research
A mid-stage clinical trial of Eli Lilly's investigational combination therapy, which pairs its blockbuster weight-loss drug Zepbound with the amylin candidate eloralintide, achieved a 23.3% weight loss after 48 weeks. While the combination outperformed monotherapy treatments, high discontinuation rates due to tolerability issues have raised questions about its future development. This data comes amid a flurry of pipeline updates in the highly competitive obesity market, including new developments from Novo Nordisk, AbbVie, and Boehringer Ingelheim.
Sources: BioPharma Dive, STAT Pharma
other
Beam Therapeutics has filed a lawsuit against a former scientist, accusing them of stealing intellectual property and trade secrets to co-found YolTech Therapeutics, a Shanghai-based biotech startup. This legal action highlights escalating tensions and intellectual property security concerns between U.S. and Chinese biotechnology firms.
Sources: STAT Biotech, STAT Pharma
research
Vaxcyte announced that its experimental pneumococcal vaccine, VAX-31, successfully met primary endpoints in a Phase 3 clinical trial involving adults aged 50 and older. The 31-valent vaccine aims to compete directly with established offerings from Pfizer and Merck by protecting against a broader range of bacterial strains.
Sources: STAT Biotech
partnership
Sanofi and Regeneron have renewed their partnership to develop a new series of antibodies for immunological diseases, with Sanofi paying $1 billion upfront and up to $7 billion in potential milestones. Regeneron will lead R&D, Sanofi will handle commercialization, and profits will be split evenly.
Sources: BioPharma Dive, STAT Pharma
research
Adding an mRNA cancer vaccine to existing treatment successfully stopped the return and spread of melanoma in a late-stage clinical trial. These positive results boost hopes for the application of mRNA technology in treating other types of cancers.
Sources: STAT Pharma
research
Four-year clinical data for UniQure's experimental one-time gene therapy, AMT-130, showed a 44% slowing of Huntington's disease progression compared to an external control group. While the results demonstrate a sustained benefit, the treatment effect waned slightly between years three and four, and the difference was not statistically significant ahead of upcoming FDA reviews.
Sources: STAT Biotech
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