Regeneron/Sanofi’s PD-1 drug candidate; Zika targeting drugs and vaccines developments; CMO of Achillion will leave this month; Lincoln’s anti-malarial drug

Regeneron/Sanofi’s PD-1 drug candidate will be tested with ISA’s HPV immunotherapy

Regeneron and Sanofi’s PD-1 candidate cemiplimab is paired with Dutch biotech ISA Pharma’s human papillomavirus (HPV) targeting drug for testing. The new drug is competing to become the sixth PD-1/PD-L1 drug on the market. Joined with ISA’s ISA101 vaccine candidate to cope with HPV-related cancers like cervical and head-and-neck cancer.

Zika targeting drugs and vaccines development will be improved through new ideas

Scientists from Stanford have devised an approach that to fight Zika through a completely new approach by targeting a certain protein in the host cell further preventing the virus from replicating. It is one of two recent developments targeting Zika that could fuel ongoing efforts to prevent and treat the mosquito-borne virus.

David Apelian chief medical officer of Achillion will leave this month

In a recent sec filing, the company has mentioned that David Apelian EVP and CMO of Achillion has handed over his notice to leave the company by the end of this month i.e. Dec 28, 2017. In this brief update company has mentioned that he is leaving to “pursue another professional opportunity”. Company has started searching for a new CMO, with help from Russell Reynolds Associates.

Lincoln Pharma has got the patent for its anti-malarial drug 

Lincoln Pharmaceuticals has recently announced that it has been awarded a patent for an anti-malarial drug in India. The patent has been awarded by the Indian government for an Arteether injection for the treatment of malaria according to a recent BSE filing.