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We’re a company that takes on the toughest health challenges. But we do more than treat diseases—we aim to make a remarkable impact on people’s lives. We are AbbVie, a highly focused research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our ~30,000 employees are scientists, researchers, communicators, manufacturing specialists and regulatory experts located around the globe. We come up with new approaches to addressing today’s health issues—from life-threatening illness to chronic conditions. We target specific difficult-to-cure diseases where we can leverage our core R&D expertise to advance science.

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Molecular glue degraders: Lilly, AbbVie sign billion-dollar deals; BMS leads with three late-stage drugs

This week, we delve into molecular glue degraders (MGDs), one of the most promising frontiers in drug development. MGDs address a vast number of previously “undruggable” disease-causing proteins.Unlike traditional small molecule drugs that require specific binding pockets, MGDs function by enhancing protein-protein interactions. MGDs selectively target disease-causing proteins and an enzyme known as E3 ubiquitin ligase. By creating a binding interface between the two, MGDs destroy the target proteins.Another kind of degraders are proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that use a bifunctional approach — one binds the target proteins, and the other binds to an E3 ligases together. These degraders induce the degradation of specific proteins by using the cell’s natural ubiquitin-proteasome system (a process in cells where damaged or unneeded proteins are tagged by a small molecule called ubiquitin and then broken down by a structure called the proteasome so that cells stay healthy and function properly).MGDs constitute a rapidly growing market, where both the targeted protein degradation technologies and investment in research and development are witnessing growth.Currently, the most recognized molecular glues are the immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs), such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide, which have been around for some time. According to GlobalData, lenalidomide generated over US$ 6 billion in sales in 2023, thereby demonstrating the commercial viability of this therapeutic approach.Lilly, AbbVie ink billion-dollar MGD deals; Biogen partners Neomorph; Pfizer, Triana ink collaborationThe MGD space has witnessed extraordinary deal-making activity over the recent months, with major pharmaceutical companies committing billions of dollars to secure access to novel MGD platforms and pipelines. This surge in investment reflects the industry’s growing confidence in the therapeutic potential of MGDs to address previously undruggable targets.This year has already seen two landmark deals. In February, Magnet Biomedicine entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Eli Lilly worth up to US$ 1.29 billion to discover and develop novel MGDs. This partnership leverages Magnet’s TrueGlue discovery platform and approach with Lilly’s expertise in the development of small molecule therapeutics. In January, AbbVie crafted a US$ 1.64 billion deal with molecular glue biotech Neomorph, combining AbbVie’s oncology and immunology drug development capabilities with Neomorph's leading molecular glue discovery platform.While oncology remains the primary focus, these collaborations are increasingly expanding into neurodegenerative diseases, immunological disorders, and other therapeutic areas. For instance, in October, Biogen and Neomorph announced a multi-target research collaboration to discover and develop MGDs for Alzheimer’s, rare neurological, and immunological diseases, potentially worth up to US$ 1.45 billion.October also saw Novartis sign a potential US$ 2.25 billion deal with Monte Rosa Therapeutics. The deal gives Novartis exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize multiple MGDs (including MRT-6160) for undruggable targets, including in the areas of immunology and inflammation, metabolism, and genetic diseases.Earlier in October, Triana Biomedicines and Pfizer entered into a research collaboration to discover novel MGDs for multiple targets across several disease areas, including oncology, with a total potential value of up to US$ 1.55 billion.And in August 2024, SEED Therapeutics entered into a strategic research collaboration with Eisai to discover and develop novel MGDs for neurodegenerative and oncological indications, potentially worth up to US$ 1.5 billion.BMS leads with three MGDs in late-stage trials; Monte Rosa’s MRT-2359 targets solid tumorsBristol Myers Squibb has established itself as a leader in the clinical development of MGDs with three products in late-stage development. These include a next-gen MGD mezigdomide (CC-92480), which is currently in phase 3 trials in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Another candidate is golcadomide, which is in late-stage clinical trials for high-risk first-line large B-cell lymphoma. And the third MGD in BMS’ portfolio is iberdomide, which has reached phase 3 development for multiple myeloma.Monte Rosa Therapeutics has made significant progress with MRT-2359, an investigational MGD that is currently in phase 1/2 clinical trials for the treatment of patients with MYC-driven solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and high-grade neuroendocrine cancer. Myelocytomatosis or MYC is a gene which causes various solid tumors when overactive.MRT-2359 represents an important advancement in extending the molecular glue approach beyond hematological malignancies to solid tumors, which have historically proven more challenging to address with protein degradation strategies.Other significant early-stage candidates are Nested Therapeutics’ NST-628 and Plexium's PLX-4545. NST-628 relies on a novel mechanism of action in its category of RAS-MAPK inhibitors, and overcomes some traditional limitations in the treatment of cancers.PLX-4545 is Plexium’s first small molecule degrader program to enter clinical development. This potent and selective MGD of a classically undruggable transcription factor, also known as Helios (IKZF2), explores treating solid tumors. Transcription factors are proteins that regulate gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences.Boehringer’s KRAS degrader advances PROTACs approach; Arvinas tests ARV-102 for neurodegenerative diseasesLike MGDs, PROTACs are also witnessing advancements in both R&D and dealmaking. For instance, BridGene Biosciences recently expanded its strategic collaboration with Galapagos to develop a selective oral SMARCA2 PROTAC in precision oncology. The SMARCA2 gene provides instructions for making one piece (subunit) of a group of similar protein complexes known as SWI/SNF complexes.In the clinical arena, Prelude Therapeutics announced a collaboration with Merck to evaluate PRT3789 in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in patients with SMARCA4-mutated cancers. PRT3789 is a potent and highly selective, first-in-class SMARCA2 degrader.On the molecular front, ACBI3, a novel pan-KRAS degrader developed through a collaboration between the University of Dundee and Boehringer Ingelheim, addresses a critical gap in cancer therapy by targeting 13 out of 17 prevalent KRAS mutants. KRAS mutation is a change in the KRAS gene, a common gene that can cause cancer. ACBI3’s development is a potential breakthrough for millions of cancer patients with KRAS-driven tumors.Vepdegestrant (ARV-471), a collaborative effort between Arvinas and Pfizer, remains the most advanced PROTAC candidate to date and has met its primary endpoint in a late-stage study in breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor 1 mutations. Similarly, Arvinas’ ARV-102 became the first PROTAC to be tested in humans for neurodegenerative diseases, marking a significant milestone in addressing brain-related disorders.Our viewMGDs offer a new, and groundbreaking approach to treating cancers and various other diseases, thereby attracting substantial investments by major pharmaceutical companies. As clinical trials show encouraging results, we expect investments in the MGDs space to increase even further.

