Major Pharma News from February
This month brings exciting breakthroughs in drug development and funding for chronic conditions — great news for many. At the same time, the new U.S. administration is driving big changes, bringing both uncertainty and new opportunities in AI applications. ?
Let’s dive into the key updates:
Tech Giants Invest $500B in AI to Make Dentist Visits Stress-Free ?
The $500B Stargate project is set to transform healthcare and dentistry in the U.S. AI-powered personalized treatment plans and salivary testing are designed to improve diagnostics and care –– even for serious conditions like oral cancer. ?
Let’s face it, many dental patients stress over insurance, language barriers, and self-care. The project supports AI-driven scheduling and aftercare tools to minimize patients’ cortisol spikes and make dental care more accessible.
Find out how this could change patients’ appointments in the future.
Pfizer’s Blockbuster Adcetris Gets the Green Light for Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatment
Pfizer’s blood cancer drug, Adcetris, has received a new FDA approval to treat large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). The approval is based on evidence that the drug helps patients live longer. Adcetris will be used in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab. However, since this treatment is more aggressive, it will only be given to patients who have already tried at least two other therapies without success.
Read the full article here:
The Launch of Bristol Myers’ Schizophrenia Drug Is Off to a Strong Start ?
Cobenfy is one of the first new schizophrenia treatments in decades. It works by activating muscarinic receptors, helping to balance dopamine levels and manage the condition.
Bristol Myers’ commercial team is optimistic about sales and progress in getting the drug onto pharmacy shelves. ?
Want to learn more about this breakthrough? Click the link below:
Six Million Lives at Risk if U.S. Cuts HIV/AIDS Funding
Last month, the U.S. administration placed a waiver on HIV/AIDS programs under its new “America First” policy. What does it mean for the patients? If funding for PEPFAR is not renewed over the next four years, more than six million people could die. The bad news is that this is not fearmongering. Reduced access to treatment could also lead to a rise in infections.
Read the full article:
Biogen to Receive Up to $250 Million for Its Lupus Drug
Biogen has partnered with Royalty Pharma to get funding for its lupus treatment, litifilimab. Of course, Royalty Pharma stands to benefit too. It will receive payments if the drug reaches key approval milestones and a share of future sales. Biogen is currently in the late stages of testing and expects trial results within the next one to two years.
Curious about Biogen’s drug development journey? Read more in this Biopharma Dive piece.
Hope you found this newsletter useful! See you next time and have an amazing month ahead!