Drug Discovery

In this episode Lucy Chard is joined by Rajiv Khatau to discuss the importance of looking into new therapeutic areas and some of the more niche areas of pharmaceuticals, and investing in the future of the industry. 

The British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant is partnering with biotechnology firm Immunai Inc to increase the efficiency of some cancer drug trials. 

ONO Pharmaceutical, out of Japan, is in the process of acquiring cancer-therapy maker Deciphera Pharmaceuticals for US$2.4 billion. 

The EU Commission proposes reform to the current EU pharmceutical legislation in regard to the protection of data and the use of generics and biosimilars for drug companies in the EU. 

Pfizer dilvulges plans to investors around growing their cancer portfolio, and the drugs they will be focusing on developing after their aquisition of Seagen in 2023. 

Rare Diseases Day is celebrated on the 29th February 2024 and represents the plight of rare disease patients to gain diagnosis and access to suitable treatment. 

A new genome study undertaken in the US, accounting for a diverse range of people, has led to the discovery of nearly 300 million new genetic variants, which could inform markers of disease. 

Biotech and bioscience company Enveric has been developing a series of treatments for mental health disorders and are now focusing on one lead candidate, EB-003, which they are hoping to move into clinical trials in the future. 

Robotics are starting to play a key role in the discovery and manufacturing of health and drug products, with numerous benefits, from cost reduction to increased sustainability, but there are challenges as well.