Biopharma’s role in tackling coronavirus
The industry has a duty to develop Covid-19 antivirals and vaccines, but the nature of clinical trials means that lower-profile measures must take precedence.
Thermo Fisher buys Qiagen after all
Despite insisting last year that it was no longer for sale, Qiagen falls to Thermo Fisher for $10bn.
Coronavirus stock hype proves infectious
Coronavirus-focused investors have willingly backed bona fide development and egregious publicity stunts alike.
Safety scare knocks Novartis
Heightened Beovu safety concerns could turn into a big problem for Novartis, while rival Regeneron will make the most of any uncertainty.
Esperion shifts to show not tell
After spending years insisting that its cholesterol-lowering medicine has a place between statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, Esperion must now prove it.
Upcoming events – Filgotinib's ulcerative colitis data and serlopitant takes on pruritus
Gilead and Galapagos's filgotinib might not be a match for Rinvoq in ulcerative colitis, while Menlo needs to prove serlopitant works after previous setbacks.
Upcoming events – Avadel takes on Jazz and Axovant awaits early results
Data will soon show whether Avadel’s FT218 is more convenient than Jazz’s Xyrem, while Axovant will be looking for a dose response with its Parkinson’s gene therapy.
Astra turns to bispecifics to solve the treme problem
Astrazeneca reckons a bispecific approach can unlock the potential of CTLA-4 inhibition, and is to start a large phase II programme this year.
Biopharma’s big bet on cancer is laid bare
Drug developers have directed almost half of their dealmaking firepower at oncology projects over the past five years, with cardiovascular a distant second.
