Reports + Research
Drug Discovered by Scripps Research Gets FDA Approval
The drug, called tafamidis, is now first FDA-approved treatment for a rare heart disease (ATTR-CM). The FDA approved the brand names Vyndaqel and Vyndamax, and the approval was granted to FoldRX, a subsidiary of Pfizer. Pfizer will “pay Scripps Research low- to mod-single digit tiered royalties based on annual net sales,” according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Samumed Launches Phase 3 Clinical Trial in Knee Osteoarthritis
Samumed has described the design of its phase 3 clinical program for its lead drug candidate, lorecivivint for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Initial data suggests lorecivivint could be disease modifying and support generating cartilage, slowing cartilage breakdown, and reducing inflammation. Knee OA has no approved disease-modifying treatments.
Lundbeck Acquires Abide Therapeutics, Keeps Site as San Diego Research Hub
The deal gives Abide $250 million upfront, and up to another $150 million depending on drug development and sales milestones. According to the press release, Lundbeck gains a U.S.-based research hub and novel discovery platform, “to discover new classes of drugs for a broad spectrum of brain diseases starting with those that harness the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid system.” The acquisition also includes Abide’s pipeline of drugs targeting serine hydrolases. Abide’s lead drug candidate is ABC-1431 currently in exploratory phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of Tourette syndrome.
Read + Listen
POW: Podcast of the Week
The Beagle Has Landed is a podcast exploring clinical genetics, and their latest show features Eric Topol, M.D.
It’s Happening Here
May 18-21:
Digestive Disease Week (DDW), one of the top 50 medical meetings, will be taking place at the San Diego Convention Center May 18-21. DDW is the world’s largest gathering for leaders in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal surgery.
May 29:
The inaugural Xconomy Awards San Diego will celebrate the finalists and announce award winners at their Gala on the evening of May 29 at Estancia La Jolla.
May 30:
NRGene’s San Diego Event is happening May 30 from 4pm-7pm at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines and will host a panel discussion with Cibus, Illumina, KayaGene, and Wheelertex, about the latest in molecular breeding for food, clothes, and cannabis.
Client disclosure: Scripps Research, NRGene
Tags: Biotech, Biotech Briefing, clinical trial, Life Sciences, Medical Research
