Latest news with #PD-1
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cancer drugmaker LaNova to sell to China's Sino Biopharm
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter. LaNova Medicines, a cancer drugmaker that previously licensed medicines to Merck & Co. and AstraZeneca, has agreed to be acquired by Sino BioPharmaceutical in a deal worth up to $950.9 million. In an agreement disclosed Tuesday, Sino BioPharm will buy the approximately 95% of LaNova it doesn't already own. Accounting for LaNova's cash holdings, the net payment made by Sino Biopharm will total about $500 million. Once the deal is complete, LaNova will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Sino Biopharm, which previously invested in LaNova's Series C1 financing that was announced last October. LaNova was founded in Shanghai a little less than six years ago. In the time since, it has built a pipeline that includes eight clinical-stage compounds, including two licensed by AstraZeneca and Merck & Co. in 2023 and 2024 deals, respectively. The company's emergence parallels the rapid gains made by China's biotech sector, which in the span of a decade has gone from a copycat factory to an innovative hub that regularly designs drugs attractive to multinational pharmaceutical firms in the U.S. and Europe. AstraZeneca's deal involved an antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC, that LaNova designed to bind GPRC5D, a protein target rising on the radar screens of companies developing medicines for multiple myeloma. That pact handed LaNova $55 million upfront. Then, last November, Merck bought rights to LaNova's LM-299, a bispecific antibody aimed at the cancer drug targets PD-1 and VEGF. This kind of antibody is newly of interest after the success of ivonescimab, a similarly structured drug that outperformed Merck's dominant immunotherapy in a head-to-head lung cancer study. Merck paid LaNova $588 million in upfront cash to license LM-299. Beyond those two medicines, LaNova is also testing an antibody targeting the protein CCR8 for use in gastric cancer and other solid tumors, as well as an ADC aimed at Claudin 18.2. The latter drug is in Phase 3 trials in China, while the former is in Phase 2. Recommended Reading 'The bar has risen': China's biotech gains push US companies to adapt
The Mainichi
7 days ago
- Health
- The Mainichi
Japan research team discovers new gut bacterium that boosts cancer immunotherapy
TOKYO -- A Japanese research team led by the National Cancer Center Japan announced in the British journal Nature on June 14 that it has discovered a new type of gut bacterium that enhances the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy drugs, raising hopes for the development of new treatments that further strengthen the immune response against cancer. Cancer immunotherapy leverages the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. One class of drugs, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors -- including PD-1 inhibitors such as Opdivo -- works by releasing the "brakes" that cancer uses to evade immune cell attacks, thereby restoring the immune system's natural ability to target tumors. However, even when used in combination with other treatments, checkpoint inhibitors are effective in only about 20% of patients over the long term. Previous studies have shown that transplanting stool from patients who responded well to these drugs into non-responders can improve outcomes, suggesting that gut bacteria play a key role. Until now, the mechanism by which gut bacteria influence cancers located far from the intestines, such as in the lungs, was not well understood. The research team found that patients who responded well to immunotherapy had high levels of a type of gut bacterium from the Ruminococcaceae family. These patients experienced longer-lasting treatment effects and had more T cells -- immune cells that attack cancer -- present within their tumors. The team identified this bacterium as a new strain, named YB328. In mouse experiments, administering both checkpoint inhibitors and YB328 led to tumor shrinkage, and even when YB328 was given together with stool transplanted from non-responders, the drug's effectiveness improved. Further investigation revealed that YB328 activates dendritic cells -- immune system "commanders" that orchestrate immune responses -- in the gut. These dendritic cells then travel from the intestines to distant tumor sites, where they activate nearby T cells and enhance the immune attack on cancer. Hiroyoshi Nishikawa, head of the Cancer Immunology division at the National Cancer Center Research Institute, commented, "Not only could administering this bacterium to (drug) non-responders improve outcomes, but adding it to responders' treatment regimens may further boost effectiveness."
