Company profile for Sanofi

PharmaCompass

Sanofi is a pioneer in Diabetes Solutions, Human Vaccines, Innovative Drugs, Consumer Healthcare, and the new Genzyme.

Related CompaniesRelated Companies

About

Sanofi Genzyme is the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, a leading pharmaceutical company. Sanofi Genzyme is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative treatments for patients with rare diseases, blood disorders, neurology, immunology and oncology, aiming to set new industry standards through groundbreaking innovation and scientific breakthroughs. The company combines scientific expertise, advanced technologies, and patient-centric approaches to drive research, development and manufacturing of breakthrough therapies. Sanofi Genzyme continues to be at the forefront of biotechnology and precision medicine.

CONTACT DETAILS

Click the arrow to open the dropdown

Events

Webinars & Exhibitions

CPHI Middle east

CPHI Middle east

Not Confirmed

envelop Contact Supplier

CPHI Middle east

Post an Enquiry

Meeting

Digital content read-more

Explore the latest content creation from this company

CORPORATE CONTENT #SupplierSpotlight

    https://www.pharmacompass.com/pdf/party/content/sanofi-party-content-1634792850.pdf

    https://www.pharmacompass.com/pdf/party/content/sanofi-party-content-48691.pdf

DATA COMPILATION #PharmaFlow

read-more
read-more
Medical Breakthroughs in 2024: Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, COPD, MASH see pathbreaking treatments
This year has seen pivotal advancements in medical innovation. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several groundbreaking therapies that promise to transform patient care across multiple therapeutic areas.Some of the therapies approved have revolutionary delivery mechanisms, while others are first-in-class treatments for previously unaddressed conditions. This week, PharmaCompass brings you a compilation of new pathbreaking approvals of 2024, including advancements in neurology, chronic conditions, mental health conditions, and innovative solutions for various other ailments.Lilly, Alpha Cognition, BMS transform neurological care with new Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia drugsThe neurological treatment landscape saw several major breakthroughs in 2024, particularly in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Eli Lilly’s Kisunla represents a significant advancement in treating early, symptomatic AD. Following decades of failed efforts, Kisunla’s approval, along with that of Eisai-Biogen’s Leqembi last year, marks a turning point in addressing AD.The drug works by targeting and clearing beta amyloid plaque from the brain, thereby attacking the disease’s underlying pathology, rather than just managing symptoms. Administered as an infusion every four weeks, Kisunla’s Medicare coverage makes it accessible to patients in the US who desperately need new treatment options. Alpha Cognition’s Zunveyl emerged as a promising new oral treatment for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s-related dementia. Only the second oral AD treatment approved by the FDA in over a decade, Zunveyl is a prodrug, or a biologically inactive compound that can be metabolized by the body to produce a drug. It remains inactive as it passes through the stomach and enhances cholinergic function in the brain.Perhaps one of the most exciting breakthroughs of 2024 was Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy. This revolutionary antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia represents the first novel approach to treatment since the 1950s. Unlike traditional antipsychotics that target dopamine receptors, Cobenfy works through cholinergic receptors, offering new hope to patients who struggle with the side effects of conventional treatments.Traditional antipsychotics have been associated with several mild and serious side effects such as weight gain, feeling unmotivated and sluggish, high rates of cardiac disease, and even early death. Cobenfy’s innovative mechanism of action has generated excitement in the medical community. Experts project Cobenfy to bring in US$ 7.5 billion in peak annual sales, thereby validating BMS’ recent, US$ 14-billion acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics.Verona, Sanofi’s drugs revolutionize COPD care; Madrigal’s Rezdiffra offers