Leo Pharma, Inc.

Adbry targets interleukin-13 (IL-13), a cytokine that drives inflammatory processes that drive symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Credits: Evgeniia Primavera / Shutterstock. Leo Pharma has announced long term safety and efficacy data for its atopic dermatitis treatment, Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm), demonstrating the drug’s ability to drive clear or almost clear skin for up to six years. Among patients enrolled in the Phase III ECZTEND study (NCT03587805) who have were on long-term (maintenance) treatment with Adbry, 92.9% of patients observed a reduction of at least 75% on the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) at week 248. Additionally, 66.7% of patients achieved clear or almost clear skin, as assessed by the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) scale. No new safety signals were identified. The results were presented in a poster at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from 24-27 October. Adbry was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The label was expanded in 2023 when Adbry gained an FDA approval for use in adolescents aged 12 and older, whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. An alternative mode of administration after the approved by the FDA its single dose autoinjector in June 2024. In 2023, LEO generated net sales of DKK 11.4bn ($1.7bn), growth which was driven by growth of Adbry, as per the company’s 2023 annual results. GlobalData’s consensus forecasts project that Adbry will generate global sales of $1.3bn in 2030. See Also: Pharma companies must adapt to keep pace with AI developments, say experts AF stroke patients could benefit from earlier anticoagulant administration GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology . Participants enrolled in the open label ECZTEND were previously assessed in multiple monotherapy and combination therapy studies of Adbry. Among these studies are the Phase III ECZTRA 1 (NCT03131648) and ECZTRA 2 (NCT03160885) studies of monotherapy Adbry and the Phase III ECZTRA 3 study (NCT03363854) of a Adbry/topical corticosteroid combination therapy. Patients were eligible to enroll in ECZTEND after completion of their respective parent trials regardless of their treatment response or whether they received Adbry or placebo treatment. Adbry targets interleukin-13 (IL-13), a cytokine that drives inflammatory processes that drive symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

BenevolentAI’s CEO Joerg Moeller is stepping down effective immediately, the London biotech said Thursday, in the latest leadership shakeup atop the company. Since going public in early 2022 via a SPAC, BenevolentAI’s stock price has fallen over 90%. Its lead drug candidate fell short in a mid-stage eczema study last year, eventually leading to the program’s discontinuation. Moeller, formerly the global R&D head of Leo Pharma, was brought in to replace former CEO Joanna Shields in January. Now, less than 10 months into his tenure, BenevolentAI announced Moeller is headed out the door. The company didn’t give a reason for his exit, other than to say it was “immediate.” The company also didn’t name a replacement, though it did say that founder Ken Mulvany is now executive chairman. Mulvany rejoined BenevolentAI’s board in May, amid a broader boardroom battle . In a Thursday statement, Mulvany said the company has “only scratched the surface of our platform’s incredible potential.” Founded in 2013, BenevolentAI was one of the first biotech startups focused on artificial intelligence, alongside peers like Exscientia, Recursion Pharmaceuticals and Atomwise. Benevolent had pitched its AI approach as allowing it to slash preclinical costs and move faster. In its pitch to investors when it was going public via a SPAC, the biotech shared projections that its pipeline would grow from 12 programs in 2021 to more than 50 in 2026, eventually reaching 87 in 2030. It said its aim was to file one to two INDs per year for the next few years, increasing to a rate of two to three IND filings per year for 2027 to 2031. But those bold forecasts haven’t panned out. Today, BenevolentAI’s pipeline lists one program in the clinic and eight preclinical programs. It has slashed R&D and overall spending plans, including rounds of layoffs last May and this April . The company’s sole clinical-stage drug reported positive results from a healthy volunteer Phase 1 study earlier this year. And the company said last month it is in active out-licensing and partnership discussions around that molecule. BenevolentAI’s struggles are in line with several of its peers who have pitched R&D revolutions with their technology over the past decade. But the lead drug candidates from these AI-focused biotechs have fallen short in the clinic . Several of these original AI-focused biotechs have struggled to survive. Exscientia recently agreed to a merger deal with Recursion. Atomwise’s founding CEO Abe Heifets quietly left the company earlier this year with no announced successor, Endpoints News previously reported .

Help shape the future of women's health by taking the survey and supporting this global campaign in its eleventh year to improve care for at-risk patients. CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Oct. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today is World Thrombosis Day, a global campaign established by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) to engage the general public, healthcare providers and policymakers in spreading awareness of the signs, symptoms, risk factors and prevention of blood clots. This initiative aims to reduce the alarming statistic that 1 in 4 deaths are related to conditions associated with thrombosis. The campaign has partnered with more than 6,000 organizations worldwide to implement impactful initiatives. This year, World Thrombosis Day emphasizes the impact on women's health with the launch of a new global survey aimed at understanding women's awareness of their health risks. The initiative seeks to collect vital information to improve outcomes for women at risk of blood clots during pregnancy, postpartum, and other critical life stages. The survey is available in eleven languages to maximize accessibility and global participation. [Click to take the survey.] Blood clots in the legs and lungs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)—together referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE)—are the third leading cause of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. World Thrombosis Day focuses on education about VTE, with particular attention to the unique health considerations that women face. "Understanding the risks of blood clots is crucial, as one in four people die worldwide from conditions caused by thrombosis. Raising awareness about VTE can ensure better care for those at risk," said Lana Castellucci, M.D., chair of the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee. "This year, we are particularly focused on women's health and thrombosis. By gathering data through this survey, we aim to understand women's experiences with VTE education during pregnancy and postpartum and hope to empower women with knowledge and improve health outcomes for themselves and their families." World Thrombosis Day has also collaborated closely with corporate supporters, including The Bristol Myers Squibb Pfizer Alliance, Cardinal Health, Inari, Leo Pharma, Penumbra, Regeneron, and Viatris, to enhance the impact of the 2024 campaign, ensuring a comprehensive initiative. To learn more about blood clots, visit and stay tuned for updates on social media with #WTDay24. About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide medical and scientific professional Society dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,000 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 124 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees, and World Thrombosis Day on 13 October. Visit ISTH online at . SOURCE International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED