Polymyositis

Kezar Life Sciences Reports Third Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 13, 2023

Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: KZR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 and provided a business update.

Key Points: 
  • Kezar Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: KZR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023 and provided a business update.
  • In addition, Kezar recently announced a strategic restructuring to prioritize long-term growth and focus resources on its clinical-stage programs.
  • Actions to prioritize clinical programs and implement cost saving measures are expected to extend Kezar’s cash runway into late 2026.
  • Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2023 increased by $9.8 million to $23.7 million compared to $13.9 million in the third quarter of 2022.

Mallinckrodt Announces Publication of Two Journal Manuscripts with Clinical and Economic Evidence for Acthar® Gel (Repository Corticotropin Injection)

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 10, 2023

DUBLIN, Oct. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (OTCMKTS: MNKTQ), a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced the publication of two journal manuscripts reinforcing the clinical and economic evidence supporting the efficacy, safety profile, continued use, and cost-effectiveness of Acthar Gel for appropriate patients across a range of FDA-approved autoimmune and inflammatory disease indications.1,2 

Key Points: 
  • Mallinckrodt's health economics manuscript titled "Acthar Gel (RCI): A Narrative Literature Review of Clinical and Economic Evidence" was published on June 24, 2023 in ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research.
  • Acthar is a naturally sourced complex mixture of adrenocorticotropic hormone analogs and other pituitary peptides.
  • Acthar Gel is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several autoimmune disorders and medical conditions known to cause inflammation.3
    Please see indications and Important Safety Information below.
  • Outcomes may be influenced by therapies not evaluated in the study and the clinical outcomes may not be solely attributable to Acthar.

Heroes in the Fight: Octapharma To Be Honored for Myositis Research at TMA Annual Patient Conference

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 6, 2023

PARAMUS, N.J., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Octapharma USA will be presented with the Research & Development Award for Outstanding Innovation in Myositis Research during the Heroes in the Fight Awards Celebration at The Myositis Association's 2023 International Annual Patient Conference to be held September 7 - 10 in San Diego.

Key Points: 
  • "TMA is grateful to Octapharma for being the first pharmaceutical company to take the chance on a treatment for this rare autoimmune disease of the muscles.
  • "We are honored to be recognized by TMA for Octapharma's groundbreaking research on dermatomyositis," said Octapharma USA President Flemming Nielsen.
  • "TMA and Octapharma are celebrating special anniversaries this year, and we congratulate TMA on 30 great years serving the myositis community.
  • Octapharma is the Premier Sponsor for the conference, which features myositis specialists and expert presenters on everything related to these debilitating diseases.

Learn the Facts About Interstitial Lung Disease on ILD Day, Sept. 13

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 31, 2023

CHICAGO, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 250,000 Americans living with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), nine organizations are joining forces to present the third annual ILD Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13, to drive awareness of the diseases.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 250,000 Americans living with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), nine organizations are joining forces to present the third annual ILD Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13, to drive awareness of the diseases.
  • Pulmonary fibrosis can be seen in many types of ILD and the damage caused by ILD can be irreversible and worsen over time.
  • "Since the symptoms of ILD are similar to other more common illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose.
  • To register for the ILD Day webinar or for more information about ILD, visit ILDDay.org .

ImmunoForge Expands Drug Development Licensing Agreement with Duke University

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 18, 2023

Through this agreement, ImmunoForge expects to accelerate the development of new drugs based on the ELP technology that was originally developed by Professor Ashutosh Chilkoti at Duke University.

Key Points: 
  • Through this agreement, ImmunoForge expects to accelerate the development of new drugs based on the ELP technology that was originally developed by Professor Ashutosh Chilkoti at Duke University.
  • Dr. Jim Ballance, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ImmunoForge, has pioneered the clinical development of peptide drugs that are genetically fused to ELPs.
  • The powerful research partnership between ImmunoForge and Duke University will revolutionize the delivery of peptide and protein drugs.
  • "We are pleased to expand our relationship with ImmunoForge to continue development of novel therapeutics using the ELP platform, originally developed by Professor Chilkoti at Duke University", said Duke University Associate VP for Translation & Commercialization, Robin Rasor.

EQS-News: BB BIOTECH AG: Molecular strike force for the immune system

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, December 18, 2022

Autoimmunity is an area rich in scope for the delivery of innovative therapies by the biotech industry.

Key Points: 
  • Autoimmunity is an area rich in scope for the delivery of innovative therapies by the biotech industry.
  • Environmental factors, overactive immune responses, and genetic causes may be factors in triggering autoimmune disease.
  • At the end of September 2022, BB Biotech had achieved a paper gain of USD 277.6 mn on this investment.
  • Dr. Daniel Koller has been with Bellevue Asset Management since 2004 as a Portfolio Manager and was appointed Head of Investment Management Team BB Biotech AG in 2010.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Aims to Double R&D Productivity in Oncology, Neurology and Immunology to Deliver More Medicines to Patients Faster

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 21, 2022

Xevinapant, which was in-licensed from Debiopharm in March 2021, builds on the companys long heritage and extensive expertise in SCCHN.

Key Points: 
  • Xevinapant, which was in-licensed from Debiopharm in March 2021, builds on the companys long heritage and extensive expertise in SCCHN.
  • M1774 has broad potential in combination with other DDR inhibitors and other medicines, and as monotherapy in the right genomic context.
  • Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics.
  • Since its founding in 1668, scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to the companys technological and scientific advances.

Merck Aims to Double R&D Productivity in Oncology, Neurology and Immunology to Deliver More Medicines to Patients Faster

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 21, 2022

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today shared updates on the companys healthcare research and development strategy, aimed at doubling R&D productivity.

Key Points: 
  • Merck, a leading science and technology company, today shared updates on the companys healthcare research and development strategy, aimed at doubling R&D productivity.
  • Xevinapant, which was in-licensed from Debiopharm in March 2021, builds on the companys long heritage and extensive expertise in SCCHN.
  • M1774 has broad potential in combination with other DDR inhibitors and other medicines, and as monotherapy in the right genomic context.
  • Building on expertise in neurology, the company is initiating a proof-of-concept study in neuromuscular conditions dermatomyositis and polymyositis with enpatoran in 2023.

Kezar Life Sciences Receives FDA Clearance of IND for Zetomipzomib for the Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 3, 2022

Standard of care treatment for AIH is immunosuppressive treatment with chronic corticosteroids that can lead to additional morbidity and mortality.

Key Points: 
  • Standard of care treatment for AIH is immunosuppressive treatment with chronic corticosteroids that can lead to additional morbidity and mortality.
  • There is a significant need for treatment regimens that reduce or remove the need for chronic immunosuppression using corticosteroids.
  • Zetomipzomib is a unique small molecule with the potential to be a non-immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory treatment for multiple autoimmune diseases.
  • Kezar Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for immune-mediated and oncologic disorders.

Octapharma USA to Present Clinical Overview of Dermatomyositis During The Myositis Association’s Annual Conference

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 7, 2022

(Photo: Business Wire)

Key Points: 
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    We are excited to have Octapharma participate in the 2022 International Annual Patient Conference, said TMA Executive Director Chrissy Thornton.
  • Octapharmas pivotal clinical research on DM has been an important resource for the myositis community.
  • Octapharma is committed to developing life-saving and life-enhancing therapies for patients with rare diseases, including dermatomyositis, said Octapharma USA President Flemming Nielsen.
  • Laurel Cherwin, RN, BSN, Octapharma USA Clinical Nurse Educator, will present a 90-minute clinical overview of dermatomyositis during the conference.