Impressions: 525

Top first-in-class drug candidates of 2025: Ionis’ donidalorsen, Sanofi’s fitusiran, Cytokinetics’ aficamten await FDA approval

First‑in‑class drugs are therapies with entirely new approaches that improve patient outcomes and fundamentally change treatment paradigms.This week, PharmaCompass brings a compilation of 2025’s most promising first-in-class drug candidates. With their US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) action dates in 2025, many of these drugs, once approved, hold the potential of becoming blockbusters.Ionis’ donidalorsen, Sanofi’s fitusiran, Cytokinetics’ aficamten poised to transform patient careIonis’ donidalorsen is an exciting candidate designed to tackle hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare condition marked by unpredictable and potentially life‑threatening swelling episodes.This novel antisense oligonucleotide works by “silencing” the messenger RNA that codes for prekallikrein — a protein that triggers inflammation leading to swelling. Instead of blocking a protein once it’s made, donidalorsen stops the cell from producing it in the first place. This precision approach could mean fewer infusions and reduced side effects compared to traditional treatments.Another promising candidate is Sanofi and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ fitusiran. It employs the technology of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to lower levels of antithrombin — a natural protein that, when in excess, can impair the blood’s ability to clot. By reducing antithrombin, fitusiran rebalances the blood’s clotting process in patients with hemophilia A and B.Similarly, Cytokinetics’ aficamten is designed to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, obstructing blood flow. Aficamten works by inhibiting cardiac myosin, a protein that drives heart muscle contraction. This helps relieve symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. If approved, aficamten is expected to rake in annual sales of US$ 2.8 billion by 2030.UroGen, J&J’s candidates eye US$ 5 bn markets; AbbVie, Summit’s meds target lung cancerUroGen Pharma’s UGN‑102 is poised to redefine the treatment of non‑muscle‑invasive bladder cancer. This innovative formulation uses a reverse thermal gel technology that transforms from a liquid into a gel once inside the bladder. This change ensures that the chemotherapeutic agent, mitomycin, remains in contact with the bladder lining for a longer period, increasing its effectiveness at eradicating cancer cells and reducing the risk of recurrence.For patients, UGN‑102 could mean a non‑surgical, outpatient treatment option that is less invasive than traditional surgical methods. If approved, UGN-102 could address a US market of approximately 82,000 patients annually, translating into a market opportunity exceeding US$ 5 billion, according to company estimates.Johnson & Johnson’s nipocalimab is a new treatment aimed at helping people with autoimmune diseases — a group of conditions where the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. Nipocalimab works by blocking the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), thereby lowering the levels of pathogenic antibodies that drive many autoimmune disorders. J&J had acquired this FcRn blocker in 2020 as part of its US$ 6.5 billion takeover of Momenta Pharmaceuticals. J&J is trialing the drug in as many as 10 indications and expects peak annual sales in excess of US$ 5 billion.AbbVie’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), telisotuzumab vedotin, is designed as a “guided-missile” to deliver toxic drugs directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Telisotuzumab vedotin targets c‑Met, a receptor that is over-expressed in certain cancers such as non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There are currently no approved anti-cancer therapies specifically for c-Met over-expressing NSCLC.Summit Therapeutics’ ivonescimab is a cutting‑edge bispecific antibody designed specifically for NSCLC. Unlike traditional therapies that target a single molecule, ivonescimab binds simultaneously to a tumor-specific antigen on cancer cells and to a receptor on T cells, effectively bringing these two together so the body’s own immune system can recognize and attack the tumor. This dual engagement strategy helps overcome common mechanism tumors.Insmed’s Brensocatib is an innovative, first‐in‐class oral inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase‑1 (DPP‑1) that targets a key step in the inflammatory cascade. DPP‑1 is responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases — enzymes that, when overactive, can cause significant lung tissue damage in conditions such as non‑cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Brensocatib is expected to clock annual sales of US$ 2.8 billion by 2030.Gepotidacin, an investigational antibiotic developed by GSK, is poised to make a significant impact in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) and urogenital gonorrhea. If approved, it would be the first oral antibiotic in a new class for uUTIs in over two decades.Arrowhead, Regenxbio, Ultragenyx address rare, genetic diseasesArrowhead Pharmaceuticals is developing an innovative gene-targeting therapy — plozasiran. This drug uses RNA interference (RNAi) to interrupt the gene responsible for producing apolipoprotein C‑III (APOC3), a protein that regulates blood triglyceride levels. For people with severe hypertriglyceridemia or familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) — a severe and rare genetic disease for which there are currently no FDA‑approved treatments — high triglyceride levels can lead to pancreatitis and other serious cardiovascular issues. Regenxbio’s RGX‑121 is a one‑time gene therapy candidate for Hunter syndrome (MPS 2), a rare, inherited disorder that causes progressive neurological decline. The therapy uses a harmless virus to deliver a functional copy of the gene encoding iduronate‑2‑sulfatase (I2S) directly into the central nervous system. By restoring the missing enzyme, RGX‑121 aims to slow or even reverse the harmful buildup of substances in the brain that drive the disease’s progression.Another promising candidate is Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals’ one-time intravenous gene therapy UX111 for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS 3A). This devastating disorder, which leads to severe neurodegeneration in children, currently has no effective treatment. UX111 uses an adeno‑associated virus (AAV) to deliver a working copy of the SGSH gene, the deficiency of which is responsible for the disease. By enabling the body to produce the missing enzyme, UX111 holds the promise of slowing or even halting the progression of neurodegeneration.Our viewThis year has already seen several first-in-class approvals, such as Vertex’s suzetrigine (Journavx), a pioneering non‐opioid analgesic redefining pain management; SpringWorks’ mirdametinib (Gomekli), a breakthrough MEK inhibitor for a genetic disorder that often leads to the growth of benign tumors along nerves and; AstraZeneca and Daiichi’s ADC datopotamab deruxtecan (Datroway).Despite the volatile political environment in the US and its impact on federal agencies like the FDA, we are hopeful that many of the first-in-class drugs mentioned in this article will make a debut in 2025.

Impressions: 4200

FDA okays 50 new drugs in 2024; BMS’ Cobenfy, Lilly’s Kisunla lead pack of breakthrough therapies

