Healthcare & Life Sciences News & Trends: Oct Week 1

Healthcare & Life Sciences News & Trends: Oct Week 1

Healthcare & Life Sciences News & Trends: Oct Week 1

 

1. Markets

i. Focused Ultrasound Gains Traction in Asia

Focused ultrasound is gaining momentum as a non-invasive cancer treatment in Asia, bolstered by significant investments and support from prominent figures such as Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing. This method employs high-intensity sound waves to target and destroy diseased tissues, making it an appealing alternative to conventional therapies.

Takeaway: The increased number of clinical trials and the growing interest from both strategic investors and major financial institutions indicate a robust potential for commercialisation in this space. Notably, the Li Ka-shing Foundation has made substantial contributions, including donations of focused ultrasound devices to local hospitals, enhancing treatment access and facilitating physician training.

Read the full article about the interest in focused ultrasound.

 

ii. CDE of China’s NPMA Issued Guidelines for Clinical Bridging Studies

Recently, the CDE (Centre for Drug Evaluation) of China’s NMPA issued the Guidelines for Clinical Bridging Studies on Vaccine Immunogenicity (Trial Implementation), which took effect from the date of publication.

Takeaway: This document provides technical guidelines for conducting immunogenicity bridging clinical trials for vaccines. It also provides reference for key issues such as the scope of applicability, trial design, and evaluation standards for bridging trials. It discusses when and how such trials should be performed, focusing on cases where the vaccine’s efficacy has already been established but needs to be evaluated for different conditions. These include changes in age groups, geographical populations, immunisation schedules or pharmaceutical changes. The document suggests that a specific development plan for each vaccine should be analysed based on the characteristics, mechanism of action, use, target population, and available vaccines. The decision to conduct a bridging trial should also be made based on the vaccine type and clinical conditions.

Read the full Chinese guidelines for clinical bridging studies.

 

2. Business Moves

i. Alphamab Inks RMB 3.08b Bispecifics ADC Deal with CSPC

Alphamab inked a major licensing agreement with the subsidiary of CSPC for the development and commercialisation of JSKN003, a HER2-targeted bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for tumour-related indications. This deal allows Alphamab to earn up to RMB 3.08 billion in upfront and milestone payments.

Takeaway: Unlike the popular focus on BsAb, this licensing deal further dives deeper into bispecific ADCs, suggesting a potentially greater significance. Bispecifics hold the potential for developing innovative drugs that are more cost-effective, efficacious, and safer, and they have been regarded as revolutionary and disruptive in replacing monoclonal antibodies. In terms of business development transactions, bispecifics are also at the centre of the global pharmaceutical trading landscape, with numerous MNCs participating to seize opportunities. Currently, there are close to 1,000 BsAbs by over 400 companies in development globally, and Chinese firms account for over half of them, highlighting a crowded and competitive landscape. However, only 15 have received market approval.

Companies within the space not only need to consider how to smoothly advance their pipelines to expected stages but also how to gain support from the capital market during crucial times. Another key question is how to stand out among numerous competitors is becoming increasingly significant.

 

ii. Kailera Launches with $400m in Series A and Chinese Obesity Assets

Kailera Therapeutics launched with $400 million in a Series A funding. The biotech, based in Massachusetts and California, seeks to enter the competitive obesity treatment market. Its key assets include four GLP-1 drugs acquired from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, with its lead drug, KAI-9531, showing promising results in phase II trials for obesity and Type 2 diabetes in China.

Takeaway: Kailera joins an ever-growing list of established and emerging industry players that seek to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded space dominated by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. However, its recent funding, co-led by major investors like Atlas Venture, Bain Capital Life Sciences, and RTW Investments, highlights confidence in the potential of its newly acquired assets. Notably, the biotech is also led by CEO Ron Renaud, who previously led neuroscience biotech Cerevel through its acquisition by AbbVie and has been a senior adviser at Bain Capital. The company is also supported by an experienced team of leaders, including:

Read the full article about Kailera’s $400m Series A.

 

Discover More Industry Trends with JC

For the latest industry trends or to explore new career opportunities, connect with our life sciences recruitment consultants for a chat. With executive search firms in Singapore and China, and operations in key business hubs like Hong Kong, you can count on our team for timely access to regional insights that can create synergy for your career and operations.

For employers: Beyond the healthcare and life sciences industry, we also have dedicated desks for several sectors that enables us to meet your varied recruitment needs:

 

Image Credits:

  • SCMP
  • Startup Rise