HUTCHMED’s Post

Expediting Drug Discovery and Drug Development - A recent breakthrough has revolutionized the pace of drug discovery work, significantly reducing timelines from months to minutes. By combining two innovative screening approaches, researchers have streamlined the process. Utilizing a database from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures, tens of thousands of potential therapeutic small molecules were screened simultaneously. This was complemented by targeted docking simulations to model interactions between small molecules and protein targets, efficiently identifying compounds of interest. https://lnkd.in/ennVzwaw How Differentia´s experts can expedite the Drug Development Trial Design Optimization: Pharmacometrics facilitates the development of more streamlined trials, resulting in decreased sample sizes and enhanced statistical power. This, in turn, can yield cost savings and timetable enhancements of approximately 10-15%. Efficient Trial Design: Model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) and adaptive trial designs have the potential to decrease the patient sample size, shorten the time of trials, and enhance the probability of achieving successful outcomes. Optimized Trial Design: MBMA and adaptive trial designs have the potential to optimize Phase III trials, resulting in a cost reduction of around 15-20%. Better Endpoint Selection: Pharmacometrics aids in the identification and validation of suitable clinical endpoints, hence increasing the likelihood of studies successfully achieving their objectives. Predictive Modeling: Utilizing models to forecast clinical outcomes using preliminary data might enhance decision-making and increase trial success rates by 15-20%. Reduced Sample Sizes: More precise estimates of drug effects can lead to smaller, more efficient trials, contributing to significant savings. Phase III trials can take 3-5 years, use of modelling can translate to a time saving of 6-12 months Phase III trials can take 3-5 years, use of modelling can translate to a time saving of 6-12 months, reducing costs by approximately 15-20%. For more info see -https://lnkd.in/eumKUrsZ

Global R&D 2024 Report: Future of Biomedical Research and Development in the Post-Pandemic Era The "Global Trends in R&D 2024" report highlights the current state and future directions of biomedical research and development in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for R&D has increased, as has M&A activity in the biopharma sector. China is playing an increasingly important role in global R&D, particularly in the field of oncology. Clinical trial activity has decreased, with a focus on top disease areas such as oncology, immunology, metabolic/endocrinology, and neurology. The pharmaceutical industry has seen improvements in clinical development productivity, increased complexity in trials, and shifts in trial strategies. There is a growing gap between the number of drugs launched in the U.S. compared to European countries. The use of novel trial designs, real-world evidence, and artificial intelligence in drug discovery is increasing. There is a need for greater diversity in clinical trial populations and a focus on innovative trial designs and technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency. For more details please click the link! https://lnkd.in/dpk4p7w8 #marketaccess #reimbursement #pricing #hta #heor #healtheconomics #medicaldevices #pharmaceutical

Do your eyes sometimes get fixated on the air in front of the speaker and yet you cannot pay attention to what they say? Earlier this April I had the pleasure of attending the 5th Annual Alzheimer’s Disease Research Day. Two years ago was my first one. It was dedicated to drug discovery, a great interest of mine. The only possible reason I struggled to pay attention was that my mind was occupied with not forgetting the words carefully budgeted for my presentation.   One speech, however, made me forsake all my worries. It felt like a TED talk. A TED talk about academic drug discovery, told by Dr. Carrie Jones, the Senior Director of In Vivo Pharmacology and Drug Development at the Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery. I was on the edge of my seat yearning to know what happened with the drug candidate at the end.   Aside from drug hunting, Dr. Jones teaches a drug discovery class at Vandy, as I found out from Alex Prusky. I enrolled although I didn’t need it for school requirements. The class was divided into three teams: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and major depressive disorder. Each team was assigned a drug target and had to do five major presentations. We mixed and matched different approaches from clinicaltrials.gov and the trial publications. I was responsible for analyzing medicinal chemistry and the phase II design. In each presentation, we pitched our plan for preclinical and clinical studies, defending our choices of methods, endpoints, and designs.   Taught by a professor with extensive experience in drug discovery, the course set strict formatting requirements to resemble such pitches in pharmaceutical companies.   In the end, we had to explain why we think the previous clinical trials failed, dissecting aspects of the compound like bioavailability or tolerability and trial design and analysis choices like duration or patient stratification.   I’ll be honest. Having meetings every weekend and during the week often felt like a nuisance. However, this course provided me with much more understanding of the clinical trial design than I could have garnered on my own. I’ve started to grasp why clinical trials are designed the way they are.   I’ve also connected the analysis of Alzheimer’s trials from the class to my work in the research lab. I realized that in the lab, we were only at the stage of gathering sufficient in vitro and in vivo evidence to support pursuing a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease. I have yet to fathom the inordinate amount of effort, people, time, and money between the preclinical studies and the investigational new drug, which still lies a valley of death away from reaching patients.   P.S. We’ve made an AI-generated logo for our fictional Alzheimer’s company before it was cool :)

