Novocure lays off 200 workers

Today’s Big News

Nov 28, 2023

FDA investigates 'serious risk' of secondary cancer following CAR-T treatment


UPDATE: Acelyrin points to CRO error that could explain shocking phase 3 failure


Novocure lays off 200 workers in plan to shave $60M off expenses


Novartis dials up midterm sales projection, fleshes out Kisqali's $7B-plus goal


Merck strides onto Pfizer’s turf, posting pivotal vaccine data and heading to regulators

 

Featured

FDA investigates 'serious risk' of secondary cancer following CAR-T treatment

In a blow to CAR-T therapies, the FDA is investigating a “serious risk” of patients developing new cancers after treatment with these highly efficacious oncology drugs.
 

Top Stories

UPDATE: Acelyrin points to CRO error that could explain shocking phase 3 failure

Acelyrin sent a chill rippling through the IPO market in September when its phase 3 clinical trial unexpectedly failed. But now the company says some errors by the contract research organization running the study may have been to blame.

Novocure lays off 200 workers in plan to shave $60M off expenses

As it awaits regulatory clearance for its Tumor Treating Fields technology in non-small cell lung cancer—and in the wake of the technology’s recent trial failure in ovarian disease—Novocure is narrowing its pipeline and its workforce to conserve funds.

Novartis dials up midterm sales projection, fleshes out Kisqali's $7B-plus goal

Novartis is getting more optimistic about its midterm sales potential, thanks to bullish estimates for some blockbuster drugs, including Entresto and Kisqali.

Merck strides onto Pfizer’s turf, posting pivotal vaccine data and heading to regulators

Merck & Co. has revealed data from a phase 3 trial designed to knock Pfizer’s pneumococcal vaccine off its perch. The vaccine candidate matched Prevnar 20 for shared serotypes and performed better for 10 of its 11 unique serotypes, positioning Merck to file for approvals around the world.

Patient groups want pharma to improve on ESG—and are pushing for a seat at the table

Patient groups are taking matters into their own hands. Frustrated by pharma’s reluctance to engage on environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics, patient representatives are pushing for a bigger role in shaping policies—and are considering the subject when deciding whether to work with a company.

Thermo Fisher teams up with Flagship Pioneering to forge new life science tool startups

Thermo Fisher Scientific has had a longstanding agreement with Flagship Pioneering to help supply the incubator’s roster of young biotechs with life sciences hardware and research services. Now, Thermo Fisher is getting in on the startup game itself.

With FDA’s inevitable rejection in hand for eye drug, Aldeyra plans speedy new trial

Aldeyra Therapeutics had prepared for the worst and now it's here. The FDA has rejected the dry eye drug reproxalap.

Teva drops patent case against Lilly after two Ajovy patents deemed invalid

The agreement comes after a patent board ruled that two Teva patents were invalid. Meanwhile, the companies continue to battle it out in a larger case relating to nine of Teva's Ajovy patents.

FDA gives Class I recall rating to insulin infusion sets used with Tandem pumps

The tubing used to subcutaneously deliver insulin from a Tandem Diabetes Care pump is among the latest devices to land in the FDA’s hot seat.

BMS, Avidity add another link to cardiovascular partnership with $100M expansion

Bristol Myers Squibb seems to have found a friend in Avidity Biosciences, as the two add a second link to a heart-focused research partnership for $100 million upfront.

Medtronic rolls out newly acquired atrial appendage implant for afib patients

The Penditure is a small, curved clip made to seal off a small pocket in the heart's left atrium, where potentially dangerous blood clots are more likely to form if a person has an irregular heartbeat.

Pfizer takes Poland to court over alleged missed COVID-19 vaccine payments

As the pandemic eased earlier this year, officials in Poland became vocal critics of the financial obligations laid down by Pfizer’s large vaccine supply pact with the European Union. Now, months after the country asked for a reprieve from the costs imposed by the 2021 agreement, Pfizer is targeting Poland in court.
 
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Alzheimer’s breakthroughs, Leqembi's potential and what's next

This episode of "The Top Line" is dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease, spotlighting the latest treatments and what lies ahead. Fierce Pharma's Fraiser Kansteiner discusses Leqembi's full approval with Eisai's Alexander Scott. Annalee Armstrong from Fierce Biotech interviews Alzheimer's expert Howard Fillit, M.D., exploring groundbreaking research. Fierce Pharma’s Eric Sagonowsky speaks with Reisa Sperling, M.D., about Leqembi's potential in preventing Alzheimer’s progression before symptoms emerge.

 

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