Immunology

Already approved in Crohn’s disease, Skyrizi now has positive Phase III results in ulcerative colitis with more data expected this year in UC as the field grows more crowded with anti-IL-23 options.

Sanofi and Regeneron could be poised to add another blockbuster indication to the IL-4/IL-13 inhibitor, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Analysts pointed to SEL-212’s more favorable dosing and adverse event profile with fewer limitations that may harm compliance versus Krystexxa from Horizon, which is soon to be acquired by Amgen.

Safety and efficacy data show that as long as Takeda can execute effectively on a Phase III program for TAK-279, the company should be well positioned in the oral psoriasis market.

The rival firms are advancing separate biologic candidates that target IL-17 in a bid to treat the more than 60% of hidradenitis suppurativa patients who remain uncontrolled on AbbVie’s Humira, with recent trial readouts showing promise.

Neuroscience and oncology fuel high hopes for therapeutic R&D progress among 90-plus surveyed biopharma industry leaders.

While full data are not yet available, JNJ-2113 would be the first oral drug against IL-23R, setting up for potential competition against oral TYK2 and IL-17-targeting drugs.

The French firm’s stagnant neuroscience franchise will be revamped through a new, strategic focus on RNA-based precision medicines for neurodegenerative diseases including both small- and large-molecule drugs, the company tells Scrip.

Nektar, which had multiple trial failures for cancer drug bempegaldesleukin last year, and Lilly will now focus on rezpegaldesleukin in atopic dermatitis. Nektar is planning significant cost reductions.

After a rollercoaster of a journey to date, UK firm Redx unveiled plans to merge with US biotech Jounce in a deal that would create a $425m transatlantic company with a robust cash runway through to 2025.

The French biotech has attracted a raft of new US healthcare specialist backers in one of the biggest raises ever on the Euronext Paris but it will need millions more to complete the late-stage program for obefazimod.

South Korea’s Bridge Biotherapeutics aims to continue development of its first-in-class ulcerative colitis candidate BBT-401 despite its failure to meet the efficacy endpoint in a multinational Phase IIa study, and is also looking to progress other pipeline assets and out-licensing deals.