Latest news with #Opdualag
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXEL Reports Superior Efficacy Data From Kidney Cancer Study Cohort
Exelixis EXEL announced encouraging results from an expansion cohort of the early to mid-stage study of its next-generation oral TKI, zanzalintinib, in combination with either Bristol Myers' BMY Opdivo (nivolumab) or a fixed-dose combination of nivolumab and relatlimab (Opdualag) in patients with previously untreated advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The phase Ib/II STELLAR-002 study is evaluating the candidate's safety and efficacy as a monotherapy or in combination with Opdivo, Opdualag, or the Opdivo/Yervoy combo in patients with advanced solid tumors. According to data from the expansion cohort of Exelixis' STELLAR-002 study, the combination of zanzalintinib with Bristol Myers' Opdivo demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 63%, while the combination with Opdualag showed an ORR of 40%. Both treatment arms achieved a disease control rate of 90%. At a median follow-up of 20.1 months for the Opdivo arm and 15.9 months for the Opdualag arm, the 12-month duration of response was 73.4% and 74.1%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was reported as 18.5 months and 13 months for the Opdivo and Opdualag combinations, respectively. EXEL shares have risen 28.7% year to date against the industry's decline of 5.6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The zanzalintinib/Opdivo combo has the potential to address the unmet medical need for RCC treatments. Based on the encouraging high rate of durable responses and long progression-free survival data observed, coupled with the lack of other effective therapies in the market, the company plans to further evaluate the regimen. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in all patients, with common grade 3/4 events, including hypertension, diarrhea and liver enzyme elevations in both treatment arms. Two grade 5 TEAEs were reported per arm (none treatment-related). Study drug discontinuation due to TEAEs was observed in 8% and 20% of patients in the Opdivo and Opdualag combination arms, respectively. Exelixis shared additional data from several cohorts in the phase Ib/II STELLAR-002 study, evaluating different dose combinations of zanzalintinib with Bristol Myers' Opdivo or Opdualag in patients with advanced solid tumors. Colorectal and prostate cancers were most common among patients receiving zanzalintinib with Opdivo, while RCC was the most frequent tumor type in the Opdualag cohorts. The combination therapies showed a manageable safety profile consistent with the individual agents. Early safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic data supported the selection of the 100 mg zanzalintinib dose for the ongoing expansion cohorts. Please note that Bristol Myers' Opdivo is approved, both as a monotherapy and in combination with Yervoy, to treat a plethora of cancer indications in many countries, including the United States and the European Union. BMY's Opdualag is also currently approved in the United States and the EU for treating unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Exelixis, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Exelixis, Inc. Quote Exelixis currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some other top-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Bayer BAYRY and Amarin AMRN, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. In the past 60 days, estimates for Bayer's earnings per share have increased from $1.19 to $1.25 for 2025. During the same time, earnings per share have increased from $1.28 to $1.31 for 2026. Year to date, shares of Bayer have gained 41.8%. BAYRY's earnings beat estimates in one of the trailing four quarters, matched twice and missed on the remaining occasion, the average negative surprise being 13.91%. In the past 60 days, estimates for Amarin's loss per share have narrowed from $5.33 to $3.48 for 2025. During the same time, loss per share estimates for 2026 have narrowed from $4.13 to $2.67. Year to date, shares of AMRN have gained 13.3%. AMRN's earnings beat estimates in two of the trailing four quarters, matched once and missed the same on the remaining occasion, delivering an average surprise of 29.11%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Bayer Aktiengesellschaft (BAYRY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amgen vs Bristol Myers: Which Biotech Giant Has Better Prospects?