hope to MASH patients The landscape of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment saw remarkable advances in 2024. Verona Pharma’s Ohtuvayre brings the first new mechanism of action in over two decades for COPD treatment. This dual-action, inhaled medication serves as both a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent, offering a comprehensive approach to symptom management.Adding to this progress, Sanofi and Regeneron’s Dupixent achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first biologic approved for treating COPD. Dupixent is Sanofi’s best-selling drug. It is poised to cross over € 21 billion (US$ 23.5 billion) in sales by 2030, with COPD likely to contribute US$ 2.9 billion, predict analysts. Over 390 million people are living with COPD worldwide.In the field of liver disease, Madrigal Pharmaceuticals’ Rezdiffra became the first FDA-approved treatment for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced liver scarring. This approval represents a breakthrough in a field that has been notorious for being a graveyard for failed programs. Rezdiffra offers hope to patients with this common liver condition, which primarily affects those with obesity or type 2 diabetes. The American Liver Foundation has termed this approval a “game-changing” moment in hepatology.For the rare disease community, Ipsen’s Iqirvo emerged as the first new medicine approved in nearly a decade for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This first-in-class peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist offers new hope for the approximately 100,000 Americans affected by this condition, particularly women aged 30 to 60 years.A significant breakthrough for patients with hypoparathyroidism came with the approval of Ascendis’ Yorvipath, making it the only treatment for hypoparathyroidism in adults. By directly addressing the underlying hormone deficiency, Yorvipath helps stabilize calcium levels in the blood, reducing the treatment burden associated with managing symptoms through calcium and vitamin D supplements alone.In the realm of pulmonary medicine, Merck’s Winrevair emerged as the first new therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in over a decade. As the first approved activin-signaling inhibitor therapy, Winrevair represents a novel approach to treating this rare but severe condition that doctors call a “ticking time bomb”. The drug is the first treatment that targets the underlying cause of the lung condition, which typically leads to death within a decade of diagnosis.ARS Pharma launches nasal spray alternative to EpiPen, Eicos introduces med for severe frostbiteLeading the charge in innovative drug delivery is ARS Pharma’s Neffy, the first-ever nasal spray alternative to the EpiPen for treating severe allergic reactions. This groundbreaking advancement represents the first major innovation in anaphylaxis treatment in over a decade. For children and individuals with needle phobia, this nasal spray format addresses one of the most significant barriers to timely treatment of allergic emergencies. Speaking of emergency medicine, Eicos Sciences’ Aurlumyn made history as the first FDA-approved treatment for severe frostbite. This approval fills a critical gap in emergency care, offering a medical intervention that could prevent the need for amputation in severe cases.The cardiovascular space saw its first oral anti-hypertensive therapy that works through a new therapeutic pathway in almost 40 years. Idorsia’s Tryvio is a treatment for hypertension that offers new hope to patients whose blood pressure remains inadequately controlled on existing medications. Idorsia expects millions of patients to benefit from it.Our view This year, the pharmaceutical industry has taken a remarkable leap forward by addressing some of healthcare’s most challenging conditions. Treatments like BMS’ Cobenfy for schizophrenia and Madrigal’s Rezdiffra for MASH demonstrate the industry’s growing ability to translate science into practical therapies. With the growing use of artificial intelligence in the drug industry, we hope that these approvals are just a precursor to a bevy of pathbreaking therapies in the years to come. 

Impressions: 1780

https://www.pharmacompass.com/radio-compass-blog/medical-breakthroughs-in-2024-alzheimer-s-schizophrenia-copd-mash-see-pathbreaking-treatments

