The latest drug development news and highlights from the Pink Sheet’s US FDA Performance Tracker

Two preclinical antibodies targeted at stromal biology-associated immuno-oncology processes from Canada’s Northern Biologics have been acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim, which is also to collaborate with Switzerland’s CDR-Life on the development of a preclinical antibody fragment aimed at geographic atrophy associated with age-related macular degeneration.

The first of six new compounds are expected to begin Phase II testing soon as part of the UK’s ACCORD initiative, a randomized platform trial bringing together government, industry and research organisations to find potential treatments for COVID-19. 

A Milbank Quarterly study and a Pink Sheet analysis show that disagreement between the US FDA and its advisory committee meetings doesn't happen often; it is even rarer for the agency to approve a drug against the advice from a panel.