Sciwind Biosciences Co. Ltd.’s oral ecnoglutide (XW-004) produced strong weight loss results after short-term treatments, up to a 6.8% body weight decrease in obese and overweight participants after once-daily dosing for six weeks, according to data from the first four cohorts of the phase I trial.
In a post-pandemic world, South Korean molecular diagnostics firm Seegene Inc. is looking to ignite a new paradigm in the diagnostics business. Seoul-based Seegene is rolling out a new strategy of open innovation under its newfound initiative coined the “SG Onesystem,” which pledges to not only accelerate global partnerships for novel diagnostics but also “free the world of all disease.”
Jilin, China-based Huisheng Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd. gained China NMPA approval for Huiyoujing (proline janagliflozin tablets), its independently developed sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for type 2 diabetes. The regulatory clearance, announced on Jan. 23, makes janagliflozin the second China-made SGLT2 inhibitor after Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd.’s henagliflozin (SHR-3824), which was launched domestically in May 2022.
Biontech SE and Duality Biologics Co. Ltd. have progressed BNT-323/DB-1303 to pivotal phase III trials, beginning in China in patients with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer.
Windtree Therapeutics Inc. is out-licensing China rights for phase III-ready heart failure candidate istaroxime to Lee’s Pharmaceutical Ltd. for $138 million, plus royalties. Lee’s, of Hong Kong, plans to begin a phase III study for istaroxime in acute heart failure in greater China, while Windtree, of Warrington, Pa., will conduct a global trial in cardiogenic shock, a form of sudden heart failure. Windtree reported positive phase II data in April 2022 that tested istaroxime in cardiogenic shock, which happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to vital organs.
The U.S. FDA has granted Mesoblast Ltd.’s allogeneic cell therapy Revascor (rexlemestrocel-L) rare pediatric disease designation following submission of results from a clinical trial in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a potentially life-threatening congenital heart condition.
Taiwan’s Bora Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. is acquiring Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc. from Sawai Group Holdings Co. Ltd. and Sumitomo Corp. of Americas for $210 million to boost its commercial presence in the U.S.
As gene therapies gain unprecedented traction into 2024, preclinical-stage South Korean biotech Genecraft Inc. said it raised ₩10 billion (US$7.48 million) in a series A financing to further R&D for its therapy against lung cancer.
A tire company is the latest to test out the waters of the biopharmaceutical industry with Tirebank Co. Ltd. and 13 affiliated individuals becoming the largest shareholders in flailing Korean antibody biotech Pharmabcine Inc. with a 13.31% stake.
A new wearable “hip-assist” robot developed by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. significantly improves gait, balance and dynamic movement in older adults and has the potential to not only enhance physical function but also mitigate the risk of falls.
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