#Phispers by PHARMACOMPASS
14 Nov 2024
US, Europe turn to advanced manufacturing, stockpiling to strengthen drug supply chains
Over the last few decades, the United States and Europe have saved trillions of dollars by importing drugs from countries like China and India. Their journey wasn’t easy, with regulatory non-compliance and drug patent scams raising their ugly heads every now and then. The Covid-19 pandemic and the accompanying lockdowns were a wake-up call for these countries to take a long, hard look at their sourcing strategies.Over the last few years, both the US and Europe have embarked on policy changes and ambitious programs to strengthen their drug supply chains. PharmaCompass takes you through US and Europe’s journeys towards more robust pharmaceutical supply chains.Biden’s executive order, CARES Act, state-backed investments strengthen US supply chainDuring the early days of the pandemic, the US government (under former President Donald Trump)  had enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to address the economic fallout of the pandemic through a US$ 2.2 trillion stimulus. Through this act, the FDA had taken several drug shortage mitigation efforts. The new administration under President Joe Biden undertook more measures. Notable amongst them was Executive Order 14017 on America’s supply chains. It mandated a comprehensive 100-day review to identify vulnerabilities in key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The review noted that 87 percent of generic API facilities are located overseas, leaving the US healthcare system vulnerable to shortages of essential medicines.Through a Presidential Determination, Biden had also broadened US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) authorities under the Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950. HHS can now enable investment in domestic manufacturing of essential medicines and medical countermeasures under the DPA. The HHS has invested US$ 17 billion in domestic manufacturing for the medical supply chain, including US$ 500 million to support API manufacturing.Under this effort, Merck has been awarded a €121 million (US$ 132 million) government contract to set up a lateral flow membrane production facility at Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Similarly, California has launched an initiative (known as CalRx) and is working with CIVICA to make US$ 30 insulin available to all who need it.Europe encourages reshoring; EDQM develops monographs for unlicensed alternativesIn recent years, Europe has faced shortages of insulin, antibiotics, oncology drugs, corticosteroids and even paracetamol. To overcome these shortages, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is encouraging drugmakers to enhance manufacturing capacity and diversify suppliers.There is change visible on the ground. Companies like Midas Pharma, EUROAPI, Seqens are setting up API plants in Europe. Seqens has taken steps to reshore paracetamol production in France and is constructing a new € 100 million (US$ 109 million) production unit in Roussillon. Sanofi is investing €1.3 billion (US$ 1.4 billion) in a new insulin production facility at its existing site in Frankfurt. Similarly, Sandoz has set up a new antibiotic production plant in Austria and a new biosimilar development center in Germany.That said, we know that manufacturing capacities take time to build and are often financially unviable in the developed world. Ergo, a particularly innovative initiative has come from the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM). Their project aims to develop monographs detailing the preparation and testing of unlicensed drugs that can fill the gap left when licensed medicinal products are unavailable. To facilitate this initiative, the European Pharmacopoeia Commission is recruiting experts to verify proposed production methods and analytical procedures.The other means of guarding against supply and demand fluctuations is stockpiling. The EMA has advised the European Commission (EC) and marketing authorization holders (MAH) to stockpile medicines. The regulator has also asked MAHs to establish a shortage prevention plan for critical medicines. Europe’s Health Emergency Response Authority (HERA) is taking a systematic approach to stockpile management.Despite these measures, costs and market structures pose serious challenges. Medicines for Europe, representing the generic and biosimilar medicines industry, has raised concerns about the current market structures. They argue that government purchasing practices, which prioritize obtaining the lowest prices for off-patent medicines, are jeopardizing the European manufacturing footprint and discouraging investments in supply chain resilience.FDA, EMA promote continuous manufacturing; US relies on digital stockpilesDuring the pandemic, there were acute shortages of oncology, cardiovascular, anesthesia, anti-infective, neurological and anti-allergic drugs in the US. A 2022 study undertaken by the Washington University points out that there is excess manufacturing capacity in the US that can be considered for reshoring critical and essential drugs. In fact, 49 percent of generic drug manufacturing capacity in the US is lying idle, and many others are working at less than 50 percent capacity. These capacities can be repurposed. Various advanced manufacturing technologies, such as  “continuous flow and on-demand manufacturing capabilities in idled manufacturing sites offer the ability to reduce production cost,” says this report.FDA has been promoting “advanced manufacturing” technologies, such as continuous manufacturing, which are now a part of America’s overall strategy to strengthen and secure the pharmaceutical supply chain. The EMA has also released guidelines on continuous manufacturing of drug substances and drug products. Advanced manufacturing is a collective term for new or innovative medical product manufacturing technologies. Unlike batch manufacturing, which involves sequential processing and testing of material across multiple discrete stages (and often discrete facilities), continuous manufacturing combines the full manufacturing stream into a single, fully integrated flow. While continuous manufacturing may not be suitable for every drug manufacturing process, but where applicable, it tends to eliminate built-in production gaps and shortens the time taken to manufacture a drug from months to days.In the US, the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) plays a critical role in ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies during emergencies. It now also involves a digital stockpile that does not store physical goods and products. Instead, it stores electronic plans, instructions, and methods to make and test medical products. Digital stockpiles rely on one or more trusted suppliers that can make the product from the digital information, either through methods like 3D printing or self-contained distributed manufacturing lines.Our viewThe global pharmaceutical supply chain is a complex web spanning multiple countries and continents. While advanced manufacturing and stockpiling may work to an extent, a large chunk of generic drugs and APIs will continue to come from countries like China and India.In order to reduce reliance on China, the US has been proactively expanding its collaboration with India. But this time, there is increased emphasis on quality control. While FDA is increasing the number of inspections at Indian drug plants, the Indian government, on its part, has revised rules for drug manufacturing, with higher GMP standards.Taken together, a multi-pronged approach to addressing supply chain vulnerabilities should secure drug supplies to the US and Europe in the years to come.  

