Infectious Diseases

Concentra's unsolicited bid for Atea is the latest proof that promising but financially strapped biotechs that are trading below cash are prime M&A targets.

The company presented data for its MenABCWY vaccine, but it still hasn’t specified the timing for approval. While its launch would lag Pfizer’s, GSK has an advantage in terms of data as well as leadership in the space.

Japan's SCARDA is building networks with academia and industry to support new vaccine development, while offering support through funding and knowledge. But is that enough to overcome the shortcomings highlighted by the pandemic?

Arexvy will launch in the US in time for the fall 2023 RSV season for adults 60 and older, GSK said. Pfizer’s Abrysvo is also pending at the FDA.

Excluding sales declines due to Veklury, Gilead said its year-over-year sales grew 15% in the first quarter, with HIV drug Biktarvy serving as the biggest driver.

COVID-19 has highlighted the need for potent, safe and effective antiviral therapies for infectious diseases and now one well-known Chinese researcher is tackling hepatitis B and D though a homegrown drug discovery approach. He talks to Scrip in this wide-ranging audio interview.  

The second quarter has already seen the approval of Gamida Cell’s cell therapy Omisirge, and with the help of Biomedtracker, Scrip highlights 10 of the more interesting new drug approvals due in the next three months.

AstraZeneca vaccine chief Mark Esser is excited about the first in vitro data on AZD3152 which show that the antibody neutralizes all known variants, from Wuhan to Omicron XBB.1.5.

The UK major’s first-in-class asset has matched standard-of-care in two Phase III urinary tract infection trials, setting it up to become the first novel antibiotic for the condition in 20 years with a clear niche in the second-line setting.

The company had its fourth vaccines day, where it talked about its strategy over the next few years for vaccines against COVID-19, RSV, flu and combinations thereof.

Having played a pivotal role in changing pharma strategy at Bayer, Marianne De Backer tells Scrip about her goal to turn Vir into an infectious disease powerhouse as the firm prepares for critical Phase II data readouts in hepatitis B and D, as well as flu.

Deal Snapshot: Approved in the EU/UK and nearing a US approval, rights to the RSV prophylaxis for infants and newborns are simplified in the pair of agreements unveiled by Synagis owner Sobi.