Finistere Ventures has appointed Bayer veteran Adrian Percy to serve as chief technology officer of the San Diego-based venture capital firm. Percy, the former head of research and development for Bayer’s crop science division, will be based in a new office Finistere is opening in the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina. Finistere also … Continue reading “Ex-Bayer Exec Adrian Percy Named Finistere Chief Technology Officer”
Author: Frank Vinluan
Xconomy Editor Frank Vinluan is a business journalist with experience covering technology and life sciences. Based in Raleigh, he was a staff writer at the Triangle Business Journal covering technology, biotechnology and energy before joining MedCityNews.com as North Carolina bureau chief. Prior to moving to North Carolina’s Research Triangle in 2007 he held business reporting positions at The Des Moines Register and The Seattle Times.
Urovant Bladder Drug Hits Test Goals But Can’t Outpace Generic Rival
Urovant Sciences says its experimental drug for overactive bladder could offer advantages compared to an FDA-approved treatment marketed by Astellas Pharma. But late-stage clinical results released Tuesday raise questions whether Urovant can persuade doctors to prescribe it instead of a much cheaper generic competitor. Irvine, CA-based Urovant (NASDAQ: [[ticker:UROV]]) said Tuesday that its drug vibegron … Continue reading “Urovant Bladder Drug Hits Test Goals But Can’t Outpace Generic Rival”
Paratek Pharma’s CFO Pagán to Leave for Job at an Early-Stage Biotech
Douglas Pagán, chief financial officer of Paratek Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:PRTK]]) since 2017, is resigning to take a role at an undisclosed early-stage biopharmaceutical company. Boston-based Paratek said Monday that Pagán’s last day will be April 5. He has entered into a consulting agreement through Dec. 23 to help with the transition of his responsibilities and … Continue reading “Paratek Pharma’s CFO Pagán to Leave for Job at an Early-Stage Biotech”
Amgen’s Grauer Joins Corcept Therapeutics as Chief Medical Officer
Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CORT]]) has appointed Andreas Grauer to serve as chief medical officer. Grauer comes to Menlo Park, CA-based Corcept from Amgen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMGN]]), where he was vice president of global development. Corcept develops drugs that modulate a hormone called cortisol to treat metabolic and psychiatric disorders, as well as cancer. Corcept has already … Continue reading “Amgen’s Grauer Joins Corcept Therapeutics as Chief Medical Officer”
Dermira Shares Soar After Eczema Drug Hits Goal of Mid-Stage Study
An experimental drug developed by Dermira to treat atopic dermatitis has hit the main goal of its mid-stage study, helping to build a case that the injectable treatment could measure up against a drug from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi. Atopic dermatitis is the most common and severe form of eczema, an inflammatory condition that leads … Continue reading “Dermira Shares Soar After Eczema Drug Hits Goal of Mid-Stage Study”
Illumina’s Michael Ball Joins Contextual Genomics as CEO
Cancer genomics company Contextual Genomics has appointed Michael Ball to serve as its CEO. Ball comes to the Vancouver, BC-based company from Illumina (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ILMN]]), where he was global vice president commercial, informatics. Ball was previously CEO of GenoLogics Life Sciences Software, which was acquired by Illumina in 2015. Contextual Genomics develops molecular tests that … Continue reading “Illumina’s Michael Ball Joins Contextual Genomics as CEO”
Bio Roundup: Golumbeski’s Legacy, CRISPR Moratorium, Rebate Week & More
While all eyes in the biopharmaceutical world are currently trained on Bristol-Myers Squibb’s proposal to buy Celgene for $74 billion, it wasn’t that long ago that another company’s gaze was fixed on the Summit, NJ, drug maker. In the early 2000s, before the FDA approved Celgene’s flagship multiple myeloma drug lenalidomide (Revlimid), Novartis (NYSE: [[ticker:NVS]] … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Golumbeski’s Legacy, CRISPR Moratorium, Rebate Week & More”
C4 Therapeutics Taps NIBR’s Crystal for Chief Medical Officer Post
Adam Crystal has been appointed chief medical officer of C4 Therapeutics. Crystal comes to the Watertown, MA-based biotech from the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), where he led several oncology programs. Before working at NIBR, Crystal was a medical oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. C4 is developing drugs that treat disease through protein degradation, … Continue reading “C4 Therapeutics Taps NIBR’s Crystal for Chief Medical Officer Post”
Tenaya Taps Whittemore Tingley for Chief Medical Officer
Whittemore Tingley has been appointed chief medical officer of Tenaya Therapeutics. Tingley comes to the South San Francisco, CA, biotech from Cytokinetics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CYTK]]), where he was vice president of clinical research, cardiology. Tenaya spun out of the nonprofit Gladstone Institutes in 2016 to develop regenerative medicine treatments for heart failure.
