The planned merger between Genexine and ToolGen, which was poised to create a major Korean biotech entity, has collapsed amid recent generally weak investor sentiment over the sector. But the two sides will maintain their collaborations for new drug development going forward, with a focus on gene and cell therapies.

The company has two oncolytic virus platforms – a herpes simplex-based intratumoral injection and a synthetic virus-based intravenous technology for repeat systemic administration.

The synthetic biotics company is discontinuing development of SNYB1020, its first clinical-stage product, which failed to lower blood ammonia in cirrhosis patients.

Bayer is relinquishing its Animal Health Unit to Elanco as the German major turns its focus more towards life sciences. The money received should help it pay down some Monsanto debt, but there are antitrust concerns.

The Turkish Government’s carrot-and-stick “localization” policy has started to yield results with some multinational pharma companies including GSK and Sanofi disclosing joint production ventures with local companies, but these ventures have been limited by difficult economic conditions and worsening investment environment, and the fixed euro rate.

Lefamulin was approved in the US to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, providing a needed IV and oral drug initially in the hospital setting, but new antibiotics have been a tough sell.

Lefamulin was approved in the US to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, providing a needed IV and oral drug initially in the hospital setting, but new antibiotics have been a tough sell.

The updated business principles may give pharma companies leverage, or at least talking points, as they continue to engage with the Trump administration on policies like the International Pricing Index and with US lawmakers on drug pricing legislation. J&J's Gorsky heads governing committee of multi-industry business group that revised its principles.

The US FDA issued a complete response letter rejecting golodirsen based on risk of infection at intravenous infusion ports and preclinical renal toxicity.

The Phase III NEPTUNE lung cancer trial found the combination of Imfinzi and tremelimumab was no better than chemotherapy at extending overall survival. After repeat setbacks, AstraZeneca is now running out of opportunities to show its dual checkpoint blockade is effective in NSCLC.

The primary endpoint was missed in a Phase IIa study of Oxurion’s THR-317 in diabetic macular edema, but vision did improve in two patient subgroups.

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.