Mark Alles has quickly put together a megaround for his latest venture, and it’s for the most sought-after pocket of oncology R&D: antibody-drug conjugates.
After 10 years on the market, the Bristol Myers Squibb and Celgene blockbuster multiple myeloma treatment Pomalyst has landed in some legal hot water.
NICE has recommended the use of Darzalex (daratumumab) in combination with Velcade (bortezomib), thalidomide and dexamethasone (DVTd) as induction and consolidation treatment for untreated multiple myeloma in adults, when an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is suitable.
OTTAWA -- The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear a bid to challenge approval of a settlement agreement for Canadians born with birth defects because of the drug thalidomide.
Accord Healthcare has announced the UK launch of a generic thalidomide, which is used in combination with melphalan and prednisone, as a first line treatment for patients with untreated multiple myeloma.
Dexamethasone
In an unusual move, Celgene has backed out of a $55 million settlement with patients and payers over allegations it illegally blocked competition to multiple myeloma meds Thalomid and Revlimid. With the decision, the company will go back to fighting claims from thousands of patients and payers, who allege billions in damages.
As Sanofi awaits the FDA review of its multiple myeloma drug — J&J and Genmab’s established rival treatment Darzalex scored US approval for use in treatment-naïve patients.
Takeda has stumbled again in its quest to build up the blockbuster potential of its multiple myeloma drug Ninlaro. The pharma giant says the drug combined with dexamethasone failed to provide significant help for patients with rare cases of systemic light-chain amyloidosis, so now they’re scrapping the entire Phase III program.
The acquisition of Celgene is bad news for young biotech companies with innovative products and platforms to sell.