing with Personalized Cancer Vaccine EVX-01
Ultimovacs - Company Downsizing, Apr 17, 2024
Following the setback of its cancer vaccine in a phase 2 trial, Ultimovacs is making drastic cuts to its workforce, with 40% of staff being laid off to maintain financial stability. The vaccine, UV1, failed to meet endpoints in a study with Bristol Myers Squibb’s drugs, but Ultimovacs remains optimistic about other trials, including combinations with Merck & Co.'s Keytruda and AstraZeneca's Imfinzi and Lynparza, as well as ongoing enrollment in a trial with Regeneron's Libtayo.
Full Article: Ultimovacs Lays Off 40% to Survive Wake of Cancer Vaccine’s Phase 2 Fail
Bio-Path Holdings - Positive trial data, Apr 18, 2024
Bio-Path Holdings, Inc. completes the second dose cohort of its Phase 1/1b clinical trial for BP1002, targeting refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, including venetoclax-resistant cases. The trial aims to overcome resistance mechanisms by targeting the Bcl-2 protein at the mRNA level. With enrollment rates progressing well, the trial will pause for FDA review before advancing to higher doses, followed by combination therapy assessment in the Phase 1b portion.
Full Article: Bio-Path Holdings Announces Successful Completion of Higher Dose Second Cohort in Phase 1/1b Clinical Trial of BP1002 in Refractory/Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Patients
Pathios Therapeutics - Series B Investment, Apr 18, 2024
Pathios Therapeutics raises €23.4 million in its Series B financing, with Bristol Myers Squibb and existing investors participating. The funding will advance PTT-4256, an oral GPR65 inhibitor, into human trials for cancer immunotherapy by late 2024. Pathios aims to expand its team and explore broader therapeutic applications beyond cancer, leveraging genetic analysis supporting GPR65 as a key target for immunotherapy.
Full Article: UK-based Pathios Therapeutics Raises €23.4 Million Series B to Advance First-in-Class Immunotherapy Approach
Verastem Oncology - Executive Changes, Apr 18, 2024
Verastem Oncology welcomes Dr. John Hayslip as its new Chief Medical Officer, bringing extensive experience in oncology and drug development. Dr. Hayslip's leadership will drive clinical strategies, particularly focusing on advancing programs like the Phase 3 RAMP 301 trial for avutometinib. His expertise positions him well to contribute to Verastem's mission of developing innovative treatments for RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers.
Full Article: Verastem Oncology Announces Appointment of John Hayslip, M.D., to Chief Medical Officer
Outrun Therapeutics - Seed Funding, Apr 18, 2024
Outrun Therapeutics, a UK-based biotech startup, has launched with a $10 million seed investment from M Ventures and MP Healthcare Venture Management. They focus on developing small molecule drugs targeting E3 ligases to stabilize critical proteins affected by certain diseases, disrupting the body's natural disease suppression mechanisms.
Full Article: Outrun Therapeutics Launches with $10 Million Seed Funding to Develop E3 Ligase Inhibitors
Pathios Therapeutics - Series B Investment, Apr 18, 2024
Pathios Therapeutics has raised $25 million in its Series B financing, with Bristol Myers Squibb joining existing investors. The funding will advance their cancer immunotherapy approach targeting GPR65 inhibition, with lead candidate PTT-4256 entering human trials by late 2024. This strategy aims to counteract immunosuppressive effects within the tumor microenvironment.
Full Article: Pathios Therapeutics Raises $25M in First Close of Series B Financing to Advance First-in-Class Immunotherapy Approach into Clinic
DermTech - Company Downsizing, Apr 18, 2024
San Diego's DermTech, known for its melanoma-detecting skin sticker, is cutting half its workforce and considering a sale to save money. The company, which went public in 2019, aims to reduce costs amid financial challenges, including a $1.6 million restructuring charge. DermTech's board is exploring strategic options with investment banking firm TD Cowen. Despite the layoffs, the company plans to maintain laboratory operations and continue processing orders for its Melanoma Test.
Full Article: San Diego Biotech Company Making Melanoma Test Patch Cuts 56% of Its Workforce
Ultimovacs - Company Downsizing, Apr 18, 2024
Ultimovacs is downsizing its workforce by 40% to extend cash reserves until Q4 2025. Despite setbacks in Phase II trials, they expect positive results from upcoming trials like FOCUS and DOVACC. The UV1 cancer vaccine, especially when combined with Keytruda, holds promise despite past trial disappointments. They await data from DUVACC before making further decisions. Therapeutic cancer vaccines like UV1 show potential, with projected global sales reaching $4 billion by 2028.
Full Article: Ultimovacs Downsizes to Funnel Funds to Cancer Vaccine Programme
Genentech - FDA approval, Apr 19, 2024
Alecensa by Genentech has received FDA approval as the first adjuvant therapy for early-stage ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients post-tumor resection, showing a 76% reduction in disease recurrence or death compared to standard chemotherapy in the Phase III ALINA trial. This milestone marks a significant advancement in treating this specific lung cancer population.
Full Article: Genentech Oncology Treatment Granted First-of-a-Kind FDA Approval
Sanofi - Company Downsizing, Apr 19, 2024
Sanofi's restructuring in Belgium involves layoffs affecting 67 employees in Ghent and 32 at the HQ in Diegem. Investments are shifting from early research to clinical development, leading to the discontinuation of some activities in Ghent. Despite this, Ghent remains strategic post the Ablynx acquisition, focusing on treatments for rare blood disorders. Former CEO Olivier Brandicourt emphasized continued commitment to Belgium, including investments in biologics manufacturing in Geel and maintaining the Ablynx science center in Ghent.
Full Article: Sanofi Cuts Staff in Belgium as Early-Stage Research Dwindles
Nykode Therapeutics - Positive trial data, Apr 19, 2024
Nykode Therapeutics has initiated Phase 2 clinical trial VB-C-04, evaluating its therapeutic cancer vaccine VB10.16 alone or combined with Roche's atezolizumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer refractory to first-line treatment. Conducted in collaboration with The GOG Foundation, Inc., the trial addresses an unmet medical need. Dr. Bradley Monk, Director of GOG, underscores its potential to reshape cancer care, while Nykode's Chief Development Officer, Klaus Edvardsen, highlights VB10.16's promising clinical profile. Nykode retains commercial rights to VB10.16 worldwide.
Full Article: Nykode Therapeutics Initiates Phase 2 Trial of VB10.16 in Second-Line HPV16-Positive Cervical Cancer
