Pharma and Biotech Daily: EPRO Success, BioSecure Act, and Keytruda's Impact

Pharma and BioTech Daily

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.EPRO, or electronic patient-reported outcomes, is increasingly used in clinical trials to improve data accuracy, patient compliance, and reduce administrative burdens. Swing Therapeutics achieved 98% patient compliance in their pilot trial using EPRO, leading to an FDA de novo marketing authorization. EPRO boosts efficiency, saves costs, and improves trial outcomes.The BioSecure Act, which restricts contracts with certain Chinese companies in the US biotech industry, has advanced in the House but still needs Senate support. Bain Capital closed a $3 billion biotech fund and has been acquiring startup companies. Centessa's sleepiness drug showed promising results, lifting the company's shares. New data raise doubts about AstraZeneca and Daiichi's cancer treatment successor. Candid aims to prove the worth of bispecifics in autoimmune diseases.Roivant Sciences has acquired the rights to develop and commercialize Bayer's pulmonary hypertension drug, Mosliciguat, under an in-license agreement worth up to $294 million. Roivant has created a new "vant" called Vant to focus on this project. The Biosecure Act has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives and is set for a Senate vote. AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's Dato-Dxd failed to significantly improve overall survival in Phase III NSCLC trials, but there is still potential for FDA approval. Terns Pharmaceuticals announced a $125 million raise following positive Phase I data for their oral GLP-1 candidate for obesity.Old Navy is celebrating its 30th anniversary by throwing back to the '90s in a new collection and campaign to enhance its iconic brand. PayPal has launched its largest-ever US ad campaign featuring Will Ferrell, promoting the use of PayPal for both in-store and online transactions. Angela Zepeda, former Hyundai CMO, has been appointed as the global head of marketing for X. Pizza Hut is turning TikTok content into real-world currency for a promotion in the UAE, while Target is targeting pet owners with a collection designed by "fur-fluencers." Marketers are leveraging AI on mobile platforms and genAI is impacting marketing strategies.Merck's Keytruda, a leading immuno-oncology drug, has been highly successful in treating various cancers and has become the world's top-selling drug. However, determining the true value of a drug like Keytruda involves more than just sales numbers. U.S. drug pricing watchdog ICER tracks pricing decisions and their impact, but the industry is exploring new methods to factor in aspects like disability and income disparity. A new formula that considers "standard of living" is being explored to offer a different perspective on pricing in the pharmaceutical industry. As Keytruda celebrates its 10-year anniversary on the market, the impact of this cancer drug and other immunotherapies is being analyzed, along with the future direction of the field.