In 2024, the biopharma industry continued to advance on its robust trajectory of innovation. Though the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) and the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) approved fewer drugs, there was a significant increase in medical breakthroughs.While the CDER approved 50 new drugs in 2024, as compared to 55 in 2023, the CBER granted 14 biologics approvals in 2024, down from 20 in 2023.The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved 34 new therapies, up from 32 in 2023, while Health Canada granted 28 approvals, down from 38 in 2023.The year saw long-awaited treatments being approved in areas such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease in the second half (H2) of 2024. In H1 2024, drugs to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had been granted FDA approvals.As the year drew to a close, FDA began approving drugs at a feverish pace, with 29 of the CDER’s 50 approvals coming in H2.Like most years, the landscape of drug approvals was dominated by oncology, with 15 of the 50 drugs (30 percent) approved targeting various forms of cancer. This was followed by dermatology and non-malignant hematology, each accounting for 12 percent of approvals. Notably, small molecules continued to dominate the market, making up for 64 percent of the new drug approvals, while 32 percent were proteins, including monoclonal and bi-specific antibodies. View New Drug Approvals in 2024 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available)Karuna-BMS’ schizophrenia drug, Lilly’s Alzheimer’s med, Neurocrine’s Crenessity dominate list of pathbreaking approvals in H2Out of the 50 new drugs approved in 2024, CDER identified 24 (48 percent) as first-in-class, showcasing novel mechanisms of action. The most anticipated approval of 2024 was Karuna and Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy, a groundbreaking treatment for schizophrenia. This fixed-dose combination of xanomeline and trospium chloride represents the first novel mechanism of action in decades for this debilitating psychiatric condition. Analysts forecast peak annual sales of over US$ 3.3 billion for Cobenfy. Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla (donanemab) became the third amyloid-targeting antibody to gain FDA approval. Unlike its predecessors, Kisunla offers a unique limited-duration treatment regimen, allowing patients to discontinue therapy once amyloid levels in the brain drop below a certain threshold. Priced at approximately US$ 32,000 per year, it is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to existing treatments. Analysts estimate peak sales of US$ 2.4 billion for Kisunla.Crenessity (crinecerfont), developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, became the first FDA-approved treatment in decades for classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (genetic conditions that affect the adrenal glands). Similarly, Vertex’s triple combination therapy of deutivacaftor, tezacaftor & vanzacaftor (Alyftrek) for cystic fibrosis represents a significant advancement in genetic disease treatment. Analysts forecast peak sales exceeding US$ 8.3 billion, underscoring the therapy’s potential to transform patient care.Meanwhile, Bridgebio’s Attruby (acoramidis hydrochloride) emerged as a promising treatment for cardiac amyloidosis, a life-threatening condition. View New Drug Approvals in 2024 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Roche’s Itovebi, Checkpoint’s Unloxcyt clinch FDA approvals in H2 2024; forecast to achieve blockbuster statusThe dominance of cancer drug approvals reflects the ongoing focus on targeted therapies, immuno-oncology, and precision medicine to improve outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.Among the year’s notable FDA approvals was Genentech’s Itovebi (inavolisib), another targeted therapy that treats hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer. Itovebi is a PI3Kα inhibitor designed specifically for patients with PIK3CA mutations, a common driver of resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer. It demonstrated a more tolerable safety profile. Roche projects Itovebi’s peak (annual) sales to reach CHF 2 billion (US$ 2.3 billion).Checkpoint Therapeutics’ Unloxcyt (cosibelimab) joined the crowded checkpoint inhibitor market as the eleventh PD-1/PD-L1-targeting monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA. It was granted approval for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), an aggressive form of skin cancer with high recurrence rates. As compared to other checkpoint inhibitors, like Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab), Unloxcyt is likely to offer an advantage in immune activation.FDA also approved Astellas’ Vyloy (zolbetuximab), a first-in-class monoclonal antibody for metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Analysts forecast peak sales of approximately US$ 850 million for Vyloy.Syndax Pharmaceuticals’ Revuforj (revumenib) was approved by FDA to treat a type of acute leukemia in both adults and children. This approval introduces a novel class of medications known as menin inhibitors. These agents are currently in clinical development for the treatment of genetically defined subsets of acute leukemia. These inhibitors function by preventing the activation of cancer growth-related proteins. View New Drug Approvals in 2024 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Potential blockbusters Lilly’s Ebglyss, Galderma’s Nemluvio lead advances in dermatologyEli Lilly’s Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) garnered significant attention. Approved by FDA for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, this monoclonal antibody introduces a less burdensome dosing regimen compared to its competitors, with maintenance therapy required only once a month. This feature positions it as a potential contender to Dupixent (dupilumab), a market leader in atopic dermatitis. Ebglyss sales are forecast to reach US$ 1.9 billion by 2030.Galderma’s Nemluvio (nemolizumab) secured FDA approval for two indications in 2024 — prurigo nodularis (a chronic disorder of the skin) and moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 years and older. As the first humanized IgG2 monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-31 receptor, Nemluvio directly inhibits the key driver of itch and inflammation in both these conditions. With its unique mechanism and broad dermatology potential, analysts forecast peak sales of approximately US$ 1.66 billion. Ebglyss and Nemluvio underscore the growing importance of biologics in dermatological care.Botanix Pharmaceuticals also made strides in dermatology by clinching an FDA approval for Sofdra (sofpironium) in June. The drug has been okayed for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis, a condition characterized by excessive sweating.Ascendis Pharma’s Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide), a therapy approved by FDA to treat hypoparathyroidism, is forecast to achieve blockbuster sales of US$ 1.8 billion by 2030, highlighting its potential to transform endocrine care. View New Drug Approvals in 2024 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Our viewOverall, 2024 was defined by its breakthrough drug approvals. The year also saw significant reduction in complete response letters (CRLs) — they dropped from 43 in 2023 to just 29 in 2024. This suggests improved industry preparedness and alignment with regulatory expectations.The new year began with the approval of Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan) from AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, marking a significant advancement in oncology. Several other promising new drugs are coming up for FDA approval this year, such as J&J’s nipocalimab, Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ suzetrigine, Elevar Therapeutics’ rivoceranib/camrelizumab, Sanofi’s fitusiran and GSK’s gepotidacin. Hopefully, the momentum of breakthrough approvals will continue through 2025, political headwinds in the US notwithstanding.

Impressions: 10184

FDA’s landmark approvals of BMS’ schizo med, Madrigal’s MASH drug, US$ 16.5 bn Catalent buyout make it to top 10 news of 2024

The year 2024 was marked by some landmark drug approvals in the areas of schizophrenia, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Alzheimer’s disease. The incoming Trump administration, monkeypox outbreak and drug price negotiations in the US also created big news. Here is PharmaCompass’ compilation of the top 10 news from Phispers of 2024. I. BMS’ US$ 14 bn Karuna bet pays off with landmark FDA approval for schizophrenia med Cobenfy The US Food and Drug Administration’s groundbreaking approval of Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy to treat schizophrenia has made it to our number one spot. BMS had acquired Cobenfy through its US$ 14 billion purchase of Karuna Therapeutics, announced in December 2023. Cobenfy is the first-ever antipsychotic that targets cholinergic receptors. Cobenfy’s new approach has experts excited. Its peak sales are expected to come in at US$ 7.5 billion a year. While BMS’ Karuna buyout paid off, AbbVie’s US$ 8.7 billion acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics was dampened when their lead candidate and schizophrenia drug emraclidine failed to meet phase 2 endpoints in two pivotal trials. II. 2024’s biggest deal, US$ 16.5 bn Catalent buyout by Novo’s parent, cleared after intense scrutiny On number two spot is Novo Nordisk Foundation’s acquistion of Catalent via its investment arm Novo Holdings for US$ 16.5 billion, announced in February 2024. Novo Holdings plans to sell three of Catalent’s “fill-finish” sites to Novo Nordisk for US$ 11 billion. Easily the biggest biopharma acquisition of last year, the deal faced criticism from lawmakers and consumer groups for its potential anti-competitive effects, particularly in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug market. Its main competitor Eli Lilly called for scrutiny by competition regulators. However, in December, both the EU regulator and the US Federal Trade Commission gave it the greenlight. III. Madrigal’s Rezdiffra becomes first FDA-approved drug for liver disease MASH For quite some time, the drug development field for the liver condition MASH had been a graveyard for failed programs. In 2024, the field celebrated a hurrah moment when Madrigal’s oral drug Rezdiffra became the first treatment in the US for adults with this common fatty liver disease. The approval has opened a multi-billion dollar opportunity for Madrigal with the American Liver Foundation CEO Lorraine Stiehl calling it a “game-changing” moment. IV. COPD patients get two new treatments — Verona’s Ohtuvayre and Sanofi-Regeneron’s Dupixent The COPD landscape saw remarkable advances in 2024. FDA approved Verona Pharma’s Ohtuvayre, which brings the first new mechanism of action in over two decades for the treatment of COPD. 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. Over 390 million people are living with COPD worldwide. V. Novartis inks 20 deals in 2024, promises over US$ 25 billion in biobucks, lays bets on radiopharmas Novartis has been investing in early-stage science, buying out companies in the sub-US$ 5 billion range. The Swiss drugmaker Novartis inked over 20 deals in 2024, paying over US$ 5.5 billion upfront and promising over US$ 25 billion in biobucks. The company has particularly focused on radiopharmaceuticals and molecular glue degraders. It acquired Mariana Oncology to strengthen its radioligand therapy (RLT) pipeline, and also inked RLT deals with PeptiDream and Ratio Therapeutics. VI. Despite political pressure, FDA rejects first MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD; Lykos faces expanded probe In August, FDA declined to approve an MDMA-assisted therapy from Lykos Therapeutics to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the lead-up to the FDA decision, 80 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle had urged US President Joe Biden and the FDA to consider further studies on the therapy. Not satisfied with just declining Lykos’ MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, FDA had expanded its investigation into the clinical trials that tested it. Lykos CEO Amy Emerson stepped down after reducing its workforce by 75 percent. Additionally, its founder Rick Doblin exited its board. VII. Alzheimer’s gets two new treatments as FDA approves Lilly’s Kisunla, Alpha Cognition’s Zunveyl FDA finally approved Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug Kisunla in July, after delaying action on it in March. This approval, along with that of Biogen and Eisai’s Leqembi in 2023, mark successes in treating the mind-wasting disease after three decades of failed efforts. FDA also approved Alpha Cognition’s Zunveyl to treat mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Zunveyl is a prodrug of Alzheimer’s medication galantamine, and is to be taken orally twice a day. Alpha said Zunveyl is designed to address the tolerability issues with galantamine. VIII. IRA price talks conclude; Stelara, Enbrel, Eliquis to bring 51.4% of Medicare savings After filing futile lawsuits questioning the constitutional validity of the Medicare drug price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), all drug companies came to the bargaining table. In August, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it had reached agreements for lower prices for all 10 drugs selected for negotiations under the IRA. The new prices come into effect from January 1, 2026. A Brookings Institution report said that just three drugs will account for over half of the expected US$ 6 billion savings in 2026. J&J’s Stelara (US$ 1.4 billion), Amgen’s Enbrel (US$ 1.1 billion), and BMS’ Eliquis (US$ 856 million) are expected to account for US$ 3.28 billion or 51.4 percent of Medicare savings. IX. Trump’s picks for new administration send shockwaves across markets, stocks of vaccine makers tumble Donald Trump’s picks for his new administration not only created big news, but also impacted the stock markets. His selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sent shares of several vaccine manufacturers plummeting. In the US, stocks of Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax dipped. In Europe, stocks of BioNTech, GSK, and Bavarian Nordic tumbled. Trump has nominated Mehmet Oz, a celebrity TV host, to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees health insurance. X. New mpox outbreak in Africa sparks global response; FDA approves Emergent’s vaccine to treat mpox In August, a new mpox virus clade put Africa in the throes of an mpox outbreak. The WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. Emergent BioSolutions said it will donate 50,000 doses of its smallpox vaccine ACAM2000. Multiple countries responded with donations of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos, the only widely-approved mpox vaccine at the time. In early September, the FDA approved Emergent’s ACAM2000 as the second mpox vaccine.

