The week in pharma: action, reaction and insight – week to August 19

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Managing editor

Major research news last week was mixed, with the USA’s Gilead Sciences last Monday releasing positive Phase III data for its Trodelvy in HR+/HER2 metastatic cancer, while France’s Sanofi released disappointing Phase III trial results with its SERD candidate amcenestrant and saying it would discontinue the development program. On the deal-making front, US pharma Merck & Co entered into a collaboration with biotech Orna Therapeutics on the development of multiple vaccines and therapies, paying an upfront $150 million plus pledging milestone and royalties of up to $3.5 billion. Also of note, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week approved bluebird bio’s beta thalassemia drug Zynteglo, making it the first cell-based gene therapy for this condition.

Trodelvy hits on OS in HR+ mBC