Nerissa Kreher Leaves Avrobio for Tiburio Chief Medical Officer Post
Tiburio Therapeutics has appointed Nerissa Kreher to the newly created position of chief medical officer. Kreher held that post at her previous company, Avrobio (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AVRO]]). Her experience also includes positions at Shire, Zafgen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ZFGN]]), and Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ALXN]]). In January, Tibiurio launched from biotech accelerator Cydan, backed by $31 million in funding. … Continue reading “Nerissa Kreher Leaves Avrobio for Tiburio Chief Medical Officer Post”
X4 Completes Reverse Merger with Arsanis, Looks Ahead to Phase 3 Test
X4 Pharmaceuticals is the latest biotech to join the public markets, but it didn’t follow the IPO path to get there. Cambridge, MA-based X4 said Wednesday that it completed its “reverse merger” with Arsanis (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ASNS]]). Such business combinations enable a privately held company to go public by merging with a publicly traded business. Shares … Continue reading “X4 Completes Reverse Merger with Arsanis, Looks Ahead to Phase 3 Test”
Celgene Submits MS Drug for Approval in Europe, FDA Filing on Track
An experimental multiple sclerosis treatment identified as a key asset in Bristol-Myers Squibb’s proposed acquisition of Celgene has been filed for regulatory approval in Europe. Celgene (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CELG]]) submitted its application to the European Medicines Agency for ozanimod, a drug developed to treat a form of MS characterized by relapses, or periodic flare-ups, of neurological … Continue reading “Celgene Submits MS Drug for Approval in Europe, FDA Filing on Track”
FDA Clears Way for AquaBounty to Raise Salmon in America’s Heartland
It’s been more than three years since the FDA approved salmon from AquaBounty Technologies, but debates about labels and other requirements have kept the genetically engineered fish from reaching dining plates. On Friday, the FDA removed the last regulatory hurdle standing in the company’s way. The FDA lifted an “import alert,” a rule that kept … Continue reading “FDA Clears Way for AquaBounty to Raise Salmon in America’s Heartland”
Acorda Parkinson’s Drug Launched, Exec Hindman Is Now Set to Leave
Acorda Therapeutics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ACOR]]), which has just launched a new Parkinson’s disease treatment, is saying farewell to chief business officer Andrew Hindman. In a prepared statement, CEO Ron Cohen said Hindman, who joined Acorda in 2014, is interested in “pursuing opportunities in the wider biopharma industry.” Hindman will remain with the Ardsley, NY, biotech for … Continue reading “Acorda Parkinson’s Drug Launched, Exec Hindman Is Now Set to Leave”
Humacyte Appoints Chris Fang Chief Medical Officer
Regenerative medicine company Humacyte has appointed Chris Fang to serve as chief medical officer. Fang comes to the Research Triangle Park, NC, company from Amaris Health, where he was managing partner. His experience also includes posts at Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: [[ticker:JNJ]]), Medtronic (NYSE: [[ticker:MDT]]), and Mitsubishi Pharma. Humacyte has developed a way to produce … Continue reading “Humacyte Appoints Chris Fang Chief Medical Officer”
Gilead’s Cancer Division Loses Alessandro Riva, Victoria Smith
The oncology division of Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: [[ticker:GILD]]) is losing two of its leaders. Alessandro Riva, executive vice president of oncology therapeutics for the Foster City, CA, company, is leaving to become CEO of a Glenmark Pharmaceuticals spinout in Paramus, NJ. The yet-to-be-named Glenmark spinoff will take with it eight programs spanning cancer, immunology, and … Continue reading “Gilead’s Cancer Division Loses Alessandro Riva, Victoria Smith”
Sunovion Pharma Promotes Antony Loebel to President & CEO
Antony Loebel, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, has been promoted to CEO of the Marlborough, MA, company. Sunovion is a subsidiary of Japan-based Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Group. Loebel is also head of global clinical development for Sumitomo. He will start his new role at Sunovion on April 1, succeeding Nobuhiko … Continue reading “Sunovion Pharma Promotes Antony Loebel to President & CEO”
