Notizia - Recent Pharma, Healthcare and Biotech Happenings
Jul 09, 2019
Not long ago, Pfizer’s Vizimpro (dacomitinib) a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), was approved as a first-line monotherapy treatment for adult patients living with locally advanced or metastatic non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). As evaluated by the American Cancer Society, the non-small lung cancer incidence in the United States in 2018 was found to be 234,030 (121,680 in men and 112,350 in women) new cases with 154,050 deaths. Lately, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also approved its use once daily to adults. Earlier, Vizimpro did not get approval from NICE due to its cost-ineffectiveness. However, AstraZeneca has not been so lucky in its endeavours of getting the approval of its EGFR inhibitor Tagrisso (osimertinib) for the same indication from the cost-effectiveness agency. Pfizer’s assurance to give a discount on Vizimpro has convinced NICE to ponder over its initial decision. At present, as per DelveInisght estimates, the non-small lung cancer therapy market comprises Afatinib (Gilotrif), Gefitinib (Iressa), Bevacizumab (Avastin), and others as marketed drugs.
Japan’s Eisai has collaborated with the University of Dundee in Scotland, the UK regarding research agreement on Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) 1 toward drug discovery in the oncology area. PROTACs are a new class of drugs that uses the cell’s natural disposal system to get rid of disease-causing proteins. They will help to target those cancer-causing cells which easily escape from present conventional methods of treating cancer. Under the agreement, Eisai will be able to develop, discover and commercialize new potential compounds to treat cancer. Dundee University is exploring its option by entering into a partnership with many other pharma giants to lift the treatment landscape. Earlier this month, Dundee University has also signed a research agreement with Korean based Korean-based Bukwang Pharmaceutical Company to advance Parkinson’s disease therapeutic market.
AgaMatrix focused on providing diagnostic technologies for Diabetes, has raised USD 56 million to back the new clinical trials for the commercialisation of Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), it’s subsidiary WaveForm’s is developing, in Europe and FDA clearance in the USA. The capital raise includes USD 50 million from Perspective advisors and remaining USD 6 million from new and previous investors. The proceeds will also be used in repaying debt and increase production capacity. The company is excited about the positive results of its continuous glucose monitor clinical trials and garnering a significant chunk of Diabetes market share.
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