Ipsen is acquiring global rights to a Sutro Biopharma antibody drug conjugate for a target that is not yet hit by any FDA-approved drugs. Merck is among the companies pursuing this target, but Sutro claims its ADC could be first and best in this class.
Ipsen’s Onivyde is now FDA approved as a first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer, triggering a milestone payment to Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s original developer. Merrimack plans to dissolve operations but its shareholders will receive payouts from the Ipsen payment.
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Ipsen drug Bylvay is now FDA approved for treating pruritus, or severe itching, which is a complication of the rare liver disease Alagille syndrome. The oral drug was previously approved for treating pruritus in another rare inherited liver disease called PFIC.
Ipsen has been an active dealmaker lately, and it just struck another one that takes the pharmaceutical company into a new area of drug research. The Paris-based company is collaborating with Marengo Therapeutics on the development of two drugs that selectively activate T cells to fight cancer.
Ipsen is paying $247 million to acquire Epizyme, a cancer drug developer with one FDA-approved product: follicular lymphoma therapy Tazverik. The drug is a modest seller now, but more cash could be paid out if the small molecule hits sales targets in coming years.
Ipsen is paying €120 million up front to acquire global rights to elafibranor, a Genfit drug that fell short as a treatment for NASH, but is currently in Phase 3 testing in another liver disease, primary biliary cholangitis. Meanwhile, Genfit is adding an early-stage drug candidate to its own pipeline via a separate transaction.
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Ipsen is shoring up its neuroscience pipeline via a deal that gives it the option to license drugs that Exicure is developing for Huntington’s disease and Angelman syndrome. The programs are based on Exicure’s proprietary technology that produces nucleic acid therapies capable of delivery deep into the brain.