Impressions: 3220

Chinese FDA-registered generic facilities gain steam, India maintains lead with 396 facilities

Every year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publishes the user fee amounts it will collect from manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, biosimilars and medical devices in the coming financial year. The fee for fiscal year 2025 under the Generic Drug User Fee Act (GDUFA) was published on July 31, 2024.The GDUFA, established in 2012, authorizes FDA to assess and collect fees from drug manufacturers to expedite the delivery of safe, high-quality, and affordable generic drugs to the American public.The FDA’s facility payments list under GDUFA reveals that as of November 14, 2024, 1,397 facilities had paid their registration fees for financial year 2025. Of these facilities, 707 or 50.6 percent are active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) facilities, 405 or 29 percent are finished dosage forms (FDF) facilities, 69 (4.9 percent) are facilities that produce both APIs and FDFs, and 216 (15.5 percent) are contract manufacturing services (CMO) sites.Teva Pharmaceuticals, with 29 facility registrations, led the list of companies, followed by Aurobindo Pharma, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. Fiscal year Facility Registrations 2016 1,425 2017 1,442 2018 1,269 2019 1,286 2020 1,300 2021 1,340 2022 1,385 2023 1,394 2024 1,447 2025 1,397 Generic Drug Facilities Registered with the US FDA for FY2025 (Free Excel Available)India continues to lead with 396 facilities, US and China follow India maintains its dominance in total facility registrations with the FDA, registering 396 facilities for FY2025. This includes 214 API facilities, 135 FDF facilities, 21 facilities engaged in both API and FDF activities, and 26 CMO facilities.The United States holds the second position with 328 facilities, while China strengthened its third position with 197 facilities.With 214 API facilities, India continues to have the largest share of API manufacturing sites, outmatching the combined total of China (128) and the US (83), which together account for 211 facilities. Among European manufacturers, Italy leads with 59 API manufacturing sites, followed by Spain (30) and Germany (25).The US has maintained its lead in FDF facilities with 143 sites, followed closely by India with 135 sites and China with 45 sites. Country API FDF Both CMO Total India 214 135 21 26 396 US 83 143 13 89 328 China 128 45 12 12 197 Italy 59 3 2 19 83 Germany 25 4 1 15 45 Spain 30 9 1 4 44 Canada 7 17 13 37 Taiwan 9 6 5 4 24 Switzerland 15 4 4 23 France 16 6 22 Japan 18 1 19 United Kingdom 12 1 2 15 Mexico 9 1 1 11 Ireland 5 5 1 11 Generic Drug Facilities Registered with the US FDA for FY2025 (Free Excel Available) GDUFA III user fee rates increase across categories for FY25The GDUFA, which was reauthorized on September 30, 2022 (as GDUFA III), continues with provisions that will last until September 30, 2027. In July 2024, the FDA published updated user fee rates for FY2025.The facility fees have seen increases across all categories. API facility fees increased by 3 percent for domestic sites (to US$ 41,580) and 2 percent for foreign sites (to US$ 56,580). FDF facility fees rose by 5 percent for both domestic (to US$ 231,952) and foreign sites (to US$ 246,952). CMO facility fees increased by 5 percent for domestic sites (to US$ 55,668) and 4 percent for foreign sites (to US$ 70,668).Additionally, the fee for large-, medium- and small-sized drug applicants has increased by over 9 percent, compared to the 7 percent increase seen in 2023. Generic Drug Facilities Registered with the US FDA for FY2025 (Free Excel Available) China leads new facility registrations as FDA records 41 new units in FY25Out of the total 1,397 facilities registered for FY2025, 41 were new registrations (going by Facility FDA Establishment Identifier numbers). China led the way with 13 new facilities, followed closely by India with 11 new facilities, while the US secured the third position with eight new facilities.The new registrations included 15 API facilities, 13 CMO facilities, 12 FDF facilities, and one facility engaged in both API and FDF activities. Chinese companies dominated the new FDF registrations with six facilities: Chengdu Shuode Pharma, Chengdu Suncadia Medicine, Cipla (Jiangsu), GE Healthcare (Shanghai), Luoxin Aurovitas Pharma (Chengdu), and Zhejiang Xianju Pharma.India added two new FDF facilities through Eugia Steriles and Zydus Pharma. Malaysia registered two FDF facilities through Novugen Pharma and Novugen Oncology, while Turkey’s Insud Pharma subsidiary Exeltis and US’ RK Pharma registered one FDF facility each.The 13 new CMO facilities included, Acme Generics, Emcure, Esjay Pharma, Fordoz Pharma, Fourrts Laboratories, Laboratoires KABS, PharmaMax, Quality Packaging Specialists International, Ritsa Pharma, Shanghai Aucyun Pharma, Sichuan Huiyu Pharma, Taejoon Pharm, and Tubilux Pharma.In the API category, the 15 new registrations included Acharya Chemicals, Hainan Poly Pharma, CBL Patras, EUROAPI, Hybio Pharma, Medilux Laboratories, Metrochem API, Purolite, Chengdu Easton Biopharma, Sionc Pharma, Smithfield Bioscience, Xttrium Laboratories, Zhejiang Hengkang Pharma, Moehs Iberica and Shilpa Pharma. Armstrong Pharmaceuticals registered the sole facility for both APIs and FDFs.So far, 92 facilities have not renewed their registration. Among these was a facility owned by Sandoz subsidiary Eon Labs in Wilson, North Carolina (US), which is permanently closed. In fact, the geographical distribution of non-renewals shows that 30 facilities were from the US, while India and China accounted for 14 and nine non-renewals respectively. Generic Drug Facilities Registered with the US FDA for FY2025 (Free Excel Available) Our viewThe FY 2025 GDUFA facility registration data indicates a continued strong presence of Indian manufacturers in the US generic drug market, particularly in API production. However, China's leadership in new facility registrations, especially in FDF manufacturing, suggests that the global generic drug supply chain landscape may evolve considerably in the coming years.

