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Sino-US biotech Laekna Therapeutics (HKG: 2105) announced the submission of a revised clinical protocol to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for LAE102, an Activin Receptor Type 2 A (ActRIIA)-targeted monoclonal antibody (mAb) co-developed with Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY). Collaboration DetailsUnder the agreement signed between Laekna and…
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Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (SHA: 600276) announced receiving approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to initiate clinical studies for its two Category 1 chemical drugs, HRS-1738 and HRS-5817, targeting prostate cancer and overweight/obesity respectively. HRS-1738: Prostate Cancer Diagnostic InnovationHRS-1738 is an internally developed radiopharmaceutical designed for in…
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Hong Kong-based United Laboratories International Holdings Ltd (HKG: 3933) has entered into a licensing agreement with Denmark’s Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO). The deal grants Novo Nordisk global development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights to United Laboratories’ UBT251, excluding China mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, where United Laboratories retains the…
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Chongqing Zhifei Biological Co., Ltd (SHE: 300122), the distribution partner for US giant Merck’s Gardasil in China, has announced the acquisition of a 51% stake in compatriot firm Chongqing Chenan Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for RMB 593 million (USD 82 million). This strategic move aims to expand Zhifei’s presence in the…
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China-based Harbour BioMed (HKG: 2142) announced the establishment of Élancé Therapeutics, a new subsidiary focused on developing innovative therapies to address key challenges in current obesity treatment, including muscle preservation and long-term efficacy. This move underscores Harbour BioMed’s commitment to expanding its presence in the global obesity treatment market. Technological…
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Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche (SWX: ROG, OTCMKTS: RHHBY) announced a strategic exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Denmark-based Zealand Pharma (CPH: ZEAL). The partnership aims to develop and commercialize petrelintide, Zealand Pharma’s amylin analog, both as a standalone therapy and in a fixed-dose combination with Roche’s lead incretin asset CT-388.…
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China-based Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKG: 1672) announced positive topline results from a Phase Ib clinical study of its ASC47 in Australia. This adipose-targeted drug candidate, developed in-house, is designed to achieve weight loss without losing muscle mass. Clinical Study ResultsIn the study, ASC47 demonstrated a half-life of up to 26…
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Denmark-based Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) has announced the launch of NovoCare Pharmacy, a direct-to-patient delivery option designed to provide cash-paying patients with all dose strengths of Wegovy at a reduced cost of USD 499 per month. Program DetailsThe introduction of NovoCare Pharmacy mirrors the approach taken by US major…
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China-based Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd (SHE: 000963) announced that it has received clinical trial approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its HDM1005, a long-acting agonist targeting the GLP-1 receptor and GIP receptor. The drug is set for development to treat adult patients with heart failure with preserved…
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China-based Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceuticals (SHA: 600867) announced that the on-site Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection by the Ministry of Health of Egypt for its Tongboli, a biosimilar version of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 receptor agonist Victoza (liraglutide), is well underway in the country. Product BackgroundTongboli, the Victoza knockoff, received marketing approval…
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US pharmaceutical giant AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced that it is making significant progress in the obesity treatment field through a licensing agreement with Denmark-based Gubra A/S (CPH: GUBRA). AbbVie has secured exclusive global development and commercialization rights to GUB014295, a potential best-in-class, long-acting amylin analog for the treatment of obesity.…
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China-based Guangdong Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (SHE: 002317) announced that it has received approval in China to conduct a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study of its polypeptide drug candidate RAY1225 in obese and overweight patients. Drug Profile and Previous TrialsRAY1225 is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug with…
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Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) announced the launch of 7.5 mg and 10 mg single-dose vials of Zepbound (tirzepatide) for self-pay patients with obesity, priced at USD 499 under the new Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program. Dosing OptionsThe program offers self-pay patients a range of Zepbound doses: 2.5 mg,…
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China-based Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd (SHE: 000963) announced that its HDM1005, a long-acting GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, has received clinical trial approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) combined with obesity or overweight. The drug previously received nods for type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and…
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China-based Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd (SHE: 000963) announced positive results from the Phase Ia/Ib study of HDM1005, a long-acting agonist targeting the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, in China. Study Details Safety ResultsThe most common adverse reactions were decreased appetite and gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, bloating), which were mild to moderate…
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Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) reported a robust finish to 2024, with Q4 revenues climbing 45% year-on-year (YOY) to reach USD 13.53 billion. The surge was primarily fueled by its GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Excluding these incretin-focused drugs, Lilly’s overall portfolio still expanded by 20% YOY. For…
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Denmark – based pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk A / S (NYSE: NVO) has announced topline results from a Phase Ib / IIa study of its investigational drug amycretin, a unimolecular GLP – 1 and amylin receptor agonist. The study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and proof –…
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Denmark-based Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) has announced positive headline results from the Phase III STEP UP study, assessing the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous semaglutide 7.2 mg compared to semaglutide 2.4 mg and placebo. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating superior weight loss outcomes with the higher dose.…
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China-based Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (SHA: 600276) and its US partner Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. have jointly announced positive results from a Phase II weight loss study for HRS9531, a GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist. The study evaluated the drug at an 8 mg dose, which achieved significant weight loss and…
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China-based Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceuticals (SHA: 600867) has announced a significant milestone in its clinical development program with the first patient dosing in the Phase II clinical study of THDBH120. This study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the GLP-1/GIP dual-targeted receptor agonist in weight loss applications. THDBH120…