Impressions: 4030

https://www.pharmacompass.com/radio-compass-blog/us-europe-turn-to-advanced-manufacturing-stockpiling-to-strengthen-drug-supply-chains

#Phispers by PHARMACOMPASS
17 Oct 2024
BMS, Bayer, Takeda, Pfizer downsize to combat cost pressures, meet restructuring plans
Over the last two years, there has been a significant surge in layoffs by pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The trend spilled over to 2024. Data compiled by PharmaCompass indicates that between January and early-September, around 150 companies had implemented layoffs. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) tops the list of companies that downsized, with a staggering 2,284 job cuts. Bayer stood second at 1,816 retrenchments, followed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals at 1,155. Johnson & Johnson’s spin-off Kenvue is slashing over 1,000 jobs this year, while Roche subsidiary Genentech is cutting 529 positions, and Novartis is going ahead with its multi-year restructuring, and cutting another 770 jobs. One of the primary drivers of layoffs has been the need for companies to streamline operations and reduce costs. Many firms have faced financial pressures due to reasons such as declining revenues, increased competition, and the high costs associated with drug development. The current wave of layoffs has encompassed geographies – from traditional pharma strongholds like New Jersey, biotech hubs in Massachusetts and California, to Europe (particularly Germany and Switzerland). This is not to suggest that job cuts are a norm. Certain segments have been experiencing substantial growth and job creation. This includes companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk that have experienced remarkable growth due to the efficacy of their glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of drugs that treats type 2 diabetes and obesity.  View Our Interactive Dashboard on Biopharma Layoffs in 2024 as of Sept. 7 (Free Excel Available) BMS cuts 2,284 jobs to meet cost targets, Bayer hands pink slips to 1,816 employees Several large drugmakers have announced job cuts this year in order to meet their cost cutting goals, or as part of their restructuring exercise. BMS’ revenue had declined from US$ 46.2 billion in 2022 to US$ 45 billion in 2023. The financial pressure has compelled it to cut 2,284 jobs so far in this year, a move that sent shockwaves through the industry. Overall, BMS hopes to save approximately US$ 1.5 billion in costs by 2025 through this “strategic productivity initiative”. In Europe, Swiss-based companies like Novartis and Roche have announced substantial job cuts, while Bayer is reducing its workforce globally.  Bayer is laying off 1,816 employees worldwide, including 150 in Basel, Switzerland. A majority of these are management roles as the German drugmaker seeks to target € 500 million (US$ 557 million) in cost savings in 2024 and € 2 billion (US$ 2.23 billion) in 2026. Japanese drugmaker Takeda plans to eliminate 1,155 positions, including 324 jobs in San Diego and 641 in Massachusetts. Takeda is also winding down production and R&D operations in Austria, resulting in 190 job losses. Starting next month, Genentech, a Roche subsidiary, will lay off 93 employees in San Francisco. Earlier this year, Genentech trimmed roughly 3 percent of its workforce across several departments, impacting 436 employees. Roche also laid off around 340 employees in its product development team. Novartis has been undergoing a significant restructuring exercise since 2022, when it announced 8,000 job cuts in its global workforce. This year, it announced an additional 770 job cuts in its product development organization, separate from the previous reductions. Once again, it was workforces in Switzerland (440 job cuts) and US (269 job cuts) that bore the brunt. Tylenol and Band-Aid maker Kenvue, which spun off from J&J last year, announced plans to cut 920 jobs, representing about 4 percent of its global workforce. Additionally, the company will lay off 51 employees in New Jersey and 84 in California. These layoffs are part of Kenvue’s efforts to adjust its cost structure and become more competitive.  