Merck’s immunotherapy Keytruda has picked up yet another regulatory approval – this time in the US as a treatment for head and neck cancer.
News
BMS’ Opdivo fails to hit targets in lung cancer trial
Shares in Bristol-Myers Squibb dropped more than 20 percent on shock news that its flagship immunotherapy Opdivo failed to hit targets in a late-stage trial with lung cancer patients.
Novartis’ fevipiprant hailed a “game-changer” in asthma treatment
Researchers are hailing Novartis’ fevipiprant (QAW039) as a game-changer in asthma treatment after a Lancet-published trial showed its potential to significantly reduce the severity of the condition.
AbbVie sues Amgen to block Humira biosimilar
AbbVie has filed a lawsuit in the US seeking to block Amgen from selling a biosimilar of its arthritis blockbuster Humira, the world’s second-biggest selling drug.
NICE supports Novartis’ Cosentyx for ankylosing spondylitis
National Health Service use of Novartis’ Cosentyx to treat active ankylosing spondylitis is being endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Trusts offered chance to win £10m to lead health informatics
Twenty-six of the most “digitally advanced” trusts are being offered the chance to win a £10-million prize to help them become centres of global digital excellence and push better use of health technology.
Appeal court paves way for launch of Sandoz’ Reletrans
Novartis’ generics arm Sandoz is launching its long-acting buprenophine patch Reletrans in the UK following victory in a patent battle with Napp Pharmaceuticals.
Teva buys Allergan’s drug distribution group
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has unveiled plans to buy Allergan-owned US generics giant Anda for $500 million.
Roche pulls plug on Inovio deal
Roche has pulled the plug on its collaboration with Inovio after stepping away from the development of the second candidate, the hepatitis B DNA immunotherapy INO-1800.
Study shows long-term benefit with ReNeuron’s stroke therapy
ReNeuron’s CTX cell therapy candidate has been shown to improve neurological function in patients with stable motor disability following a stroke for at least 24 months, according to long-term data from a Phase I trial published by The Lancet.
NICE u-turn on Celgene’s Otezla for psoriasis
Patients with plaque psoriasis could be getting access to Celgene’s Otezla on the National Health Service in England and Wales after all, following a u-turn by cost regulators.
Cost of diabetes drugs to NHS nears £1 billion
Primary care services in England are now spending close to £1 billion on diabetes drugs, as the net ingredient cost for these medicines leapt £88 million to £956.7 million in 2015/16.
HIV campaigners win round in battle for HIV PrEP
The High Court in England has ruled that NHS England can indeed fund what campaigners are calling a “game-changing” drug that prevents the transmission of HIV, after health chiefs tried to ditch responsibility for commissioning the service.
Takeda/Tigenix’ stem cell therapy hits targets in Crohn’s trial
Takeda and TiGenix’ stem cell therapy has shown promise in inducing remission of perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease, according findings of a late-stage trial published in The Lancet.
MSD’s Keytruda approved in EU for lung cancer
Treatment options in Europe for patients with certain forms of lung cancer are being expanded with the approval of MSD’s immunotherapy Keytruda.