Stories making headlines today in the biopharma industry: Pfizer has announced its decision to shut down its Boulder, Colorado research facility by Q2 2024. This resolution comes despite investor interest, and unfortunately, many employees face job cuts. This facility was acquired as a part of Arrays BioPharm Cellares' acquisition in 2019. Meanwhile, cell therapy manufacturer Cellares enters the global market with its first deal inked with Bristol Myers Squibb. The agreement, worth $380 million, offers Bristol Myers access to clinical and commercial capacity for numerous undisclosed CAR-T therapies at its forthcoming facilities across the US, EU, and Japan. In funding news, Rubedo Life Sciences, with a focus on age-related diseases, has secured $40 million in a Series A round led by Khosla Ventures and Ahren Innovation Capital. This will expedite the company's plans to target senescent cells, particularly with its candidate RLS-1496 set to commence Phase 1 trials for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis treatments. Biosplice's lorecivivint, developed for osteoarthritis, unfortunately, did not pass its Phase 3 Clinical Trials. This failure has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the drug's approval prospects. However, Biosplice remains relentless and will continue dialogue with the FDA, sharing different trial data. In the realm of RNA-focused treatments, French biopharmaceutical firm Ipsen has signed a significant deal with Skyhawk Therapeutics, valued up to $1.8 billion. The collaboration aims to develop small molecules to alter RNA, with a focus on two rare neurological disease targets. On another front, Boehringer Ingelheim collaborates with Ochre Bio for a $35 million research partnership. This collaboration seeks to pioneer new treatments for chronic liver diseases, chiefly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In a progressive partnership, Eisai and BioArctic combined their efforts in the development of a drug to cross the blood-brain barrier. This groundbreaking drug aims to fight Alzheimer's Disease and other neurodegenerative symptoms. With a financially rewarding milestoned-based agreement, BioArctic will make significant earnings as the project progresses. Lastly, an Irish biotech firm raises substantial capital – $75 million in Series B funding. This robust financial backing will launch the company into Phase 3 trials for a groundbreaking drug that can potentially cure a rare joint tumour. #pharma #biotech #topstories #biodatastudio

Another name to add to the AI in drug discovery watchlist: Xaira Therapeutics. The headlines rightly focus on the big (ok, really big - $1 billion) money and names behind this new "powerhouse". As yet, I can't find any solid details on its therapeutic areas or targets of interest, only that it plans to advance unspecified “multiple” drug programs. However, the company is advertising for a Head of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases and a Head of Oncology. The source of its training data is also unclear at this stage. These are exciting times in the AI in drug discovery field with publication of preclinical and clinical models of INS018_055, a small-molecule TNIK inhibitor developed by by Insilico Medicine (https://lnkd.in/exdPgPND). The candidate has moved into Phase II trials. Exscientia is also making progress in the clinic with a CDK7 inhibitor currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. The company anticipates initiating a Phase 1 patient study this year for its LSD1 inhibitor and continuing to progress its MALT1 inhibitor through IND-enabling studies this year. It certainly feels like the future of drug discovery is here. #drugdiscovery #AI #pharma https://lnkd.in/eci7ZcGk