Amgen AMGN and Bristol Myers Squibb BMY are among the largest global biotechnology companies with broad and diverse portfolios. Amgen boasts one of the largest portfolios in the biotech industry with a strong presence in the oncology, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, bone health and rare disease markets. Bristol Myers is focused on discovering, developing and delivering transformational drugs for oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular, neuroscience and other diseases. Both of these biotech giants have established strong footholds in their respective target markets, delivering consistent returns to shareholders. In such a scenario, choosing one stock over another can be challenging. Let us delve into their fundamentals, potential growth prospects, challenges and valuation levels to make a prudent choice. With a vast global footprint, Amgen's diverse portfolio has positioned it well in the evolving biotech industry. Growth products like Prolia, Xgeva, Evenity, Vectibix, Nplate and Kyprolis and Blincyto have performed well on consistent label expansions. Robust growth from these products has stabilized the company's revenue base in the face of declining sales from legacy drugs. However, increased pricing headwinds and competitive pressure are negatively impacting the sales of many products. Sales of best-selling drugs, Prolia and Xgeva, are expected to decline in 2025, mainly from the second half, due to biosimilar competition. Nonetheless, Repatha, a key drug in Amgen's arsenal, is driving the growth trajectory. The approval of Tezspire/tezepelumab to treat severe asthma has also strengthened the company's portfolio. Amgen has promising candidates in its pipeline, which represent significant commercial potential. Amgen plans to conduct a broad phase III program on MariTide across obesity, obesity-related conditions and type-II diabetes. Amgen expects data readouts from the ongoing phase II study in type II diabetes and part II of the ongoing phase II study in obesity in the second half of 2025. Amgen also boasts a strong biosimilars portfolio. Approvals of Wezlana and Pavblu have strengthened this portfolio. With a robust cash balance, Amgen is continually seeking strategic deals to expand its business. The acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics has significantly expanded Amgen's rare disease business by adding several rare disease drugs, including Tepezza, Krystexxa and Uplizna, to its portfolio. BMY's Growth Portfolio, comprising drugs like Reblozyl, Breyanzi, Camzyos and Opdualag, has stabilized its revenue base amid generic competition for its legacy drugs. Thalassemia drug Reblozyl has put up a stellar performance since its approval, with strong growth in the United States and international markets. The drug is expected to contribute significantly in the coming decade. Sales of its oncology drug, Opdualag, have also been robust, fueling the top line. Strong growth in the U.S. market and encouraging uptake in newly launched markets have boosted sales. Strong momentum in Camzyos should further drive growth. Opdivo continues to maintain momentum on consistent label expansions. The FDA approval of Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy) injection for subcutaneous use should help extend the impact of its immuno-oncology franchise to patients into the next decade. Other drugs like Zeposia and Krazati should also contribute to top-line growth. The company has made strategic acquisitions to broaden its portfolio and drive top-line growth. The recent FDA approval for xanomeline and trospium chloride (formerly KarXT), an oral medication for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, was approved under the brand name Cobenfy. The approval of Cobenfy for schizophrenia broadens BMY's portfolio and validates the acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics. While the newer drugs boost sales, generic competition for legacy drugs, which account for the majority of total revenues, is a significant headwind and will affect top-line growth in the near term. Legacy Portfolio revenues declined 20% in the first quarter due to continued generic impact on Revlimid, Pomalyst, Sprycel and Abraxane, as well as the U.S. Medicare Part D redesign effect. Nonetheless, BMY is looking to boost its bottom line through cost-cutting initiatives. While BMY's strategy of acquiring companies with promising drugs and candidates is encouraging, this has resulted in substantial debt to finance these acquisitions. As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and equivalents of $12.1 billion and a long-term debt of $46.1 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMGN's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year increase of 5.31%, and that for earnings per share (EPS) suggests a year-over-year improvement of 4.79%. EPS estimates for 2025 have moved north in the past 60 days. However, the metric for 2026 has moved south during the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BMY's 2025 sales implies a year-over-year decrease of 4.10% while that for EPS suggests a year-over-year increase of 499.13%. EPS estimates for 2025 have moved north in the past 60 days, but the same for 2026 has remained unchanged during the said timeframe. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a price-performance perspective, AMGN has fetched better returns than BMY so far this year. Shares of AMGN have gained 6.2%, while those of BMY have lost 15.5%. The industry has declined 6.2% in the said period. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, as the biotech industry has very few players with approved drugs, we use the P/E ratio of the large-cap pharma industry to compare these companies. Going by the same, AMGN is more expensive than BMY. AMGN's shares currently trade at 13X forward earnings, higher than 7.10 for Source: Zacks Investment Research AMGN and BMY's attractive dividend yield is a strong positive for investors. However, BMY's dividend yield of 5.30% is higher than AMGN's 3.49%. Large biotech companies are generally considered safe havens for investors interested in this sector. However, with both AMGN and BMY currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), choosing one stock over the other is a complex task. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. AMGN's strong and diverse portfolio should enable it to maintain growth. Key drugs like Evenity and Repatha, as well as newer drugs like Tavneos and Tezspire, continue to drive growth and offset the revenue decline from oncology biosimilars and legacy drugs like Enbrel. BMY's efforts to revive the top line in the face of generic challenges for key drugs are commendable. However, we believe there is still time before the efforts reap a harvest for the company. The outlook for 2025 indicates challenges as of now. Hence, AMGN is a better pick at present (despite its pricey valuation) as we believe there is room for growth buoyed by solid fundamentals and recent positive estimate revisions. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Almost half of Scots have sunburn at least once a year, research finds
Research from charity Melanoma Focus also found 36% of people in the United Kingdom, and 32% of those in Scotland, rarely or never apply sunscreen between May and September. It comes as melanoma skin cancer rates continue to rise in the UK, with around 17,500 new cases each year. The research found 49% of people in the UK, and 45% in Scotland, suffer from sunburn at least once every year. Stephen Maxwell, 58, from Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and he is now urging people to take care in the sun. Mr Maxwell, who has never holidayed abroad, was shocked to be diagnosed with skin cancer and thinks it may stem from the decade he spent working in greenhouses growing plants. He said: 'I went to the doctor after my mum noticed a strange lump on my back. It was a bit like a mole and initially the doctor thought there was nothing to worry about. 'I had the lump for two-and-a-half years and it started getting bigger and it turned purple. 'Eventually it was properly diagnosed and I had it removed – it was a melanoma cancer tumour the size of my fist. I had immunotherapy but it didn't work and the cancer spread to my bones.' The father-of-four, who has eight grandchildren, was told 18 months ago that he had six to nine months to live. Days before he was due to go into a hospice, he was given the opportunity to take part in a medical trial for a new treatment and started a course of Opdualag and steroids. He said he had a 'great' six months before coming off Opdualag at Christmas after experiencing some side-effects, and is now taking steroids and having scans. 'I'm still having scans and although the cancer is still there, it hasn't spread further and I'm living with it and I'm still here,' he said. 'Any form of sun you must wear protection, even if it's a hat, always a T-shirt and definitely the creams. 'I'm not ginger but I've got wee ginger bits in my beard so that means I've got the ginger gene so when you've got that you're at risk. 'If anybody has got the ginger gene they must cover up, and with climate change being the way it is now Scotland is getting more hot weather.' The survey of 2,000 UK adults, including 165 in Scotland, was carried out by Censuswide in April. Commenting on the figures, Melanoma Focus chief executive Susanna Daniels said: 'This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so burning every year has potentially long-term dangerous consequences. 'Nearly nine in 10 melanomas are preventable yet the UK has more deaths from melanoma per year than Australia. 'It is essential that everyone understands the risks associated with sunburn and prioritises sun protection by using factor 30+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade and covering up in the heat of the day.' Melanoma Focus said melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK. The charity is calling on the UK Government to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable to everyone. A Government spokesperson said: 'As part of our 10-year plan to reform the health service, and through a national cancer plan, we are fighting cancer in England on all fronts, from prevention, to diagnosis, treatment, and research. 'As a result of the decisions taken at the Autumn Budget, the Scottish Government will be provided with a record £47.7 billion settlement this year and it is for the Scottish Government to allocate this across its own public sector and meet the priorities of people in Scotland.'
