The FDA’s letter to Novo is the latest example in a series of regulatory pushbacks that some analysts view as signs of tougher oversight from the agency.
In recent weeks, the FDA has surprised Acadia Pharmaceuticals with an unexpected notice of “deficiencies” in the company’s drug application and FibroGen with the unexpected scheduling of an advisory committee meeting. Reviews of drugs from AbbVie and Kadmon, meanwhile, have been extended past scheduled decision dates.
More broadly, the agency is in the midst of an “industry-wide” review of accelerated approvals for cancer immunotherapies, and appears to be enforcing a tough line on manufacturing with cell and gene therapy developers. READ MORE
by Ned Pagliarulo
Source: biopharmadive.com
Novartis will acquire Mariana’s lead candidate MC-339, a radioligand therapy (RLT) designed to target small-cell lung cancer. Last year, Mariana had raised $175m in a Series B round from several funds and pharma giant Eli Lilly.
The company’s aspiration to expand the use of its obesity products to cardiovascular indications has been successful. In March, its blockbuster drug Wegovy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese or overweight adults.
Massachusetts-based Deciphera brings to the table an extensive kinase inhibitor pipeline, kinase drug discovery expertise, and a strong commercial and sales platform in the US and European markets that is meant to advance Ono’s capabilities and presence in the oncology space.