Johnson & Johnson has announced that it is acquiring privately-held, clinical-stage biopharma Novira Therapeutics, but has kept financial details of the deal firmly under wraps.
The move gives the healthcare giant access to Novira’s portfolio of novel antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which affects 350 million – 400 million people worldwide, including lead candidate NVR 3-778.
NVR 3-778 is a small molecule, direct acting antiviral, that inhibits the HBV core, a new and promising drug target involved in multiple activities required for viral replication and persistence.
The orally-administered drug “offers the potential for efficient suppression of virus production and replication, which could help address the remaining unmet medical needs,” says J&J.
The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2015.
Source: Pharma Times
Giovanni Caforio, the former CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, is set to become the next board chairman of Novartis, which on Tuesday proposed the pharmaceutical industry veteran as its pick to replace Joerg Reinhardt in the role next year. Reinhardt has served as Novartis’ chair since 2013 and plans to retire when his 12-year term ends in 2025.
GE HealthCare has raised the curtain on two ultrasound systems equipped with artificial intelligence programs designed to assist in diagnosing conditions in women’s health, including obstetric exams. The Voluson Signature 20 and 18 imaging systems include AI tools capable of automatically identifying and annotating measurements of fetal anatomy.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry have revealed a new sustainable method of manufacturing complex molecules that could reduce waste produced during drug production. The method published in Nature Chemistry could help to prevent severe side effects caused by drugs that can exist as enantiomers.
