Amgen reported 5% year-over-year revenue growth to $6.5bn in the second quarter, up 11% from Q1. It did not break out Lumakras sales but detailed upcoming data that may support future indications.

Scrip and Pink Sheet editors join Datamonitor Healthcare analysts to discuss Biogen's Aduhelm for Alzheimer's disease, including the expected launch trajectory, early commercial barriers to uptake and the Medicare reimbursement environment.

Fears that US regulators would take issue with AstraZeneca's decision to change the endpoints of a second pivotal trial for anifrolumab were unfounded and the first-in-class type I interferon inhibitor is the first new treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus in more than 10 years.

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

The psoriasis market is a tough one for bimekizumab to crack but UCB head of immunology Emmanuel Caeymaex believes the clinical package and investment in promotion will see the IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor topple its rivals.

The shingles vaccine could potentially be used in about three million immunocompromised people, according to GSK, but CDC’s advisory committee will weigh in with recommendations.

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

Management tried to sidestep controversy around the approval of Aduhelm and said it remains confident the drug will be reimbursed.

The company anticipates an addressable global market for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis of 2,500 patients, with initial plans to focus on around 100 physicians at 60 centers.

The company insists it will reconsider the price of Aduhelm if the market turns out to be larger than Biogen anticipates, but big price reductions for branded drugs are rare.

Now that the actinic keratosis treatment Klisyri has got the green light in Europe, the Spanish firm's attention will be on atopic dermatitis and forthcoming Phase III data on lebrikizumab, a potential rival to Dupixent.

Japan has granted an emergency approval to Chugai/Roche/Regeneron's antibody cocktail after a rapid review, while India has emerged as one of the top purchasers globally of COVID-19 vaccines as it looks to protect more of its population.