The ranks of B7-H3-targeting antibody-drug conjugates under development in China have seen their first dropout, although elsewhere there are two FGFR2b-directed ADCs with first-in-class potential on the horizon. Meanwhile, there have been other discontinuations of KRAS G12C inhibitors and anti-BCMA CAR-T cell therapies in the country, while new players have surfaced in the areas of mRNA cancer vaccines and amyloid-beta-targeting antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Restructuring Edition: Even big pharma companies are not immune from workforce reductions. BMS and Sanofi joined that ranks of Evotec, CureVac and BenevolentAI in cutting jobs. Also, Vaxxinity will de-list and Hepion winds down its NASH trial, among other strategic updates.

Experts discussed regulatory science issues at a recent forum in South Korea, including the responsibilities of sponsors and regulators as well as the need to strengthen collaborations and accelerate the development of innovative drugs and converged medical products.

Emerging Company Profile: Seaport Therapeutics believes its technology can alter old drugs to remove their flaws. Just how closely can it follow the example set by Karuna?