Vertex Faces Choice After Second CF Drug Combo Succeeds in Phase 3
An experimental Vertex Pharmaceuticals cystic fibrosis treatment that combines three of the company’s drugs has hit the main goals of two late-stage studies. It’s the second cystic fibrosis (CF) three-drug cocktail from Boston-based Vertex that has succeeded in two Phase 3 studies. With positive results for both drug combos, the company now must choose which … Continue reading “Vertex Faces Choice After Second CF Drug Combo Succeeds in Phase 3”
Deciphera Pharma’s CEO Taylor to Retire, Hoerter Named Successor
Michael Taylor, president and CEO of Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:DCPH]]) since 2014, is retiring. Starting on March 18, Taylor will move to a six-month role as senior advisor to the company to help with the transition of his responsibilities. He will also retain his seat on the Waltham, MA, company’s board of directors. The company … Continue reading “Deciphera Pharma’s CEO Taylor to Retire, Hoerter Named Successor”
Ex-PepsiCo Exec Mehmood Khan Joins Life Biosciences as CEO
Life Biosciences has appointed Mehmood Khan to serve as its CEO. Khan joins Boston-based Life Bio from PepsiCo (NASDAQ: [[ticker:PEP]]), where he was vice chairman and chief scientific officer. His experience also includes time at Takeda Pharmaceutical (NYSE: [[ticker:TAK]]), where he was president of the Takeda Global Research & Development Center. In January, Life Bio … Continue reading “Ex-PepsiCo Exec Mehmood Khan Joins Life Biosciences as CEO”
Lilly to Launch “Authorized Generic” Insulin Priced at 50% Discount
Eli Lilly is planning to offer a generic version of its blockbuster insulin product that will cost patients approximately half as much. The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant said Monday that the authorized generic, called Insulin Lispro, is the same molecule as its fast-acting insulin Humalog, which carries a list price of approximately $275 per vial. Provided … Continue reading “Lilly to Launch “Authorized Generic” Insulin Priced at 50% Discount”
Precision Bio Preps IPO to Test “Off-the-Shelf” Cancer Cell Therapy
Precision BioSciences has filed for an initial public offering to continue its development of gene-edited cell therapies, including a cancer treatment that is set to start tests in humans in the coming months. The company is also forging ahead in gene therapy and agricultural applications, giving it breadth that sets it apart from others in … Continue reading “Precision Bio Preps IPO to Test “Off-the-Shelf” Cancer Cell Therapy”
Steve Reed Steps Down as CEO of IDRI to Lead Two Spinout Companies
Steve Reed, president and CEO of the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), is stepping down from his executive roles. Seattle-based IDRI says Reed will lead two spinouts: OnCo, which will focus on cancer immunotherapies for the developed world, and HDT Bio, which is developing immunotherapies and vaccines. Reed will also continue as a distinguished investigator … Continue reading “Steve Reed Steps Down as CEO of IDRI to Lead Two Spinout Companies”
Immunomedics CEO Michael Pehl Resigns
Michael Pehl has resigned as CEO of Immunomedics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:IMMU]]), 15 months after he left Celgene (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CELG]]) to take the top job at the Morris Plains, NJ, company. In a press release, Immunomedics says Pehl is returning to Europe. According to a securities filing, Pehl will remain an Immunomedics employee for 30 days to … Continue reading “Immunomedics CEO Michael Pehl Resigns”
Rani’s “Robotic Pill” for Biologics Clears First Hurdle in Humans
Swallowing a pill is a convenience that’s not available for all drugs. The cells and proteins in biological therapies can’t survive digestive enzymes, whose role is to break things down. That’s why insulin and other biologics must be injected. But what if there were a pill you could swallow that administers the injection inside your … Continue reading “Rani’s “Robotic Pill” for Biologics Clears First Hurdle in Humans”
Kaleido Bio Downsizes IPO, Raises $75M for Microbiome Drug Tests
