Pharminent

NICE backs Keytruda and Padcev combination for bladder cancer

NICE recommended NHS treatment with MSD’s Keytruda and Astellas’ Padcev for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, given before and after surgery.

China restricts investigator-initiated biotech trials after patient deaths

China has restricted investigator-initiated biotech trials following patient deaths, according to STAT, leaving rare disease families and US investors facing an uncertain future.

Sanders to hold sway over FDA user fee reauthorization bill

STAT reported that Senator Bernie Sanders is set to hold significant influence over the FDA funding bill and could use his role in crafting the PDUFA reauthorization to push for reforms.

Servier’s sevasemten misses in Becker muscular dystrophy cohort

Servier said new results from a pivotal cohort of its myosin inhibitor sevasemten in Becker muscular dystrophy did not show statistically significant benefit; the small molecule, which had met the goal of a Phase 2 test, came from Servier’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Edgewise Therapeutics’ muscular dystrophy assets.

Boehringer Ingelheim strikes $7B alliance with Sino Biopharma

Boehringer Ingelheim is paying $358 million upfront for options on up to six antibody-drug conjugates and T-cell engagers from China’s Sino Biopharma, in an alliance worth up to $7 billion.

Evommune licenses Hinova’s EVO570 in deal worth up to $1.1B

Evommune secured exclusive rights outside Greater China to develop EVO570 from Hinova Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth up to $1.1 billion.

CVS Health to split into two separate companies

CVS Health said it plans to break up, separating Aetna and Caremark from the company’s retail pharmacies.