Impressions: 13217

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: 2922

FDA’s June 2024 list of off-patent, off-exclusivity drugs sees rise in cancer, HIV treatments

This week PharmaCompass brings to you key highlights of the US Food and Drug Administration’s recently released June 2024 list of Off-Patent, Off-Exclusivity Drugs without an Approved Generic (OPOE list). The list is a crucial resource for promoting competition and affordability in the pharmaceutical industry. Updated biannually in December and June, the OPOE list serves as a transparent guide for drug manufacturers. Since December 2021, the FDA has enhanced its transparency efforts by providing separate lists for prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs approved under a New Drug Application (NDA). This initiative is a significant cog in the FDA’s broader strategy to encourage the development and submission of Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs). ANDAs are a streamlined pathway for generic drug development, offering a more cost-effective alternative to brand-name drugs. By highlighting drugs that lack generic competition on the OPOE list, FDA aims to incentivize manufacturers to develop generics, ultimately leading to greater affordability and access for patients. Access the Interactive Dashboard on FDA's June 2024 List of Off-Patent Drugs (Free Excel) ALS drugs, cancer, asthma, HIV treatments among new drugs added to OPOE list The December 2023 OPOE list had 23 new applications of branded drugs eligible for but without generic competition. The June list further added 21 new applications of drugs that had never appeared before. These include bendamustine hydrochloride (to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia), fluticasone propionate (to treat asthma), maraviroc (to treat HIV-1 infection in patients two years of age and older weighing at least 10 kilograms), carbamazepine (to treat epilepsy and bipolar I disorder), and posaconazole (an antifungal agent indicated for Aspergillus and Candida infections). There are two other drugs on the list – edaravone and riluzole – to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease (a neurological disorder). Much like the June 2023 OPOE list, nearly one-third of the prescription drugs listed are injectables – 170 out of 499. There are 74 prescription entries for oral solid dosage forms (such as tablets, capsules and modified release forms). The June 2024 OPOE list has 57 OTC drugs, a tad shy of the 60 drugs in last year’s list. Among them are antihistamine drugs (used to treat allergies), cetirizine hydrochloride, nizatidine, famotidine, loratadine and anti-obesity medication orlistat. The list also had a newly listed drug, which is a combination of chlorpheniramine maleate, ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for treating allergic sinusitis. Out of the 57 OTC drug products on the list, 18 are delivered as oral solid dosage forms. Access the Interactive Dashboard on FDA's June 2024 List of Off-Patent Drugs (Free Excel) Novartis blockbusters lose exclusivity, Lupin wins FDA nod for copycat of Neurocrine’s bestseller This year, several large-selling drugs from drugmakers like Eisai, AbbVie, Gilead, Sanofi, Fresenius Kabi and others are due to face their first generic or biosimilar challengers in the US market. “First generics” are given for a first-to-file ANDA, for which there is no previously-approved ANDA by the FDA for the drug product. The agency considers first generics to be important to public health and prioritizes review of these submissions. First generics are eligible for a 180-day exclusivity period. Three of Novartis’ drugs have lost exclusivity so far, this year. These include Promacta/Revolade (eltrombopag) used to treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Promacta was approved in 2015 and saw sales of US$ 2.27 billion last year. Annora Pharma scored an FDA approval for eltrombopag’s first generic in April. Tasigna (nilotinib), the Swiss drugmaker’s oral treatment for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (a kind of leukemia where patients have an abnormal chromosome in their blood cells called the Philadelphia chromosome), got its first generic in January, which was introduced by Apotex. Tasigna brought in sales of US$ 1.85 billion in 2023 and its sales are projected to plummet to US$ 79 million by 2029. Novartis’ Rydapt (midostaurin) for treating adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) also lost exclusivity in April. Neurocrine Biosciences’ top-selling drug Ingrezza (valbenazine) was the first FDA-approved drug to treat tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that involves involuntary movements. It raked in US$ 1.84 billion in 2023, registering a year-on-year growth of 29 percent. In April, Lupin won FDA’s approval for the first generic of valbenazine capsules. Access the Interactive Dashboard on FDA's June 2024 List of Off-Patent Drugs (Free Excel) Our view The Biden administration has been pushing hard to lower the price of prescription drugs. It is one of President Joe Biden’s central campaign promises this year. However, lowering drug prices is a bipartisan issue in the US. So whether a republican or a democrat takes over the US administration, making medicines affordable should remain a priority. In 2023, generic drugs accounted for US$ 424 billion of the US$ 1.6 trillion global pharmaceutical market. A determined FDA that is proactively looking to approve generic drugs will no doubt help this segment grow even further.

Impressions: 3679

FDA approves record eight biosimilars in H1 2024; okays first interchangeable biosimilars for Eylea

