Look back at pharma news in week to February 8

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Editor

Among last week’s news, GlaxoSmithKline’s up to $4.23 billion immuno-oncology deal with Merck KGaA is a clear indication of the UK pharma major’s return to the cancer arena. Also on the deal-making front, Alexion Pharma entered into a collaboration with Caelum Bioscience for CAEL-101, a potential treatment for the rare disease light chain amyloidosis. Regulatory news attracting attention included US Food and Drug Administration approval for Sanofi’s rare disease drug Cablivi, and Evolus gaining FDA clearance for its Jeuveau, a rival to Allergan’s blockbuster aesthetics Botox brand.

German Merck and GSK clasp hands in oncology