The last couple of weeks have seen some highly promising clinical readouts and it’s particularly encouraging to see emerging novel treatment options for often refractory illnesses, such as schizophrenia. From a new blockbuster vaccine to a new contender in the Diabetes race to psilocybin returning to the spotlight, these are five drug candidates to keep an eye on
The last couple of weeks have seen some highly promising clinical readouts and it’s particularly encouraging to see emerging novel treatment options for often refractory illnesses, such as schizophrenia. From a new blockbuster vaccine to a new contender in the Diabetes race to psilocybin returning to the spotlight, these are five drug candidates to keep an eye on:
In a recent Phase III trial, Innovent’s Mazdutide was shown to be more effective in the management of Type 2 diabetes than Eli Lilly’s Trulicity drug, priming it to be the new favored treatment for glycemic control.1
Compass Pathways’ psilocybin drug COMP360 has shown a positive midphase readout in its treatment for PTSD, which has previously been tested in treating depression, with Phase 3 data expected later this year.2
Recent IPO success story CG Oncology’s drug Cretosimogene elicited exciting results in a small study for advanced bladder cancer, including over 75% complete response rate.3
Newron Pharmaceuticals’ has reported reduced symptomatic range and severity in a phase ⅔ study of its drug candidate Evenamide for schizophrenia. The drug is an ‘add-on’ to increase efficacy of other treatments if not previously successful in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) - a breakthrough for patients unresponsive to antipsychotics.4
And of course to finish, Merck has revealed its upcoming V116 vaccine is set to be even more effective than Pneumovax 23, its blockbuster pneumonia vaccine from the 1980s, with it performing better in 10/11 unique bacterial strains.5
References
(1) Lilly’s next-gen obesity drug brings Innovent phase 3 diabetes win. Fierce Biotech. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/lillys-next-gen-obesity-drug-brings-innovent-phase-3-win-diabetes.
(2) Compass tracks PTSD improvements in midphase psilocybin trial. Fierce Biotech. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/compass-tracks-ptsd-improvements-psilocybin-therapy-sails-midphase-data-drop (accessed 2024-05-30).
(3) CG sets new bar in bladder cancer, months after huge IPO. Fierce Biotech. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/cg-sets-new-bar-bladder-cancer-validating-rare-biotech-ipo-success-story (accessed 2024-05-30).
(4) Newron schizophrenia add-on improves positive, negative symptoms. Fierce Biotech. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/ai-and-machine-learning/newrons-schizophrenia-add-improves-symptoms-charging-case-phase-3-test (accessed 2024-05-30).
(5) Merck compares pneumococcal vaccine to 1983 warhorse. Fierce Biotech. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/doorstep-approval-merck-presents-new-data-v116-pneumococcal-vaccine-adults (accessed 2024-05-30).
