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The blockbuster GLP-1 analog demonstrated a capability for fibrosis reduction and disease resolution in the Phase III ESSENCE study. The firm plans to file for approval in 2025.

The changes expand the commercial potential of the PD-1/VEGF targeting immunotherapy's trial, but worries about delays and endpoint success have reigned in Summit's formerly skyrocketing share price.

The UK group began more clinical trials last year than any other company, a new report from Citeline has found.

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

As Sage prioritizes Zurzuvae for postpartum depression after recent setbacks, it will stop selling Zulresso for PPD and no longer pursue Zurzuvae in major depressive disorder.

Emerging Company Profile: Volastra is testing two KIF18A inhibitors in early clinical trials in ovarian cancer, backed by investors like Polaris Partners and ARCH Ventures.

The company, now the most advanced clinically in the psychedelic space after the rejection of Lykos's MDMA-based post-traumatic stress disorder drug, is cutting its workforce by a third and narrowing its research focus after shifting the timeline for its late-stage depression candidate.

Continued growth for mainstay Entyvio and cancer newcomer Fruzaqla drove growth at Takeda in the fiscal first half, with the Japanese major brightening its outlook for the full year.

Recent moves in the industry include changes at the top at Fennec Pharmaceuticals, plus Opthea Acquires Chief Financial Officer From Amarin, and Disc Medicine gets a new chief technical officer.

Private Company Edition: Despite a third quarter dip, venture capital investment in biopharma in 2024 is on track to beat 2023, new data confirm. VC mega-rounds of $100m or more helped boost the total, including recent financings totaling $175m for Alpha-9 and $112m for AvenCell.

Pharmaceutical company managers may view biosimilar erosion of their products’ sales in the same rose-tinted light cast by Humira’s delayed biosimilars in the US. Payers, however, may be more clear sighted.

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.