Biotech Breakthroughs and Setbacks: A Closer Look at the Latest Developments in Pharma

Pharma and BioTech Daily

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are driving a renaissance in the oncology drug class, with companies like ADC Therapeutics, Sutro Biopharma, and Zai Lab developing new ADCs to address challenges with payload and toxicity. BridgeBio recently secured FDA approval for its drug to treat ATTR-CM, launching competition with Pfizer in the market. Meanwhile, Sage Therapeutics faced setbacks with the discontinuation of its lead candidate for Huntington's disease after a third clinical failure. Applied Therapeutics is awaiting FDA verdict on a rare disease therapy, while AstraZeneca successfully defended its drug Andexxa against safety concerns. Other developments include patient death in a Rett syndrome trial, Merck's asthma drug Singulair potentially linked to mental health problems, and Intellia's CRISPR gene editor showing promise in ATTR amyloidosis.The biopharma industry is seeing advancements and challenges across various therapeutic areas, prompting discussions on future coverage topics in neuroscience, oncology, cell & gene therapy, and more.