Microbiome drugs developer Kaleido Biosciences is joining the ranks of publicly traded biotechs, but it had to sell more shares and cut their price. The Lexington, MA, company priced its downsized initial public offering of 5 million shares at $15 each, well below the $20 to $22 range it had initially planned. Those shares are … Continue reading “Kaleido Bio Downsizes IPO, Raises $75M for Microbiome Drug Tests”
Bristol-Myers’ $74B Celgene Buyout Faces Opposition from Wellington
[Updated 2/28/19, 11:58 a.m. See below.] Bristol-Myers Squibb’s agreement to acquire Celgene for $74 billion is opposed by the New York pharmaceutical company’s largest institutional investor. Wellington Management Group said Wednesday afternoon that while it agrees Bristol should be active in deals that add new science and expand the company’s revenue potential, Wellington “does not believe … Continue reading “Bristol-Myers’ $74B Celgene Buyout Faces Opposition from Wellington”
Ginkgo’s Motif Launches with $90M for Animal-Free Meat & Milk Proteins
[Updated 6:16 p.m. See below.] Plant-based foods and beverages are getting more grocery store shelf space as consumers increasingly shop for meat and milk alternatives. But these products typically carry premium prices because making proteins in a lab is still far more expensive than conventional agriculture. Motif Ingredients says it can use biotechnology and fermentation … Continue reading “Ginkgo’s Motif Launches with $90M for Animal-Free Meat & Milk Proteins”
FDA Staff Hammers Karyopharm Cancer Drug on Safety, Efficacy Concerns
A Karyopharm Therapeutics multiple myeloma drug candidate faces longer odds for speedy FDA approval after the agency’s staff raised questions about the therapy’s efficacy and safety. Staff concerns about Karyopharm drug selinexor were detailed in briefing documents posted Friday afternoon, ahead of an advisory committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Such panels are convened to assess … Continue reading “FDA Staff Hammers Karyopharm Cancer Drug on Safety, Efficacy Concerns”
Alexion’s Rachelle Jacques Jumps to Enzyvant for CEO Role
Enzyvant has named Rachelle Jacques its new CEO. She comes to the Cambridge, MA, rare disease drug developer from Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ALXN]]), where she was senior vice president and global franchise head of complement. Her experience also includes senior roles at Shire and Baxalta. Jacques succeeds Alvin Shih, who will continue to advise Enzyvant. … Continue reading “Alexion’s Rachelle Jacques Jumps to Enzyvant for CEO Role”
Innovate Biopharma CEO Prior Resigns, Chairman Laumas Steps In
Innovate Biopharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:INNT]]) CEO Christopher Prior has resigned. In his place, Sandeep Laumas, the executive chairman of Innovate’s board, has been appointed chief executive. Prior had been Innovate’s CEO since 2015. According to a securities filing, he resigned from his chief executive post and board seat on Feb. 19. The filing gave no reason … Continue reading “Innovate Biopharma CEO Prior Resigns, Chairman Laumas Steps In”
Voyager Therapeutics, AbbVie Add Parkinson’s to Gene Therapy Pact
Voyager Therapeutics and AbbVie, already partners developing gene therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, are now expanding their alliance to include Parkinson’s. AbbVie (NYSE: [[ticker:ABBV]]) is paying Cambridge, MA-based Voyager (NASDAQ: [[ticker:VYGR]]) $65 million up front under the new deal. Gene therapies use viruses to carry the genetic instructions into cells. The agreement calls for Voyager to … Continue reading “Voyager Therapeutics, AbbVie Add Parkinson’s to Gene Therapy Pact”
Bio Roundup: NASH News, Merck Strikes, Digital Tokens & More
The growing epidemic of the fatty liver disease known as NASH, which has no FDA-approved treatment, has led to a frenzied race among drug companies. This week, one company, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, solidified its lead. But how much will being first to the finish line mean when all is said and done? Intercept (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ICPT]]) reported … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: NASH News, Merck Strikes, Digital Tokens & More”
Cerevel Therapeutics Taps Otsuka’s Sanchez for Chief Medical Officer
