Novavax CEO retires; Sanofi exec to replace CureVac CEO

Today's Big News

Jan 13, 2023

TCR² removed 20% of staff over summer, paving way for latest layoffs 


Geron, in hopes of finally gaining approval for its troubled cancer drug in 2024, hires a host of commercial, marketing execs 


Chutes & Ladders—Novavax CEO Erck bids adieu after 12 years, overseeing COVID vax development


Many viruses, one sample: Sanger Institute launches project to sequence respiratory viruses, including co-infections

 

Featured

TCR² removed 20% of staff over summer, paving way for latest layoffs

TCR² Therapeutics appeared to become the latest biotech to make major staff reductions last week as it laid out its clinical and corporate vision for the new year. But Fierce Biotech can reveal that it was in fact the second round of layoffs at the company in less than six months, after TCR² quietly removed a fifth of its staff in August.
 

Top Stories

Geron, in hopes of finally gaining approval for its troubled cancer drug in 2024, hires a host of commercial, marketing execs

It’s been a long, bumpy road for Geron and its experimental blood cancer asset imetelstat, but, as the biotech hopes to finally be nearing the finish line, it is hiring a bunch of new commercial leads to help bring home the sales.

Many viruses, one sample: Sanger Institute launches project to sequence respiratory viruses, including co-infections

The Wellcome-funded project will see a new test developed that can detect multi-pathogen co-infections in a single swab.

How MRD is accelerating effective use of biologic therapies

Advanced ctDNA analysis yields biomarkers of cancer dynamics essential in therapeutic monitoring & intervention. Learn how NeXT Personal® detects MRD, monitors variants, & delivers powerful insights.

New Biogen CEO tips subcutaneous lecanemab to help expansion into pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s

New Biogen CEO Chris Viehbacher has set out plans for a subcutaneous version of lecanemab, outlining how changing the delivery method of the Eisai-partnered Alzheimer’s disease drug could be particularly valuable for pre-symptomatic patients.

JPM23: Illumina could face the EU's maximum fine for jumping the gun with Grail deal: report

Illumina could well be facing the maximum fine the European Commission can impose, totaling up to 10% of its annual revenues, over the DNA sequencing giant’s premature acquisition of the blood testing company Grail, according to a report from Reuters.

Chasing Roche, Merck talks up subcutaneous Keytruda ahead of phase 3 data drop

Merck has talked up the value of its subcutaneous version of Keytruda, arguing that the investigational therapy will increase access to treatment by untethering patients from infusion centers.

Verily narrows its focus, cutting device work and laying off 15% of staff

In an email to employees that was also published by the company as a blog post, CEO Stephen Gillett said Verily would no longer pursue multiple lines of business.

Martha Stewart stars in a 'Kill COVID-19' spot for Pfizer

Pfizer’s new COVID-19 booster ad starring Martha Stewart is both odd and weirdly compelling to watch.

Chutes & Ladders—Novavax CEO Erck bids adieu after 12 years, overseeing COVID vax development

Novavax CEO Erck to retire after 12 years and overseeing COVID vaccine development. CureVac CEO steps aside after getting lapped in the COVID vaccine race. Nkarta promotes Shook to chief medical officer role.

Fierce Pharma Asia—Eisai's Leqembi nod; 2 Astellas licensing deals; Samsung's ADC plan

Eisai and Biogen's Alzheimer's disease drug kicks off high-stake launch with an expected FDA approval. Astellas inked two deals in rare disease and antibody research to kick off 2023. Samsung Biologics plans to start making antibody-drug conjugates at its plant in early 2024, CEO said. And more.
 
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'The Top Line': FDA's stance on cancer drug approval, plus this week's headlines

This week on “The Top Line,” we discuss the FDA's shifting stance on cancer drug approvals. Plus, we cover the annual JPM week and other top headlines from this week.
 

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