View Our Interactive Dashboard on Biopharma Layoffs in 2024 as of Sept. 7 (Free Excel Available)  Perrigo, Emergent Bio, Catalent, BioMarin trim workforces amid strategic shifts Several mid-size companies too are under tremendous cost pressures, with some of them feeling the need to reinvent themselves for the future. In February this year, Perrigo had embarked on ‘Project Energize’, a three-year initiative aimed at boosting organizational agility and achieving long-term success. As part of this project, Perrigo is cutting costs and laying off 6 percent of its staff, which translates into nearly 550 employees. CDMO-turned-biopharma Emergent BioSolutions plans to reduce its workforce by about 300 employees. The Maryland-based multinational is closing its Baltimore-Bayview drug substance manufacturing facility and its Rockville drug product facility in the state. Rare disease biotech BioMarin laid off 395 employees globally, about 12 percent of its workforce, as part of “organizational redesign efforts” to prioritize its new strategy with its hemophilia A gene therapy Roctavian and to preserve cash. Drug-delivery specialist Catalent has also been significantly impacted by restructuring efforts ever since it announced 1,100 layoffs in December. It had then attributed its fall in revenue to declining Covid-related sales, but had also noted that future GLP-1 manufacturing revenues could help stabilize its finances. True enough — it subsequently announced that it is in the process of being acquired by Novo Nordisk’s parent company for US$ 16.5 billion. However, Catalent reported reducing its headcount by an additional 300 in the fourth quarter of 2023.  View Our Interactive Dashboard on Biopharma Layoffs in 2024 as of Sept. 7 (Free Excel Available)  Pfizer job cuts continue to trickle in; Lykos, Lyra downsize after pipeline setbacks Clinical trial failures and financial constraints have also played a significant role in this year’s wave of layoffs. At Pfizer, job cuts continued to trickle in, with some estimates putting the number at 1,500 employees in 2024. These include 285 at its vaccine R&D site in New York, and 52 in San Francisco. The Comirnaty maker also pulled the plug on a long-anticipated, near-complete Seagen drug manufacturing plant in Everett, Washington. About 120 employees at the site were let go.  It has been a tumultuous time for Lykos Therapeutics, following the US Food and Drug Administration’s rejection of its MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Lykos announced laying off 75 percent of its staff (i.e. 75 employees). Its founder, who had spent 38 years working on the therapy, left the company and so did its CEO. However, Lykos has not given up and has roped in a Janssen veteran as senior medical advisor to get the therapy past the finish line. Similarly, Lyra Therapeutics is laying off 75 percent of its workforce (i.e. 87 employees) following disappointing late-stage results for its implant to treat chronic rhino-sinusitis. The retrenchments include its chief technology officer.  View Our Interactive Dashboard on Biopharma Layoffs in 2024 as of Sept. 7 (Free Excel Available)  Our view Technology, regulatory and pricing pressures are shaping strategies of pharmaceutical companies. The drive to do more with less could accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation in drug discovery and development processes. The employment landscape is certainly evolving. We foresee significant changes in the skills required for pharmaceutical and biotech careers, with a growing emphasis on data science and computational biology.

