The generics industry struggled with the prior-year comparison as it saw an expected decline in revenues in the first quarter of 2021, driven by the global impact of the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, the performance of most companies fell short of the numbers reported in Q1 2020. However, a few managed to contradict the trend by reporting growth, either based on the launch of COVID-related drugs or performance in specific geographies. 

US-based ANI Pharmaceuticals has made manufacturing and API changes as part of its refiled package for Cortrophin Gel (corticotropin) for injection, which it hopes will be a “transformational opportunity.”

Building on 20 years of work and positive preclinical data, and backed by a fresh injection of cash, Alentis is taking its liver fibrosis candidate into Phase I trials in the fourth quarter.

Akebia brings in Cyclerion’s diabetes candidate praliciguat, plus deals involving Genmab/Bolt, Auris/Trasir, Zymergen/Lodo, Bavarian Nordic/Dynavax and more.