The world of healthcare and pharma is abuzz with innovation! From AI-driven drug discovery to reproductive immunotherapies, here are some game-changing developments: 1️⃣ Sanofi's $140M AI Collaboration - Sanofi is teaming up with Aqemia to revolutionize drug discovery using advanced AI algorithms. This collaboration aims to speed up the development of innovative therapies. 2️⃣ Seismic Therapeutics' $121M Boost - Seismic Therapeutics secures $121M to advance its promising immunoglobulin G protease sculpting and PD-1 agonist programs. 3️⃣ Lyndra Therapeutics' $101M Milestone - Lyndra's long-acting oral medicines, including risperidone and dapagliflozin, get a significant financial boost for further development. 4️⃣ Deep Apple Therapeutics' $52M Series A - Apple Tree Partners invests $52M in Deep Apple Therapeutics for AI-driven small molecule therapeutics discovery, potentially transforming various disease areas. 5️⃣ Freya Biosciences' $38M for Women's Health - Freya Biosciences secures funding to advance reproductive immunotherapies and multi-omics data science platforms for women's health. These investments and advancements hold the promise of transforming healthcare and improving lives. Stay tuned for more breakthroughs! 💊💉🔬 #HealthTech #PharmaInnovation #AIinHealthcare

Stories making headlines today in the biopharma industry: Exciting times ahead in the biotech/pharma space! Prime Medicine has secured FDA approval to kickstart its pioneering clinical trial in prime editing, marking the dawn of advanced gene editing. In a strategic move, Ono Pharmaceutical has decided to buy out Deciphera Pharmaceuticals for $2.4 billion, following their recent triumph in Phase 3 trials – transforming it into its new subsidiary. Aware of the reputational issues that allegations of IP transfer to Chinese officials present, WuXi Biologics is aiming to restore faith among its clients through increased transparency in their operations. Business growth and strategy continue to shape the landscape. 4P-Pharma has successfully secured a whopping €15 million in investment. Oncotelic Therapeutics has made the strategic decision to sell off rights to its cancer assets. A major win for startup Repertoire Immune Medicines as they've landed a partnership with pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers. The collaboration will pump new energy into the startup, with a focus on developing vaccines for autoimmune diseases. In a minor setback, the long-standing partnership between Johnson & Johnson and Addex Therapeutics faced a blow when their leading epilepsy drug candidate failed to deliver in Phase 2 trials. Huge congratulations to X4 Pharmaceuticals! FDA has given its approval for its innovative pill designed to treat the ultra-rare WHIM syndrome. Price is set between $372,300-$496,400 depending on patient weight. Celebrating another Phase 3 victory are pharma leaders AstraZeneca & Daiichi Sankyo. Their collaborative drug Enhertu shows promising results with HER2-low breast cancer patients. Bristol Myers, however, is reportedly planning to scale down jobs and costs by closing its Bay Area cell therapy R&D facility, highlighting the cruel sometimes nature of the competitive pharma landscape. #BiotechNews #PharmaceuticalIndustry. #pharma #biotech #topstories #biodatastudio

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗜-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 A recent study published in Nature Biotechnology demonstrates the revolutionary shift, showcasing the development of a small-molecule TNIK inhibitor targeting fibrosis through AI-enabled methodologies. This breakthrough not only highlights the potential of AI in drug discovery but also sets a new benchmark for the speed and efficiency of bringing therapeutic solutions from the lab to clinical trials. Accelerating the Path to Clinical Trials Traditionally, the journey from target discovery to clinical candidate nomination has been a protracted and expensive process. However, the study under discussion demonstrates a remarkable achievement: the completion of this journey in approximately 18 months. This rapid progression is attributed to the use of an AI-assisted drug development strategy, which leverages AI to streamline various stages of drug development, from identifying potential targets to optimizing drug candidates for clinical trials. The Role of AI in Targeting Fibrosis Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease with limited therapeutic solutions. The study introduces INS018_055, a small-molecule inhibitor of TRAF2- and NCK-interacting kinase (TNIK), identified through AI-driven methodologies as a promising anti-fibrotic agent. Preclinical and phase I clinical trial findings underscore the potential of INS018_055 in treating IPF, with ongoing phase II trials aiming to further validate these encouraging findings. This success story exemplifies how AI can identify novel therapeutic targets and accelerate the development of drugs with significant clinical potential. The Future of AI-Enabled Drug Discovery The study not only showcases the successful application of AI in developing a potential treatment for fibrosis but also introduces an innovative tool, ChatPaperGPT, designed to simplify in-depth analysis while remaining impartial in the examination of the study's findings and methodologies. This tool represents a step forward in promoting transparency and collaboration in the scientific community, encouraging critical engagement with AI-driven research. ==**== As we embrace a future driven by AI, I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this revolutionizing approach in drug discovery. How do you see AI impacting healthcare and pharmaceuticals? 💊🔬 👍 Like if you found this information useful 🔄 Share if you know someone who may benefit from this 💬 Comment to share your insights or ask a question #ai #artificialintelligence #aiindrugdiscovery #aiinmedicine https://lnkd.in/euFTYUmu