Biologics, or complex drugs that are derived from living organisms, have revolutionized treatment of various conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic illnesses. In 2023, eight out of 10 of the world’s top-selling drugs were biologics, including Merck’s Keytruda, AbbVie’s Humira, and Sanofi’s Dupixent.Due to their high costs, accessibility of biologics has been a challenge. That’s why biosimilars, or game-changing copycats of biologics that provide highly similar yet more affordable alternatives to established biologics, are becoming popular.The first biosimilar — Sandoz’ Zarxio — was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. Its reference biologic was Amgen’s Neupogen (filgrastim). Since then, the global market for biosimilars has been growing at an impressive pace — between 2015 and 2020, it grew at a whopping compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 78 percent, touching US$ 17.9 billion in size. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 15 percent and reach a size of about US$ 75 billion by 2030.Major biosimilar players include Amgen, Sandoz, Samsung Bioepis, Pfizer, Biocon Biologics, Celltrion, Stada Arzneimittel, Accord Healthcare, Fresenius Kabi, Coherus Biosciences, Apotex, and Sanofi. The increasing demand for biosimilars has propelled growth in contract manufacturing. Some of the leading contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) that manufacture biosimilars are Polpharma Biologics, Catalent, Pfizer CentreOne, Lonza, Boehringer Ingelheim BioXcellence, Thermo Fisher Scientific, WuXi Biologics, and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.Access the Interactive Dashboard for Biosimilar Developments (Free Excel)Amgen, Sandoz top list of ‘approved biosimilars’; FDA okays 8 copycats in H1 2024Over the recent years, regulatory agencies like the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have established rigorous approval pathways for biosimilars.Since 2015, FDA has approved 53 biosimilars, while the EMA has approved 86 biosimilars. Among the US, European and Canadian markets, Amgen and Sandoz are tied in the first place with 13 approved biosimilars each. Samsung Biologics has nine approved biosimilars, followed by Pfizer with eight and Biocon Biologics with seven. In the first half of this year, FDA set a record by approving eight biosimilars — the highest for H1 of any year. EMA has okayed six biosimilars so far in 2024.In 2023, five biosimilars were approved by the FDA with just one being okayed in the first half. The year marked the end of exclusivity for Humira after 20 years, in which it netted a total of US$ 200 billion in sales. AbbVie’s flagship autoimmune drug has a record 10 biosimilars.Johnson & Johnson’s Stelara also lost exclusivity in 2023 and as many as 11 drugmakers hope to bring its biosimilars to the market. Amgen’s Wezlana was the first biosimilar to Stelara, and it was approved as interchangeable by FDA in October last year.Access the Interactive Dashboard for Biosimilar Developments (Free Excel) FDA approves first interchangeable biosimilar for Eylea, cuts regulatory feeDeveloping a biosimilar costs both money and time. According to Pfizer, developing a biosimilar can take five to nine years and cost over US$ 100 million, not including regulatory fees.In October 2023, FDA slashed its fees with the program fee at US$ 177,397, down from US$ 304,162. The application fees for products that require clinical data has been set at US$ 1,018,753, down from US$ 1,746,745. The application fee for products that don’t require clinical data has been set lower — at US$ 509,377 — down from US$ 873,373 set earlier. This reduction in application fee has propelled demand for contract manufacturing of biosimilars.There has also been a rise in approvals of interchangeable biosimilars this year. Interchangeable biosimilars meet additional requirements and may be substituted for its reference product by a pharmacist without consulting the prescriber. This year saw FDA approve the first interchangeable biosimilars for bone cancer drug denosumab (Prolia and Xgeva) in Jubbonti and Wyost as well as for eculizumab (Soliris) in Bkemv.In May, FDA approved the first interchangeable biosimilars for eye drug aflibercept (Eylea) in Opuviz and Yesafili. Other biosimilars approved in 2024 include Simlandi for adalimumab (Humira), Tyenne for tocilizumab (Actemra), Selarsdi for ustekinumab (Stelara), and Hercessi for trastuzumab (Herceptin).Access the Interactive Dashboard for Biosimilar Developments (Free Excel) Merck’s Keytruda, BMS’ Opdivo, Novartis’ Cosentyx brace for biosimilar competitionHealthcare spending in the US is projected to rise from US$ 4.5 trillion in 2022 to US$ 6 trillion by 2027. While biologics involve just two percent of prescriptions, they account for 46 percent of all pharmaceutical spending. In 2022, US$ 252 billion was spent on biologics.Biosimilar-related savings in 2023 were estimated to be US$ 9.4 billion in the US and € 10 billion (US$ 10.68 billion) in Europe. With expensive and widely used drugs like AbbVie’s Humira, J&J’s Stelara, and Regeneron’s Eylea coming under competition, US savings are projected to reach US$ 181 billion through 2027. Between 2026 and 2032, about 39 blockbusters are set to lose exclusivity in the US and Europe. Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) was the world’s top-selling drug last year, generating US$ 25 billion in sales. Its patent is set to expire in 2028 with sales expected to drop 19 percent to US$ 27.4 billion in 2029 from US$ 33.7 billion the previous year. Samsung Bioepis and Amgen initiated phase 3 trials of pembrolizumab in April and May of this year, respectively.Opdivo (nivolumab), belonging to the same class of drugs, competes with Keytruda and is also set to lose patent protection in 2028. It hauled in US$ 10 billion in total global sales in 2023 for Bristol Myers Squibb. The key patents of Novartis’ Cosentyx (secukinumab) are set to expire between 2025 and 2026. Cosentyx saw sales of US$ 5 billion in 2023. Taizhou Mabtech Pharmaceutical and Bio-Thera Solutions are conducting phase 3 trials of secukinumab.Access the Interactive Dashboard for Biosimilar Developments (Free Excel) Our viewWith over 2 billion people worldwide unable to access life-saving medicines, biosimilars hold the key to healthcare accessibility. In 2023, a record 13 biosimilars were launched in the market — the highest for a single year. And this included nine much-anticipated biosimilars to AbbVie’s Humira. In April this year, FDA announced a Biosimilars Action Plan to streamline the development of biosimilars. With a sharp focus on biosimilars, we expect more records to be broken in the near term. New launches of biosimilars to drugs like J&J’s Stelara, Regeneron’s Eylea and Merck’s Keytruda will surely help in creating new records.

Impressions: 2805

Top Pharma Companies & Drugs in 2023: Merck’s Keytruda emerges as top-selling drug; Novo, Lilly sales skyrocket