Impressions: 2329

https://www.pharmacompass.com/radio-compass-blog/bms-bayer-takeda-pfizer-downsize-to-combat-cost-pressures-meet-restructuring-plans

#PharmaFlow by PHARMACOMPASS
19 Sep 2024
Novartis, GSK, Sanofi, BMS shell out over US$ 10 bn in dealmaking, as mid-size deals take centerstage in 2024
The world of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology continued to evolve this year with strategic alliances reshaping industry contours. With mid-size deals taking centerstage, the growth trajectory appears to be marked by a balance of both caution and calculated ambition.The deal-making environment was robust in 2023, with over 2,000 unique pharma and biotech deals totaling more than US$ 410 billion, according to the PharmaCompass database. Last year, there were over 200 mergers and acquisitions (M&As) with transactions exceeding US$ 160 billion in total value. Oncology, infections and infectious diseases, and neurology had emerged as the top three therapeutic areas for deals.PharmaCompass’ analysis indicates that the momentum has been maintained in 2024. As of August 6, the industry had seen over 1,200 unique deals valued at more than US$ 230 billion, including over 120 M&A transactions surpassing US$ 60 billion in aggregate value. While oncology maintains its lead position, neurology and immunology have gained notable traction.The one big difference is that 2024 is yet to witness a mega-deal, comparable to Pfizer’s US$ 43 billion acquisition of Seagen in 2023 or Amgen’s US$ 27.8 billion Horizon buyout announced in 2022. The largest transaction thus far has been Novo Nordisk Foundation’s US$ 16.5 billion acquisition of Catalent, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).This compilation does not include deals related to acquisition of facilities, divestment, medical devices, diagnostics and animal health. We have considered deals announced, irrespective of when these transactions were completed. For a comprehensive overview of CDMO deals and developments in 2024, please refer to our dedicated roundup.View Pharma & Biotech Acquisitions, Deals & Agreements in 2024 as of Aug. 6 (Free Excel Available) Vertex buys Alpine Immune for US$ 4.9 bn; Gilead’s CymaBay buyout pays off via FDA nodAmongst the biggest acquisitions of 2024 was Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ buyout of Alpine Immune Sciences for US$ 4.9 billion. It granted Vertex access to protein-based immunotherapies, including the promising povetacicept for IgA nephropathy, a serious kidney disease.Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics for US$ 4.3 billion in February secured it access to seladelpar (Livdelzi), an experimental drug that received FDA’s accelerated approval this month for primary biliary cholangitis, a liver disease that affects the bile ducts. Eli Lilly bolstered its presence in the US$ 26.65 billion inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) market by purchasing Morphic Holding for approximately US$ 3.2 billion in July. Through this deal, Lilly gained the oral IBD therapy candidate MORF-057, which will offer a more convenient dosing option compared to injectable drugs currently available in the market. Lilly sees the IBD space as a way to diversify beyond obesity.Merck expanded its ophthalmology portfolio by acquiring Eyebiotech Limited for US$ 1.3 billion (plus US$ 1.7 billion in milestone payments), obtaining Restoret for diabetic macular edema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration.Japanese drugmaker Ono Pharmaceutical acquired Deciphera Pharmaceuticals for US$ 2.4 billion, gaining Qinlock for gastrointestinal stromal tumors and vimseltinib for tenosynovial giant cell tumors. Sanofi targeted rare diseases by purchasing Inhibrx for up to US$ 2.2 billion. The acquisition gave the French drugmaker access to INBRX-101 for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that can cause lung and liver damage.View Pharma & Biotech Acquisitions, Deals & Agreements in 2024 as of Aug. 6 (Free Excel Available)  Novartis buys two oncology firms for their assets; J&J, Genmab join ADC bandwagonNovartis has been on a shopping spree, and has made two significant purchases this year. First, it acquired MorphoSys for € 2.7 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), thereby adding the