Another busy week of deals in biotech, drug discovery and medical devices. Here are some of the top headlines. ➡ Germany’s ITM raises $205M as radiopharma field booms. The funding will help ITM advance a pipeline that includes a potential competitor to Novartis’ neuroendocrine cancer treatment Lutathera. ➡ Seres Therapeutics, indebted and in need of cash, agrees to sell microbiome pill to Nestle. Nestle will take over full rights to the FDA-approved medicine after eight years of partnership with Seres. ➡ Stryker inks Artelon buyout to join Zimmer in soft tissue space. BTIG analysts said the takeover could serve as a “defensive mechanism against peers who have been growing rapidly in the space.” ➡ BD is stretching its reach in patient monitoring with the $4.2 billion purchase of Edwards Lifesciences’ connected care portfolio—including indwelling and noninvasive sensors for operating rooms and ICUs, as well as the digital infrastructure needed to analyse that data. ➡ Grail to become an Illumina spinout once again, with plans to go public ➡ After taking 11 months to get to know Elsie Biotechnologies' oligonucleotide platform, GSK is ready to tie the knot with a $50 million deal to acquire the West Coast biotech. ➡ Australian radiopharmaceuticals biotech Telix Pharmaceuticals is targeting a $200 million initial public offering in the U.S. ➡ Smart stethoscope maker Eko Health just raised $41 million in Series D to help expand its commercial reach in the U.S. and overseas ➡ Ipsen is hot on Marengo Therapeutics’ ability to treat “cold” tumours. The French drugmaker has agreed to pay Marengo up to $1.2 billion to access a T-cell engager platform for targeting immunologically cold tumours that are typically resistant to immunotherapies. ➡ Merck KGaA is hoping to sprout some new oncology and immunology therapeutics with Biolojic Design’s AI-driven drug discovery engine. The partnership could yield up to 346 million euros ($376 million) ------------------------------- Newton Colmore is a specialist recruiter, dedicated to the medical devices, biotech, and drug discovery markets, globally. We help our clients find the experts they need to develop and commercialise novel devices, technologies, and therapeutics.  

A new article in Phys.org discusses how peptidomimetics open new opportunities in drug discovery! Researchers from the University of Birmingham, along with the Universities of Bristol and Leeds, have demonstrated how modifying peptides can unlock a whole new class of drug targets. This advancement could significantly impact disease diagnostics and drug discovery. They specifically highlight the potential of targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs), which regulate most biological functions, including those of enzymes. PPIs are potential drug targets for a broad range of therapeutic areas, such as oncology, immune-checkpoints for cancer immunotherapy, tropical infectious diseases, neurological disorders, heart failure, and inflammation and oxidative stress. As they are far more numerous than traditional drug discovery targets, blocking PPIs can potentially open up a much wider range of drug targets. However, PPIs have traditionally been challenging as drug targets due to their larger binding sites, with fewer grooves or pockets for small molecule compounds to bind. Understanding and controlling PPIs is a crucial step towards drug discovery against these important targets. Their research specifically focuses on a PPI that involves β-strand formation at the interface. PPIs are also a highly interesting target at Pepticom. Once considered undruggable, clinical successes driven by advanced methods in drug discovery have changed that. By leveraging AI, our cutting-edge technology can explore uncharted chemical space to discover inhibitors of PPIs with diverse therapeutic benefits. Using AI versus traditional drug discovery approaches means we are already doing this and in a fraction of the time and cost. 🌟 Read the full research here: Article: https://lnkd.in/dzx5fF_7 Research: https://lnkd.in/dYJ_NrqT #peptidomimetics #peptides #drugdiscovery #pharma