The pharma industry clearly recalibrated itself in 2023, turning its focus away from Covid and onto two of the biggest threats to human health – obesity and cancer. The top lines of the major pharma companies reflect this shift in focus.We always knew that Pfizer’s record US$ 100 billion revenue for 2022 wasn’t sustainable. Even though Pfizer’s 2023 sales were lower by nearly 42 percent against its 2022 sales, the New York-headquartered drugmaker managed to retain its pole position. The two main reasons behind its ‘top of the charts’ sales of US$ 58.5 billion were Pfizer’s record nine new molecular entity approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the launch of its vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).Johnson & Johnson came second with sales of US$ 54.8 billion (excluding its consumer business and MedTech units). AbbVie took bronze despite Humira being subject to biosimilar competition and Merck maintained its fourth position. Roche nabbed the fifth position from Novartis (which stood sixth). Bristol Myers Squibb maintained its position at seven, as did AstraZeneca (eighth) and Sanofi (ninth). And Eli Lilly bumped into the tenth spot, knocking out GSK.View Our Interactive Dashboard on Top Drugs in 2023 by Sales (Free Excel Available)Keytruda, Eliquis, Humira top charts; Novo’s Ozempic debuts top 10 list at number fourMerck’s Keytruda became the number one selling drug in the world, a position that was held by AbbVie’s Humira for long, and Pfizer’s Comirnaty in the Covid years. This oncology drug raked in a whopping US$ 25 billion, with sales increasing 19 percent last year. In fact, Keytruda accounted for 46.7 percent of Merck’s pharmaceutical sales, which grew 3 percent in 2023 to US$ 53.6 billion.At number two was Pfizer and BMS’ anticoagulant Eliquis — it posted global sales of US$ 18.95 billion (marking a growth of 4 percent on 2022 sales). With competition from generics, Humira’s sales fell by 32 percent to US$ 14.5 billion. As a result, this blockbuster anti-rheumatic drug fell to the third rank.The fourth spot was taken up by Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, the wonder drug that treats type 2 diabetes. Gilead’s Biktarvy, a med that treats HIV-1, saw sales jump 14 percent — from US$ 10.39 billion posted in 2022 to US$ 11.85 billion last year. This way, Biktarvy emerged as the fifth largest selling drug of 2023.At number six was Sanofi and Regeneron’s Dupixent. This allergic diseases med posted 11-figure sales in 2023, netting € 10.72 billion (US$ 11.59 billion) globally, a growth of 34 percent over 2022 numbers.At number seven was J&J’s biggest blockbuster immunology drug Stelara that raked in US$ 11.3 billion in 2023. Coming a close eighth was Pfizer-BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty — its sales fell by over 70 percent to US$ 11.22 billion in 2023. At the ninth spot was Lilly and Boehringer’s diabetes drug Jardiance that saw a 27.7 percent increase in total global sales at US$ 10.6 billion. And rounding off the list at number 10 is BMS’s Opdivo, a Keytruda rival. Opdivo hauled in US$ 10 billion in total global sales in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 8 percent.View Our Interactive Dashboard on Top Drugs in 2023 by Sales (Free Excel Available)Driven by diabetes, obesity care meds, Novo, Lilly post double-digit sales growthDemand for diabetes and new weight-loss drugs catapulted Novo Nordisk to emerge as the most valuable public company in Europe. Its net sales zoomed 31 percent to DKK 232.3 billion (US$ 33.75 billion) compared to DKK 177 billion (US$ 25.8 billion) in 2022. Net profit jumped 51 percent to DKK 83.68 billion (US$ 12.51 billion) in 2023 from DKK 55.5 billion (US$ 8.32 billion) in 2022 — the highest annual profit for the Danish drugmaker in over three decades.The growth was driven by Ozempic, whose sales spiked 60 percent in 2023 to DKK 95.7 billion (US$ 13.91 billion), from DKK 59.8 billion (US$ 8.71 billion) the year before.Rival Eli Lilly’s revenue grew 20 percent in 2023 to US$ 34.1 billion from US$ 28.5 billion in 2022. Mounjaro turned out to be a star for the Indianapolis drugmaker with its sales rocketing 970 percent in 2023 to US$ 5.16 billion. FDA also approved it to treat obesity under the brand name Zepbound in November, which brought in additional revenues of US$ 176 million.View Our Interactive Dashboard on Top Drugs in 2023 by Sales (Free Excel Available) GSK’s RSV jab makes strong debut; AbbVie’s immunology drugs post steep growthGSK’s Arexvy was the first RSV vaccine approved by the FDA. It made a strong debut — Arexvy contributed £ 1.2 billion (US$ 1.5 billion) to GSK’s sales in just four months.AbbVie posted another solid financial year. Though the drop in Humira revenue was offset by two newer immunology blockbuster drugs, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, the Illinois-headquartered drugmaker did posted a marginal decrease in revenue of 6.4 percent to US$ 54.3 billion. However, revenue from Skyrizi soared 50 percent to US$ 7.8 billion, while Rinvoq’s sales increased 57 percent to US$ 4 billion. AbbVie expects a combined US$ 16 billion from Skyrizi (US$ 10.5 billion) and Rinvoq (US$ 5.5 billion) sales in 2024. BMS attributed its 2 percent decrease in revenue (of US$ 45 billion) to lower sales of Revlimid in the US due to competition from generics. Sales of the multiple myeloma treatment dropped 39 percent to US$ 6.1 billion. Ophthalmology drug Eylea saw a drop in sales of 4 percent, at US$ 9.21 billion (from US$ 9.65 billion), as competition from Roche’s Vabysmo triggered a price cut by Regeneron. Vabysmo saw sales balloon 324 percent from CHF 591 million (US$ 685.56 million) to CHF 2.4 billion (US$ 2.78 billion) in 2023.View Our Interactive Dashboard on Top Drugs in 2023 by Sales (Free Excel Available) Our viewAccording to data analytics company GlobalData, GLP-1 agonist drugs (such as Ozempic and Mounjaro that treat type 2 diabetes) are slated to overtake PD-1 antagonists (such as oncology drugs Keytruda and Opdivo) as the top-selling drugs on the market in 2024. It estimates a robust compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2 percent from 2023 to 2029 for GLP-1 drugs that seem to have more benefits besides bringing down blood sugar levels (such as weight management, benefits to the heart etc).The market size for GLP-1 is likely to increase to US$ 105 billion by 2029. In contrast, the data firm projects a CAGR of 4.7 percent in the PD-1 antagonist market, with its market size projected to be around US$ 51 billion in 2029. Given these projections, we are likely to see more movers and shakers in our top 10 drug list this year.

Impressions: 4773

FDA approvals rise 49% in 2023; CRISPR’s gene editing therapy sees light of day

In 2022, when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was reeling under the impact of the pandemic, new drug approvals by the agency dropped by 26 percent. But last year, FDA’s new drug approvals rebounded by an impressive 49 percent, with the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) approving 55 new drugs in 2023. Of them, 36 percent were considered first-in-class, while small molecules made up for 62 percent of the total drugs approved (i.e. 34). FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) okayed 19 biologics in 2023 compared to eight in the previous year.The first half of 2023 saw the debut of vaccines for the all-too-common respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Among the other notable approvals in H1 was Biogen and Eisai’s Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi (lecanemab). Out of the total 55 drug approvals, 29 came in H2 2023. This includes Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics’ Casgevy that relies on the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene-editing technology. Casgevy has been approved as a treatment for sickle-cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia.While FDA witnessed a sharp rise in approvals in 2023, many other drug regulators didn’t. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted marketing authorization to 32 novel drugs in 2023, a fall from 33 in 2022. Similarly, Health Canada’s approvals in 2023 decreased to 38, compared to 45 in the previous year.As usual, oncology topped the list of drug approvals by therapeutic area, at 39 (as opposed to 35 in 2022). Rare diseases was the second most popular therapeutic area for drug approvals. With drugmakers clearly paying heed to the unmet needs of patients suffering from rare diseases, this therapeutic area sprinted from a 9 percent share and the fourth position among new approvals in 2022 to an impressive 34 percent share in 2023. A quarter of the new drug approvals were in infectious diseases, followed by immunology (19 percent) and neurology (7 percent).View New Drug Approvals in 2023 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Casgevy, postpartum depression drug Zurzuvae emerge as potential blockbustersGene therapy Casgevy, postpartum depression (PPD) med Zurzuvae, blood cancer med Elrexfio and ulcerative colitis drug Velsipity were some of the prominent approvals of 2023.Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency was the first to okay Casgevy in November as a cure for SCD and β-thalassemia. Soon, the FDA approved it for SCD. In January this year, the American agency also approved it for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). Analysts estimate Casgevy to generate US$ 2.6 billion in peak sales, says Nature. Biogen and Sage’s PPD therapy Zurzuvae became the first and only FDA-approved pill for the condition that can be life-threatening for both the mother and the child. Global sales of Zurzuvae are forecast to hit US$ 1.28 billion by 2028.In August, Pfizer’s Elrexfio (elranatamab) became the first “off-the-shelf” (ready-to-use) therapy in the US for multiple myeloma. The drug provides an option for patients with hard to treat or relapsed blood cancer and is estimated to bring in US$ 861 million in peak sales by 2028, says Nature.Pfizer also bagged another significant approval in October — its drug Velsipity (etrasimod) was greenlit by the FDA to treat adults with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease. Peak revenue for Velsipity is expected to come in at US$ 825 million, as per Evaluate.View New Drug Approvals in 2023 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Astra’s Truqap, GSK’s Ojjaara among top cancer therapies given FDA nod in H2In November, FDA approved AstraZeneca’s Truqap (capivasertib) in combination with the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker’s Faslodex (fulvestrant) for treating adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more biomarker alterations. Evaluate Pharma forecasts peak Truqap sales to come in at about US$ 690 million.In September, FDA approved GSK’s Ojjaara (momelotinib) as the first and only treatment for myelofibrosis with anemia. Nearly all myelofibrosis patients are estimated to develop anemia over the course of the disease. Ojjaara is taken orally once a day.Other notable oncology treatments okayed by FDA in H2 2023 include Daiichi’s Vanflyta (quizartinib) in July to treat an aggressive blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In August, FDA approved Janssen’s bispecific antibody Talvey (talquetamab-tgvs) for difficult-to-treat blood cancer. The agency approved two cancer therapies in November — BMS’ Augtyro (repotrectinib) for ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Takeda’s targeted oral therapy Fruzaqla (fruquintinib) for adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).View New Drug Approvals in 2023 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Rare disease drugs Santhera-Catalyst’s Agamree, Novo’s Rivfloza bag approval in H2In October, FDA approved Santhera Pharmaceuticals and Catalyst Pharma’s Agamree (vamorolone), an oral suspension treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients two years of age and older. This makes it the first drug fully approved in both the US and Europe for the muscle degeneration disorder. Agamree acts in a manner similar to other steroids, which are the standard of care for the inherited rare disease. However, it causes fewer side effects.FDA also okayed Novo Nordisk’s once-a-month injection Rivfloza (nedosiran) in October to treat a rare genetic condition — primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) — that causes recurring kidney stones.In November, the agency approved Takeda’s Adzynma (ADAMTS13, recombinant-krhn) as the first treatment for both adult and pediatric patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP), a rare genetic blood disorder. Other noteworthy FDA approvals in H2 2023 for rare blood diseases include Novartis’ Fabhalta and bluebird bio's Lyfgenia. Fabhalta is the first oral monotherapy for the treatment of adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a rare disease that causes symptoms such as hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria (excretion of hemoglobin in the urine), fatigue, shortness of breath etc. Lyfgenia is the first cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of SCD in patients 12 years and older. Similarly, another rare disease drug — Regeneron’s Veopoz — bagged FDA approval in August last. Veopoz treats CHAPLE disease, an ultra-rare disease in which patients have severe gastrointestinal problems.View New Drug Approvals in 2023 with Estimated Sales (Free Excel Available) Our viewAfter a lull in 2022, new drug approvals have finally gathered momentum. The good news is that this year, several pathbreaking drugs are coming up for approval, such as Madrigal Pharmaceuticals’ resmetirom (the first treatment for NASH with liver fibrosis), Merck’s sotatercept (a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension), Lilly’s donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease and Karuna Therapeutics’ drug to treat schizophrenia. Let’s hope 2024 turns out to be an even bigger year for new drug approvals.

