Arrakis Therapeutics has entered into a strategic collaboration and license agreement with Roche for the discovery of RNA-targeted small molecule (rSM) drugs against a broad set of targets across all of Roche’s research and development areas. Under the terms of the agreement, Arrakis will lead discovery and research activities for each target to a defined […]

There are currently no specific treatments for COVID-19. Researchers across the world, including AstraZeneca, are investigating preventative approaches and treatment options for COVID-19, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and antivirals, as well as investigating the repurposing of existing drugs to treat the infection. At AstraZeneca, over 50 virology, protein engineering, clinical and bioprocess experts are working […]

Sanofi and GSK plan to enter into a collaboration to develop an adjuvanted vaccine for COVID-19, using innovative technology from both companies. Sanofi will contribute its S-protein COVID-19 antigen, which is based on recombinant DNA technology. This technology has produced an exact genetic match to proteins found on the surface of the virus, and the […]

Private equity firm Blackstone and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals have entered into a broad strategic collaboration under which Blackstone will provide up to $2 billion to support Alnylam’s advancement of innovative RNA interference (RNAi) medicines that have the potential to address a range of debilitating diseases. The deal is anchored by Blackstone’s purchase of 50 percent of […]

Sanofi has been a pioneer in continuous biologics processing with breakthroughs in process development that have demonstrated remarkable levels of process intensification over traditional manufacturing processes. This has enabled dramatic reduction in process scale and opened a window for flexible single use technologies and the commercialization of the first Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing (ICB) facility. The […]

In 2015, Pfizer launched “Project Indigo” to relocate clinical manufacturing capabilities from Chesterfield, Missouri, to the new 175,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art Andover Clinical Manufacturing Facility (ACMF) on the existing Pfizer Andover campus. The move was made to expand clinical biological drug substance manufacturing capacity from 14 to 21 campaigns per year, while vertically integrating the […]

Beginning in January 2020, Johnson & Johnson has been working in collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and scientists at multiple academic institutions to research potential COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Based on this work, J&J has identified a lead vaccine candidate (with two back-ups), which will progress into the first manufacturing steps. Under an accelerated […]

The FDA has approved Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Zeposia (ozanimod) for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). A Marketing Authorization Application for Zeposia in the European Union is currently under review with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), with a regulatory decision expected in the first half of 2020. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is […]

Pfizer has announced the completion of a $1.25 billion, ten-year “sustainability” bond, Pfizer’s first-ever sustainability bond and a first for a biopharmaceutical company. Proceeds from the bond, paying 2.625 percent interest semi-annually, will help manage the company’s environmental impact and support increased patient access to Pfizer’s medicines and vaccines, especially among underserved populations, and strengthen […]