promising bone-marrow cancer treatment pelabresib to its pipeline. Second, it announced the acquisition of Mariana Oncology for US$ 1 billion upfront (plus US$ 750 million in milestone payments), thereby expanding into radioligand therapies (RLTs) to treat cancers with high unmet need. RLTs take a targeted approach, delivering radiation to the tumor, while limiting damage to the surrounding cells.AstraZeneca entered the field of radioconjugates, which is a promising modality in the treatment of cancer, by acquiring Fusion Pharmaceuticals for US$ 2.4 billion.In January this year, Johnson & Johnson had announced the acquisition of antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) developer Ambrx Biopharma for about US$ 2 billion. With this buyout, J&J has joined the likes of Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie and GSK who had entered this promising field through acquisitions last year.Similarly, Denmark’s Genmab bought ProfoundBio for US$ 1.8 billion in cash, boosting its oncology portfolio with three next-generation ADC candidates. This includes Rina-S, which recently received FDA’s fast track designation for the treatment of ovarian cancer.View Pharma & Biotech Acquisitions, Deals & Agreements in 2024 as of Aug. 6 (Free Excel Available)  Novartis signs multiple collaborations; GSK, Takeda, AbbVie sign billion-dollar dealsNovartis was not just busy signing M&A deals, it also signed a bevy of collaboration agreements. For instance, Shanghai-based Argo partnered Novartis on two early-stage RNA interference candidates for cardiovascular diseases, potentially earning the former up to US$ 4.2 billion plus tiered royalties.Novartis also agreed to pay up to US$ 3 billion (including US$ 150 million upfront) to Dren Bio to use the latter’s Targeted Myeloid Engager and Phagocytosis platform to develop bispecific antibodies to treat cancer.Moreover, the Swiss drugmaker expanded its peptide discovery collaboration with Japan-based PeptiDream in a deal worth over US$ 2.71 billion in milestone payments, plus an upfront payment of US$ 180 million. Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) are the next generation of targeted therapeutic drugs after ADCs and Novartis is, thus far, the only big pharma with FDA-approved radioligand PDCs. GSK entered a groundbreaking partnership with Flagship Pioneering, potentially worth over US$ 7 billion, to identify and develop 10 novel drugs and vaccines. The deal, starting with respiratory and immunology drugs, involves US$ 720 million in upfront and milestone payments for each candidate. This collaboration leverages Flagship’s extensive portfolio of over 40 biopharma companies with drug development capabilities.There were two significant deals in the field of neuroscience. First, Takeda said it is paying Swiss biotech AC Immune US$ 100 million upfront with potential further payments of US$ 2.1 billion for an exclusive option to license global rights to an Alzheimer’s vaccine and related immunotherapies.Second, AbbVie and clinical stage biotech Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals joined forces in a deal potentially worth over US$ 2 billion to develop a new class of psychedelic compounds for psychiatric conditions, combining AbbVie’s psychiatric expertise with Gilgamesh’s innovative neuroplastogen research platform.View Pharma & Biotech Acquisitions, Deals & Agreements in 2024 as of Aug. 6 (Free Excel Available)  Our viewDuring this year, companies like Novartis (with US$ 16.8 billion), GSK (US$ 14.5 billion), Sanofi (US$ 11.9 billion), Bristol Myers Squibb (US$ 11.6 billion), and AbbVie (US$ 9.1 billion) have made substantial investments in acquisitions, collaborations and other forms of dealmaking.Though the deal-making environment is robust, we notice a shift towards mid-size transactions. Alongside, we notice a growing interest in areas such as ADCs, radiopharmaceuticals, and protein-based immunotherapies, underscoring their growing importance in drug development. There has also been significant interest in silencing RNA (siRNA) therapeutics, highlighting the industry's focus on novel approaches to disease treatment. With the industry focusing on cutting-edge technologies that address unmet medical needs, we feel there is little reason to fret over the size of the deals.  

