Start-up hopes to bring its first candidate, an NY-ESO-1-targeting off-the-shelf product, into the clinic in Q2. Astex and Cardiff University team up on novel therapies for neurodegenerative disease.

After not closing a deal this year on Seagen, Merck takes a smaller step with a $1.35bn bid for Imago and its candidate for multiple myeloproliferative neoplasm indications.

A couple of trials for two investigational late-stage breast cancer candidates from AstraZeneca have each produced encouraging data for a novel drug class where rivals have previously hit clinical buffers.

Francis Bouchard, Region Head for AMACO (Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa Countries), Novartis Oncology, discusses a range of issues around mainstreaming personalized/precision oncology therapies such as Kymriah in the region, including reimbursement systems, partnerships and digital initiatives.