Japanese firm in discussions with regulator as high-need novel therapy for spinocerebellar degeneration misses endpoint but shows promise in pooled analysis.

With top-line data showing efficacy in type 1 SMA patients, risdiplam may be able to obtain a label that would address significantly more patients than Novartis’ Zolgensma. Final efficacy data will show how drug’s efficacy compares to Biogen’s Spinraza.

HanAll and Daewoong remain upbeat on dry eye candidate HL036 and are gearing up for a second Phase III US study despite the first missing its primary endpoint in just-released top-line results.

Chi-Med’s surufatinib has come up trumps in a second trial in neuroendocrine tumors, after the monitoring committee recommended an early halt following achievement of its PFS target in the pancreatic setting.

Stock market reaction to the first day’s news from the 38th J.P. Morgan Healthcare conference in San Francisco was negative, probably because expectations for a continuation of December’s bumper M&A bonanza were too high.

Among the Korean firms presenting at J.P. Morgan, Hanmi laid out its strategy for obesity and other core pipeline assets, Celltrion focused on its expanding biosimilar pipeline and China plans and LG Chem unveiled new R&D progress.

A Phase III clinical trial comparing AbbVie's Skyrizi with Novartis's IL-17 agonist Cosentyx showed the former's superiority in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Glenmark is working on a combination of remogliflozin and teneligliptin in India, which if successful could bring additional sting to its portfolio in the country's bustling diabetes segment. But Boehringer-Lilly’s rival Glyxambi already has a head-start.