Impressions: 2444

https://www.pharmacompass.com/radio-compass-blog/novartis-gsk-sanofi-bms-shell-out-over-us-10-bn-in-dealmaking-as-mid-size-deals-take-centerstage-in-2024

#PharmaFlow by PHARMACOMPASS
22 Aug 2024
FDA approvals slump 19% in H1 2024; NASH, COPD, PAH get new treatment options
The first half of 2024 saw a significant slowdown in approvals of new drugs and biologics by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compared to the same period last year.FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) approved 21 drugs in H1 2024, reflecting a 19 percent decrease from the 26 approvals granted in H1 2023.  Of them, 81 percent (17) were first-in-class drugs (therapies that use a new and unique mechanism of action), while small molecules made up for 67 percent (14) of the total drugs approved.Similarly, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) granted approvals to only eight biologics, as compared to 10 in H1 2023.Health Canada also saw a drop in drug approvals as only 10 drugs were okayed in H1 2024, as opposed to 13 approvals in H1 2023.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) saw a marginal rise in drug authorizations at 15 for H1 2024 as compared to 14 approvals in H1 2023. Interestingly, the EMA also saw a surge in pending decisions (applications under review) — from two in H1 2023 to 14 in H1 2024.View New Drug Approvals in H1 2024 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available)Merck, Madrigal, Verona bag approvals for breakthrough meds; Lilly’s donanemab okayedThe first half saw some closely watched drugs win regulatory approvals. FDA approved a breakthrough therapy from Merck — Winrevair (sotatercept) — that treats adults with hypertension caused by the constriction of arteries in the lungs, known as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).Merck had acquired Winrevair through its US$ 11.5 billion acquisition of Acceleron Pharma in 2021. The therapy is set to generate nearly US$ 3 billion in global peak sales by 2028. Another breakthrough therapy approved in H1 2024 is Madrigal’s Rezdiffra (resmetirom), the first FDA-approved treatment for adults with the common fatty liver disease — nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Rezdiffra is expected to touch sales of US$ 2.1 billion by 2028.The agency also approved the first maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in over 20 years — Verona’s Ohtuvayre. The drug has a novel mechanism of action and is the first inhaled maintenance treatment for COPD. Approved in June by the FDA, Ohtuvayre is forecast to bring in global sales of US$ 1.5 billion by 2030.The approval of Eli Lilly’s donanemab was surprisingly delayed, and finally came through on July 2 after an FDA advisory committee voted unanimously in favor of its benefits outweighing its risks. To be sold as  Kinsula, the Alzheimer's drug is estimated to bring in US$ 2.2 billion in sales by 2028.Across the pond, EMA approved Novo Nordisk’s weekly insulin injection Awiqli (insulin icodec). The replacement insulin in Awiqli acts in the same way as the body’s own insulin and helps glucose enter cells from the blood. Meanwhile, FDA rejected this once-a-week insulin earlier this month and has requested information related to the manufacturing process.View New Drug Approvals in H1 2024 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) ImmunityBio, Geron, Day One win approvals for their oncology drugsIn what marks the first approval for ImmunityBio, FDA greenlit Anktiva (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln) as part of a combination therapy to treat a type of bladder cancer. Anktiva is a next-generation immunotherapy that creates long-term immunity by activating the so-called natural killer (NK) cells and T-cells. It will compete with Merck’s Keytruda. Anktiva’s yearly sales by 2030 are expected to be around US$ 1.7 billion.BeiGene’s PD-1 blocker Tevimbra (tislelizumab) got the go-ahead from the FDA as the treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after prior systemic chemotherapy that did not include a PD-(L)1 inhibitor. Tevimbra’s 2028 global sales are forecast to bring in US$ 1.6 billion.FDA signed off on Geron’s Rytelo (imetelstat) for treating transfusion-dependent anemia in patients with low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of blood cancers. This was Geron’s maiden approval and Rytelo is expected to bring in US$ 1.3 billion by 2030.Day One Biopharmaceuticals’ Ojemda (tovorafe