Industry News

Vifor Pharma announced that the first patient has been enrolled in a double-blind, randomized phase-IIa clinical trial evaluating the safety, efficacy and tolerability of vamifeport in adult patients with sickle cell disease. Vamifeport, developed by Vifor Pharma, is a novel oral ferroportin inhibitor investigated for treatment of diseases characterized by ineffective production of red blood cells and iron overload, including SCD and beta-thalassemia. It has been granted orphan drug designation from both the U.S.

Vifor Pharma and Angion Biomedica Corp announced results from the exploratory phase-II GUARD trial of Angion’s ANG-3777 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass at risk for developing acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of percentage increase in serum creatinine based upon the area under the curve (AUC). However, Angion and Vifor Pharma continue to review the data, based on the signal demonstrated in the clinically-relevant MAKE90 secondary endpoint.

Calibre Scientific is pleased to announce the acquisition of Benson Polymeric, a manufacturer of polymer-based HPLC columns and resin. Benson Polymeric further enhances Calibre Scientific’s growing presence in the chromatography sector.

Morepen Laboratories Limited has received USFDA approval for its anti-allergy drug Fexofinadine Hydrochloride that is market in India under the popular brand name Allegra, among others and is the block buster drug of the innovator company Sanofi Aventis, France. Fexofinadine is most widely used, second generation antihistamine drug for the treatment of allergy symptoms and hay fever.

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world leading contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) for biologics, viral vaccines and viral vectors, has confirmed a £400 million planned investment package at its UK facility in Billingham, Teesside. This investment package more than doubles the site’s existing development and manufacturing footprint, creating the largest multi-modal biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in the United Kingdom and is expected to create up to 350 highly-skilled jobs.

Amgen announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the expansion of the KYPROLIS® (carfilzomib) U.S. prescribing information to include its use in combination with DARZALEX FASPRO® (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three lines of therapy. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Cytalux (pafolacianine), an imaging drug intended to assist surgeons in identifying ovarian cancer lesions. The drug is designed to improve the ability to locate additional ovarian cancerous tissue that is normally difficult to detect during surgery.

Cytalux is indicated for use in adult patients with ovarian cancer to help identify cancerous lesions during surgery. The drug is a diagnostic agent that is administered in the form of an intravenous injection prior to surgery.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited announced that it has received tentative approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules, 150 mg. The tentatively approved ANDA is therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug product (RLD) PRADAXA® Dabigatran Etexilate Mesylate Capsules, Eq to 150 mg base, Boehringer Ingelheim.

Sanofi announced today it entered into an agreement to acquire Origimm Biotechnology GmbH, an Austrian privately owned biotechnology company specializing in the discovery of virulent skin microbiome components and antigens from bacteria causing skin disease, such as acne. With this acquisition, Sanofi continues executing its global Play to Win strategy, pursuing growth opportunities and building an industry-leading vaccines pipeline.