Raymond Sanchez has been appointed chief medical officer of Cerevel Therapeutics. Sanchez comes to Boston-based Cerevel from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization, where he most recently served as senior vice president, global clinical development. During the last half of his 11-year tenure at Otsuka, he was also chief medical officer of Otsuka subsidiary Avanir Pharmaceuticals. … Continue reading “Cerevel Therapeutics Taps Otsuka’s Sanchez for Chief Medical Officer”
Molecular Templates Appoints Roger Waltzman Chief Medical Officer
Roger Waltzman is now chief medical officer of Molecular Templates (NASDAQ: [[ticker:MTEM]]). Waltzman comes to the Austin, TX, cancer drug developer from Rgenix, where he was chief medical officer. Molecular Templates develops a class of drugs called engineered toxin bodies. The company’s lead drug candidate, MT-3724, is in Phase 1 testing as a treatment for … Continue reading “Molecular Templates Appoints Roger Waltzman Chief Medical Officer”
Merck Scooping Up Cancer Drug Developer Immune Design for $300M
Four months after Immune Design halted a late-stage study for its lead cancer vaccine and saw its stock price cut nearly in half, the immunotherapy company is now in line to join Merck’s pipeline in a deal worth approximately $300 million. Merck (NYSE: [[ticker:MRK]] announced Thursday that it has agreed to pay $5.85 per share … Continue reading “Merck Scooping Up Cancer Drug Developer Immune Design for $300M”
Starboard Ups Bristol-Myers Stake Ahead of Vote on Celgene Deal
Activist hedge fund Starboard Value has boosted its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb and nominated five candidates to serve on the pharmaceutical giant’s board of directors. Bristol-Myers (NYSE: [[ticker:BMY]]) disclosed Starboard’s actions in a regulatory filing Wednesday. They come ahead of a shareholder vote to approve Bristol’s $74 billion proposed buyout of Celgene (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CELG]]). The … Continue reading “Starboard Ups Bristol-Myers Stake Ahead of Vote on Celgene Deal”
Former Avexis Exec Kamal Named 4D Molecular Chief Technical Officer
Gene therapy developer 4D Molecular Therapeutics has appointed Fred Kamal to serve as chief technical officer. Kamal joins Emeryville, CA-based 4D Molecular from Avexis, where he was senior vice president of quality and regulatory CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and controls). Last September, 4D Molecular raised $90 million as it prepared for a clinical trial testing its … Continue reading “Former Avexis Exec Kamal Named 4D Molecular Chief Technical Officer”
Xerox’s Wolfson Joins Quest as Chief Information and Digital Officer
Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: [[ticker:DGX]]) has appointed Gabrielle Wolfson to serve as senior vice president and chief information and digital officer. Wolfson comes to Secaucus, NJ-based Quest from Xerox (NYSE: [[ticker:XRX]]), where she was chief information officer. Her experience includes serving as CIO for both Integra Life Sciences and Par Pharmaceutical. Quest provides an array of … Continue reading “Xerox’s Wolfson Joins Quest as Chief Information and Digital Officer”
Stealth Bio’s IPO Raises $78M for Clinical Tests of Mitochondrial Drugs
Stealth BioTherapeutics has popped up on the radar with a $78 million IPO to fund clinical trials for drugs treating rare mitochondrial disorders. Shares of Stealth Bio (NASDAQ: [[ticker:MITO]]) made their stock market debut Friday at $12 apiece, which was the low end of the company’s targeted $12 to $14 range. The biotech sold 6.5 … Continue reading “Stealth Bio’s IPO Raises $78M for Clinical Tests of Mitochondrial Drugs”
Bayer Snaps Up Rights to Two Cancer Drugs from Lilly’s $8B Loxo Deal
Bayer has just reclaimed some rights to two drugs from Loxo Oncology, which means it’s going to take more work for Loxo’s buyer, Eli Lilly, to justify the $8 billion it is paying for the company. Lilly (NYSE: [[ticker:LLY]]) this morning closed its buyout of Loxo, a developer of cancer drugs that target specific genetic … Continue reading “Bayer Snaps Up Rights to Two Cancer Drugs from Lilly’s $8B Loxo Deal”
Nimbus Picks Janssen’s Tummino for Chief Scientific Officer Post
Nimbus Therapeutics has appointed Peter Tummino to serve as its chief scientific officer. Tummino comes to the Cambridge, MA, company from Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: [[ticker:JNJ]]) subsidiary Janssen, where he was vice president and global head of lead discovery. His experience also includes multiple roles at GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: [[ticker:GSK]]). Nimbus, which uses computational science to … Continue reading “Nimbus Picks Janssen’s Tummino for Chief Scientific Officer Post”
Skyhawk Therapeutics Appoints Guerciolini Chief Medical Officer
Roberto Guerciolini is now chief medical officer of Skyhawk Therapeutics. Guerciolini’s experience includes posts at Wave Life Sciences (NASDAQ: [[ticker:WVE]]), SIRNA Therapeutics, and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:DRNA]]). Waltham, MA-based Skyhawk is developing RNA-targeting drugs to treat cancer and neurological diseases. Skyhawk launched a little more than a year ago; last June, the company landed a … Continue reading “Skyhawk Therapeutics Appoints Guerciolini Chief Medical Officer”
TCR²’s IPO Raises $75M to Bring Cancer Cell Therapy to Solid Tumors
Cancer immunotherapy developer TCR² Therapeutics has raised $75 million in an IPO, which it will use for clinical trials to test a type of immunotherapy intended to treat a wider range of cancers than current cell therapies. Late Wednesday, TCR² priced its offering of 5 million shares at $15 apiece. The Cambridge, MA, company had … Continue reading “TCR²’s IPO Raises $75M to Bring Cancer Cell Therapy to Solid Tumors”
DBV Rejoins Peanut Allergy Treatment Race, But Aimmune Takes the Lead
[Updated 9:20 p.m., see below.] DBV Technologies is jumping back into the race to bring an FDA-approved peanut allergy treatment to the market, but it might not be enough to beat its main rival. The France-based company says it expects to resubmit its application for FDA approval of Viaskin Peanut, the company’s experimental peanut allergy … Continue reading “DBV Rejoins Peanut Allergy Treatment Race, But Aimmune Takes the Lead”
Johnson & Johnson to Buy Robotics Startup Auris Health for $3.4B
[Updated 2:07 p.m. See below.] Johnson & Johnson is acquiring medical robotics developer Auris Health for $3.4 billion in cash, a deal that builds on the company’s stated plans to become a player in “digital surgery.” Privately held Auris has commercialized a robotic system cleared by the FDA to assist surgeons in diagnosing and treating … Continue reading “Johnson & Johnson to Buy Robotics Startup Auris Health for $3.4B”
Neurogene Names Stuart Cobb Chief Scientific Officer
Gene therapy developer Neurogene has appointed Stuart Cobb to serve as its chief scientific officer. Cobb is currently a scientist at the University of Edinburgh. Neurogene says he will split his time between the university and the New York-based company. Neurogene recently raised $68.5 million in Series A financing to support research and development of … Continue reading “Neurogene Names Stuart Cobb Chief Scientific Officer”
Graybug Vision Taps Ex-Novartis Exec Guerard for CEO Post
Frédéric Guerard has been appointed CEO of Graybug Vision. Guerard joins the Redwood City, CA-based eye diseases drug developer from Novartis (NYSE: [[ticker:NVS]]), where he had several roles, most recently worldwide business franchise head of ophthalmology. Graybug’s lead drug candidate, GB-102, is being prepared for Phase 2 studies testing it as a treatment for the … Continue reading “Graybug Vision Taps Ex-Novartis Exec Guerard for CEO Post”
Neurogene Emerges with $68M to Advance Gene Therapies to the Clinic
Neurogene is breaking into gene therapy with $68.5 million in new funding to support research on experimental treatments for rare, genetic brain disorders, the first of which could start human testing next year. So far, New York-based Neurogene has disclosed two of its preclinical programs. One is a treatment for aspartyglucosaminuria (AGU), an inherited enzyme … Continue reading “Neurogene Emerges with $68M to Advance Gene Therapies to the Clinic”
AbbVie Joins Myeloma Race with $90M Deal for Rights to Teneobio Drug
AbbVie is paying $90 million up front for rights to a multiple myeloma drug from Teneobio that’s now being prepared for tests in humans. The Teneobio drug, TNB383B, is the first to come out of the labs of the Menlo Park, CA, biotech. Under the deal, AbbVie has the right to develop the drug after … Continue reading “AbbVie Joins Myeloma Race with $90M Deal for Rights to Teneobio Drug”