The week in pharma: action, reaction and insight – week to January 31

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Editor

Among significant research news last week, US biotech Allakos reported that it was dropping development of its urticaria candidate AK006 following disappointing Phase I trial results. Also, Merck & Co said it was halting the Winrevair HYPERIO trial in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) early due to positive findings. On the M&A front, Lantheus announced it is expanding its radiopharmaceutial portfolio with the acquisition of Evergreen Theragnostics, and its lead product Octevy, for around $1 billion. Also of note, the US Food Administration (FDA) at last approved Vertex Pharmaceutical’s non-opioid pain drug Journavx (suzetrigine).

AK006 discontinued after failure in CSU; Allakos to explore strategic alternatives