Sibeprenlimab

Pfizer CEO’s remarks on the PD-1xVEGF deal, Otsuka’s phase 3 IgAN win and the ongoing Entresto patent fight between Novartis and MSN made headlines this week. Pfizer's CEO discussed the extensive due diligence the company has conducted on the 3SBio PD-1xVEGF deal. Otsuka detailed its phase 3 data in the kidney disease immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Novartis is pressing for a speedy ruling in its Entresto patent litigation against MSN Pharmaceuticals.1. Pfizer CEO talks Chinese due diligence, ADC synergies to justify $6B bet on 'fabulous' bispecificPfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the company was “very careful” with due diligence before signing the 3SBio PD-1xVEGF bispecific deal. “We didn't do due diligence in a data room. We sent people on-site. We feel very comfortable. I met the CEO. They are credible guys,” he said. Pfizer sees the med’s potential to displace PD-1/L1 checkpoint inhibitors and combine with its portfolio of antibody-drug conjugates.2. Otsuka's kidney disease drug halves UPCR levels in phase 3 studyOtsuka unveiled detailed data from a phase 3 win in the kidney disease IgAN. Patients who received the company’s sibeprenlimab, an APRIL blocker, reported a 51.2% reduction in proteinuria from baseline when compared to placebo. The effect was measured by patients’ urine protein-to-cretinine ratio levels. The drug has an FDA target action date for IgAN on Nov. 28.3. Novartis presses court for hasty decision in long-running Entresto patent feud with MSNNovartis is still trying to block the launch of MSN Pharmaceuticals’ proposed Entresto generic. In a patent case, the Swiss drugmaker is asking a federal court in Delaware to issue a final decision before July 15, when a pediatric exclusivity period is set to expire. The Indian company is currently barred from launching until July 16.4. GSK offloads shigella vaccine to Bharat ahead of phase 3, vows to support fundraisingGSK has licensed its shigella vaccine candidate, altSonflex1-2-3, to Bharat Biotech before the start of a phase 3 trial. GSK said it will help Bharat design the phase 3 study and support its partner’s search for external funding. The British pharma framed the deal as a way to get the shot to patients in low- and middle-income countries, where the bacteria is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of children from diarrhea.5. Growing Astellas looks to reap the rewards of uniting commercial strategy, medical affairs: execClaus Zieler recently picked up the medical affairs officer title in addition to his existing role of chief commercial officer at Astellas. He said the move to unite the two functions was “almost natural” so that a doctor or a medical team can interact with “one Astellas” when needing support or information. Healthcare professionals are engaging with several different digital channels, leaving drugmakers like Astellas to learn how to cater to each in a unique way.Other News of Note: 6. WuXi Biologics breaks ground on microbial production plant in China7. Samsung Biologics inks $75M CDMO deal with European pharma firm (Korea Biomedical Review)8. Samsung Bioepis taps NIPRO to commercialize multiple biosimilars in Japan (release)