The deal hands Astellas a drug called Zimura that Iveric is studying as a treatment for a form of vision loss known as geographic atrophy. Iveric’s drug already succeeded in a pair of Phase 3 trials and is currently being reviewed by U.S. regulators. A decision is expected by Aug. 19.
Pharmaceutical companies have increasingly turned to dealmaking to help offset patent losses that are soon expected for many of the industry’s top-selling drugs. Over the last two months, drugmakers have spent roughly $65 billion in total on buyouts, led by Pfizer’s $43 billion acquisition of cancer biotech Seagen, according to BioPharma Dive data.
Astellas is among those with drugs expected to soon face generic competition. Its prostate cancer drug Xtandi is set to lose patent protection in 2027. Zimura could help soften the blow, as well as provide a “foundation of ophthalmology focused capabilities,” including a commercial team and access to a network of experts and medical institutions, Astellas said. READ MORE
by Ben Fidler
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.
