FarmaKology Newsletter - Issue #64

Dec 4, 2020

Today's Startup

insitro

insitro is a data-driven drug discovery and development company that leverages machine learning and high-throughput biology to transform the way medicines are created to help patients. At insitro, we are rethinking the entire drug discovery process, from the perspective of machine learning, human genetics, and high-throughput, quantitative biology. Over the past five decades, we have seen the development of new medicines becoming increasingly more difficult and expensive, leaving many patients with significant unmet need. We’re embarking on a new approach to drug development – one that leverages machine learning and unique in vitro strategies for modeling disease state and designing new therapeutic interventions. We aim to eliminate key bottlenecks in traditional drug discovery, so we can help more people sooner and at a much lower cost to the patient and the healthcare industry.

News

InSphero and Yokogawa Enter into Partnership Agreement to Support Drug Development Research

InSphero AG, the pioneer in 3D cell-based assay technology, announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Yokogawa Electric Corporation to establish and advance high content imaging and analysis in drug discovery and safety. The two companies aim to promote and support the use of innovative HCA solutions with 3D in vitro models.

Novartis announces first data from REACH3 trial showing Jakavi® (ruxolitinib) significantly improved outcomes in patients with steroid-resistant/dependent chronic GvHD

Detailed results from the pivotal Phase III REACH3 study demonstrate Jakavi® (ruxolitinib) significantly improved outcomes across a range of efficacy measures in patients with steroid-refractory/dependent chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) compared to best available therapy (BAT)1.REACH3 is jointly sponsored by Novartis and Incyte.

Lilly and UnitedHealth Group partner on pragmatic study of neutralizing antibody bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555) for COVID-19

Eli Lilly and Company and UnitedHealth Group today announced a partnership to conduct a pragmatic study of bamlanivimab in high-risk, COVID-19 infected individuals. Bamlanivimab recently received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab versus a propensity-matched control in individuals that meet the EUA criteria.

Amgen and McKesson Launch Strategic Agreement to Advance Cancer Innovation in Communities

McKesson and Amgen , one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, have signed a strategic agreement to help improve cancer care in community oncology settings. Today, 1 in 5 cancer patients receives an Amgen medicine, while McKesson reaches 20% of U.S. cancer patients. This multi-year agreement bridges the power and reach of the two companies and will focus on reducing gaps in care by optimizing access to innovative precision medicine and immuno-oncology in the community setting.