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Pfizer’s buyout of Seagen, drugmakers suing US govt, obesity drugs make it to top 10 Phispers of 2023

Every week, PharmaCompass compiles important developments in the world of pharmaceuticals and brings a compilation to you in the form of Phispers. Of the hundreds of stories we carried in 2023, here are the top 10 stories, including some trends and updates.I. Pfizer buys Seagen for US$ 43 billion to bolster its oncology portfolioIn March, Pfizer said it is acquiring cancer treatment specialist Seagen for US$ 43 billion. Seagen is a pioneer in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), or drugs that work like “guided missiles” to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Another important deal in the field of ADCs took place in December when AbbVie picked up ImmunoGen for US$ 10.1 billion, giving it access to Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx), an ADC approved for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Elahere is expected to achieve blockbuster status by 2030. II. Merck, BMS, trade bodies, sue US government over IRA negotiationsIn June, Merck filed a lawsuit against the US government seeking to block Medicare from negotiating lower prescription drug prices under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Days later, the US Chamber of Commerce, one of the most influential trade groups in the US, filed a separate lawsuit, arguing that the negotiations violated drugmakers’ constitutional rights and granted excessive control over prices to the government. They were joined by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and lobby group PhRMA. Drugmakers and the Biden administration appeared to be at each other’s throats. In December, the White House identified 48 drugs whose prices spiked faster than inflation in Q4. These drugs may be subject to rebates starting January 2024. Biden Administration also announced it is setting a new “march-in” policy that allows the government to seize medicine patents held by drugmakers for therapies whose development was taxpayer-funded, if it believes they are not “reasonably available and affordable.”III. US, UK approve Lilly’s Mounjaro for weight management; to be sold as ZepboundIn November, drug regulators in the US and the United Kingdom approved Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management, to be sold under the brand name Zepbound. The drug will pose strong competition to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in a market that's expected to reach US$ 100 billion by the end of the decade.IV. Novo, Lilly plan capacity expansions for weight loss drugsBoth Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly announced expanding their manufacturing capacities in order to capitalize on the burgeoning market for weight loss drugs. Novo is investing over DKK 42 billion (US$ 6 billion) in Kalundborg (Denmark), US$ 2.3 billion to expand its site in Chartres (France) and over € 2 billion (US$ 2.18 billion) in Dublin (Ireland) to boost production of its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy (both semaglutide). Similarly, Eli Lilly had announced a US$ 2.5 billion manufacturing facility in Germany in November to address the demand for its new obesity and diabetes therapies.V. FDA finds violations at Global Pharma’s eye drops plant in India; issues Form 483In April, FDA found several violations in manufacturing processes and sterilization methods used by India-based Global Pharma for its EzriCare Artificial Tears Eye Drop, which has been linked to 68 cases of eye infection in the US, including eight cases of vision loss and three deaths.VI. ‘Intas India staff tore documents, threw acid to destroy evidence’, notes FDAIn January, FDA issued a Form 483 with 11 observations to Intas Pharma’s drug manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India). A team of three FDA drug regulators conducted an inspection of the manufacturing facility from November 22 to December 2, 2022. The 36-page report issued by the FDA has alleged that employees at the facility had destroyed documents related to manufacturing practices by tearing them into pieces and disposing them inside the quality control lab and scrap areas. Acid was used to destroy evidence, notes FDA.VII. GSK overtakes Pfizer in bagging first FDA approval for RSV vaccineIn May, FDA approved GSK’s respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for people aged 60 and above. Arexvy is the first RSV vaccine to be approved in the US for the common condition that can be fatal for the elderly. Later that month, Pfizer’s RSV vaccine Abrysvo also got approved. In July, Sanofi-AstraZeneca’s RSV antibody therapy, Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip), received approval from the FDA. It is a long-acting treatment that can be given once per season. The approval is specifically developed for newborns and infants.VIII. UK authorizes gene therapy Casgevy for blood disorders, US follows suit In November, Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency was first off the block in authorizing CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Casgevy, a therapy that seeks to cure two blood disorders — sickle-cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia. The therapy is based on gene editing technology that had won its scientists the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.Less than a month later, FDA not only approved Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel) for SCD, but also approved bluebird bio’s Lyfgenia (lovotibeglogene autotemcel) for the treatment of SCD in patients aged 12 and older who have a history of vaso-occlusive events (when tissues become deprived of oxygen).IX. Leqembi becomes first med to bag full approval to treat Alzheimer’sEisai and Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi (lecanemab) had won FDA’s accelerated approval in January. It treats patients who are in the earliest stages of the neurodegenerative disease. In July, it became the first treatment to receive full FDA approval to treat the condition.X. Bayer’s experimental anticoagulant fails late-stage trialOne of the biggest disappointments from clinical trials came when a major late-stage trial for Bayer’s experimental anticoagulant asundexian had to be discontinued due to its inadequate effectiveness. Bayer had expectations in excess of € 5 billion (US$ 5.5 billion) from this drug.

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