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Business Standard
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals shares up 3% on launching cancer drug Tevimbra
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals share price today: Pharmaceutical major Glenmark Pharmaceuticals shares rose as much as 2.74 per cent to hit an intraday high of ₹1,728 per share on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Around 1:05 PM, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals shares continued to trade higher, up 1.82 per cent at ₹1,712.50 per share. In comparison, BSE Sensex was trading 0.71 per cent higher at 82,636.70 levels. Why did Glenmark Pharmaceuticals share price rise today? Glenmark Pharmaceuticals share price gained in trade after the company announced the launch of Tevimbra (tislelizumab) in India, following approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Tevimbra is a uniquely engineered anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed by BeiGene (now BeOne Medicines), a global oncology innovator focused on delivering cutting-edge cancer therapies. The drug is indicated for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with chemotherapy, and as a second-line monotherapy for both locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The launch marks Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' entry into the immuno-oncology space in India and is a key step in broadening its oncology portfolio with innovative therapies. NSCLC accounts for over 80 per cent of all lung cancer cases, while ESCC is the most prevalent histological subtype of esophageal cancer in India. Tevimbra addresses the major treatment needs of this large patient base with a differentiated and evidence-backed option, the company said. Already approved and available in major markets including the US, EU, Australia, and China, Tevimbra is designed to selectively bind to PD-1 receptors, restoring T-cell function and limiting off-target immune suppression. It has shown strong efficacy and a favourable safety profile across various solid tumors in multiple Phase 3 studies and a global clinical programme. Glenamark Pharmaceuticals Q4 results For the fourth quarter of FY2024-25 (Q4FY25), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals reported a consolidated revenue of ₹3,256.2 crore, marking a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth of 6.3 per cent from ₹3,063 crore in the same period last year. The company's Ebitda for the quarter stood at ₹560.7 crore, up 11.2 per cent from ₹504.3 crore, with an Ebitda margin of 17.2 per cent. Adjusted Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter came in at ₹346.6 crore, reflecting an adjusted PAT margin of 10.6 per cent. For the full fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), the company's consolidated revenue rose 12.8 per cent to ₹13,321.7 crore, compared to ₹11,813.1 crore in the previous year. Ebitda for FY25 more than doubled to ₹2,351 crore from ₹1,195.3 crore, with the Ebitda margin improving to 17.6 per cent. The company also posted an adjusted PAT of ₹1,389.4 crore for the year, resulting in an adjusted PAT margin of 10.4 per cent. About Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven global pharmaceutical company with a strong presence across Branded, Generics, and OTC segments. The company focuses on key therapeutic areas including respiratory, dermatology, and oncology. With 11 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities spread across four continents and operations in over 80 countries, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has established itself as a major player in the global pharmaceutical landscape. The market capitalisation of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is ₹48,171.68 crore, according to BSE. The company falls under the BSE 500 index. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' 52-week high is ₹1,830.05 per share, while its 52-week low is ₹1,199.95 apiece.
Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Glenmark Pharma launches TEVIMBRA in India
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced that it had launched TEVIMBRA (tislelizumab) in India after receiving approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The drug is a specially designed anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody created by BeiGene, now BeOne Medicines, which focuses on oncology. TEVIMBRA is intended for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when combined with chemotherapy. It is also approved for second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as a standalone therapy. The launch signifies Glenmark's entry into the immuno-oncology market in India. This strategic step aims to expand its innovative oncology offerings. NSCLC represents more than 80% of lung cancer cases, while ESCC is the most common type of esophageal cancer in India. TEVIMBRA is already approved and available in major markets such as the US, the EU, Australia, and China. The therapy specifically targets PD-1 receptors, helping to restore T-cell function while reducing off-target immune suppression. It has shown strong effectiveness and a good safety profile in several key Phase 3 trials across a variety of solid tumors. Alok Malik, President and Business Head India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, said, At a time when the cancer burden is rising sharply, we are proud to enable oncologists and patients to access TEVIMBRA, a therapy with proven efficacy and safety outcomes, strong science, and meaningful impact. Immuno-oncology offers a promising future for the treatment of various types of advanced cancers that are difficult to treat. Our foray in this area marks a significant inflection point in our journey to build a world-class oncology portfolio that is innovative, inclusive and at the same time life-changing for patients. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is a research-led, global pharmaceutical company, having a presence across branded, generic, and OTC segments, with a focus on therapeutic areas of respiratory, dermatology and oncology. On a consolidated basis, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals reported a net profit of Rs 4.65 crore in Q4 March 2025 as against a net loss of Rs 1,218.28 crore in Q4 March 2024. Net sales rose 6.77% year-on-year to Rs 3220.13 crore in Q4 March 2025. Shares of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals rose 0.78% to Rs 1,699.25 on the BSE.
Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launches TEVIMBRA in India
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (Glenmark) launched TEVIMBRA (tislelizumab) in India following the approval by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). TEVIMBRA is a uniquely designed anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed by BeiGene (now BeOne Medicines), a global oncology leader committed to delivering advanced treatments for cancer patients worldwide. It is indicated for the treatment of first-line locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with chemotherapy and second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as monotherapy. This launch marks Glenmark's first foray into immune-oncology in India and is a major milestone in expanding its innovative oncology portfolio. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, representing over 80% of all lung cancer cases. Similarly, ESCC is the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer in India. TEVIMBRA caters to the needs of this significant patient population by offering a differentiated and proven treatment option for these cancers. TEVIMBRA is approved and marketed in multiple leading global markets including the United States, European Union, Australia and China. Designed to selectively bind to PD-1 receptors, TEVIMBRA restores T-cell function while minimizing off-target immune suppression and has demonstrated robust efficacy with a favorable safety profile across diverse solid tumor types in multiple pivotal Phase 3 studies and through a comprehensive global clinical development program.