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Almost half of Scots suffer sunburn at least once a year
It comes as melanoma skin cancer rates continue to rise in the UK, with around 17,500 new cases each year. The research found 49% of people in the UK, and 45% in Scotland, suffer from sunburn at least once every year. Stephen Maxwell, 58, from Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and he is now urging people to take care in the sun. Stephen Maxwell was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 (Image: Stephen Maxwell/PA) Mr Maxwell, who has never holidayed abroad, was shocked to be diagnosed with skin cancer and thinks it may stem from the decade he spent working in greenhouses growing plants. He said: 'I went to the doctor after my mum noticed a strange lump on my back. It was a bit like a mole and initially the doctor thought there was nothing to worry about. 'I had the lump for two-and-a-half years and it started getting bigger and it turned purple. 'Eventually it was properly diagnosed and I had it removed – it was a melanoma cancer tumour the size of my fist. I had immunotherapy but it didn't work and the cancer spread to my bones.' The father-of-four, who has eight grandchildren, was told 18 months ago that he had six to nine months to live. READ MORE: Warm weather to blanket Scotland — but it won't last long Skin cancer symptoms, causes and how to avoid getting it Hundreds of Scottish pain patients die in agony in NHS queues Days before he was due to go into a hospice, he was given the opportunity to take part in a medical trial for a new treatment and started a course of Opdualag and steroids. He said he had a 'great' six months before coming off Opdualag at Christmas after experiencing some side-effects, and is now taking steroids and having scans. 'I'm still having scans and although the cancer is still there, it hasn't spread further and I'm living with it and I'm still here,' he said. 'Any form of sun you must wear protection, even if it's a hat, always a T-shirt and definitely the creams. 'I'm not ginger but I've got wee ginger bits in my beard so that means I've got the ginger gene so when you've got that you're at risk. 'If anybody has got the ginger gene they must cover up, and with climate change being the way it is now Scotland is getting more hot weather.' The survey of 2,000 UK adults, including 165 in Scotland, was carried out by Censuswide in April. Commenting on the figures, Melanoma Focus chief executive Susanna Daniels said: 'This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so burning every year has potentially long-term dangerous consequences. 'Nearly nine in 10 melanomas are preventable yet the UK has more deaths from melanoma per year than Australia. 'It is essential that everyone understands the risks associated with sunburn and prioritises sun protection by using factor 30+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade and covering up in the heat of the day.' Melanoma Focus said melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK. The charity is calling on the UK Government to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable to everyone. A Government spokesperson said: 'As part of our 10-year plan to reform the health service, and through a national cancer plan, we are fighting cancer in England on all fronts, from prevention, to diagnosis, treatment, and research. 'As a result of the decisions taken at the Autumn Budget, the Scottish Government will be provided with a record £47.7 billion settlement this year and it is for the Scottish Government to allocate this across its own public sector and meet the priorities of people in Scotland.'
STV News
01-05-2025
- Health
- STV News
Almost half of Scots suffer sunburn at least once a year, research finds
A skin cancer patient is urging people to wear sun cream and cover up as new figures show almost half of people in the UK have sunburn at least once a year. Research from charity Melanoma Focus also found 36% of people in the United Kingdom, and 32% of those in Scotland, rarely or never apply sunscreen between May and September. It comes as melanoma skin cancer rates continue to rise in the UK, with around 17,500 new cases each year. The research found 49% of people in the UK, and 45% in Scotland, suffer from sunburn at least once every year. Stephen Maxwell, 58, from Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, was diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and he is now urging people to take care in the sun. Mr Maxwell, who has never holidayed abroad, was shocked to be diagnosed with skin cancer and thinks it may stem from the decade he spent working in greenhouses growing plants. He said: 'I went to the doctor after my mum noticed a strange lump on my back. It was a bit like a mole and initially the doctor thought there was nothing to worry about. 'I had the lump for two-and-a-half years and it started getting bigger and it turned purple. 'Eventually it was properly diagnosed and I had it removed – it was a melanoma cancer tumour the size of my fist. I had immunotherapy but it didn't work and the cancer spread to my bones.' The father-of-four, who has eight grandchildren, was told 18 months ago that he had six to nine months to live. Days before he was due to go into a hospice, he was given the opportunity to take part in a medical trial for a new treatment and started a course of Opdualag and steroids. He said he had a 'great' six months before coming off Opdualag at Christmas after experiencing some side-effects, and is now taking steroids and having scans. 'I'm still having scans and although the cancer is still there, it hasn't spread further and I'm living with it and I'm still here,' he said. 'Any form of sun you must wear protection, even if it's a hat, always a T-shirt and definitely the creams. 'I'm not ginger but I've got wee ginger bits in my beard so that means I've got the ginger gene so when you've got that you're at risk. 'If anybody has got the ginger gene they must cover up, and with climate change being the way it is now Scotland is getting more hot weather.' The survey of 2,000 UK adults, including 165 in Scotland, was carried out by Censuswide in April. Commenting on the figures, Melanoma Focus chief executive Susanna Daniels said: 'This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma, so burning every year has potentially long-term dangerous consequences. 'Nearly nine in 10 melanomas are preventable yet the UK has more deaths from melanoma per year than Australia. 'It is essential that everyone understands the risks associated with sunburn and prioritises sun protection by using factor 30+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, seeking shade and covering up in the heat of the day.' Melanoma Focus said melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK. The charity is calling on the UK Government to abolish VAT on factor 30+ sunscreen to make it more affordable to everyone. The UK Government has been asked for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
