Harrison Liu, PhD

🚀 Opinion: Chinese CDMOs and US Biopharma PR strike a precarious balance 🌍 As the House Oversight and Accountability Committee marked up the BIOSECURE Act targeting China-based biotech companies like WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to an epic Game of Thrones saga. 🐉🦅 In March 2024, WuXi AppTec separated from BIO after the industry trade association changed its stance to support the BIOSECURE Act. Recently, BIO proposed an eight-year decoupling period from China-based biomanufacturing, setting a 2032 deadline for U.S. biopharma companies to sever ties. 🕒⚖️ A floor vote is expected in the next 30 days, with WuXi Biologics intensifying their lobbying efforts. Nearly 20 biopharma and life sciences companies are also registered to lobby, striving to balance advocacy without appearing unpatriotic. 🤝💼 With almost 80% of U.S. biopharma companies linked to China-based CDMOs, this proposed grace period is critical to avoid disruptions. So, how can PR professionals navigate this complex landscape? 🌐🔍 Strategic Communication: Engage with industry associations like BIO to advocate for federal funding, similar to the CHIPS Act’s $200 billion support. 💬💰 Reassurance Through Transparency: CDMOs should prioritize international communications, highlighting their commitment to global markets and high regulatory standards. 📢🌍 Proactive Outreach: Use third-party audits, certifications, and data points to assuage client concerns. Focus on professional platforms like industry publications and LinkedIn. 📄✅ As Lord Varys from Game of Thrones noted, “A small man can cast a large shadow.” Thoughtful, strategic actions can influence outcomes and ensure sustainable growth for the U.S. biopharma industry and China-based CDMOs. 🌟 #Biopharma #PR #BIOSECUREAct #WuXiAppTec #WuXiBiologics #USChinaRelations #CDMO #Biotech #Pharmaceuticals #Legislation #Healthcare #GlobalBusiness #StrategicCommunication

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In #NeurodegenerativeDisease news, specifically on an experimental treatment for #ALS, with this new #strategic partnership is penned between Dewpoint Therapeutics and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America. ⚛️ The asset is the former's drug, designed "to address the accumulation of a protein into toxic structures that lead to neuronal dysfunction in people with ALS." 🤝 The alliance would grant MTP exclusive rights to license, upon achieving certain developmental milestones. ⚕️ This would add to MTP's existing US-marketed ALS treatment, #Radicava https://lnkd.in/evayrVv4' #Dewpoint #Mitsubishi #Pharma #Biopharma #Healthcare

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LABN Trending News: Gilead and Terray Therapeutics Announce Multi-Target Research Collaboration to Discover and Develop Novel Small Molecule Therapies https://lnkd.in/g3RAWEQm FOSTER CITY, Calif. & LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and Terray Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the companies have entered into a strategic collaboration to discover and develop novel, small molecule therapies across [...]

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<!-- Content start --> South San Francisco, CA — July 3, 2024 — Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today that the Phase II/III SKYSCRAPER-06 study, evaluating tiragolumab plus Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) and chemotherapy versus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy as an initial (first-line) treatment for people with previously untreated, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (nSq NSCLC), did not meet its primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) at its primary analysis with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.27 [95% CI: 1.02,1.57] and overall survival (OS) at its first interim analysis with a HR of 1.33 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.73], which was immature. The combination of tiragolumab plus Tecentriq and chemotherapy showed reduced efficacy in both PFS and OS compared to the comparator arm in the intent-to-treat population, which includes Phase II and Phase III cohorts. The overall safety profile remains consistent with the safety profile previously observed for the combination of tiragolumab plus Tecentriq and chemotherapy, and no new or unexpected findings were identified. Based on these results, patients and investigators will be unblinded and we intend to halt the study. A communication will be sent to the investigators and results will be shared with health authorities and subsequently presented at an upcoming medical meeting. “These results are disappointing as it was our hope that this combination might yield improved outcomes for people living with metastatic non-squamous lung cancer,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “We are thankful to all of the patients and healthcare professionals involved in the study, and we will leverage the learnings to inform our scientific understanding of the anti-TIGIT pathway and new avenues in cancer research.” Ongoing Phase III studies are investigating treatment settings and indications distinct from SKYSCRAPER-06. Based on today’s results, we will evaluate any relevant changes needed to the ongoing tiragolumab program. About SKYSCRAPER-06 study SKYSCRAPER-06 is a global Phase II/III, randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded study evaluating tiragolumab plus Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) and chemotherapy as an initial (first-line) treatment versus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in 542 people with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Primary endpoints are overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). About tiragolumab Tiragolumab is an investigational novel immune checkpoint inhibitor with an intact Fc region. Tiragolumab selectively binds to TIGIT, a novel inhibitory immune checkpoint which suppresses the immune response to cancer. Based on preclinical research, tiragolumab is thought to work as an immune amplifier with other cancer immunotherapies such as Tecentriq® (atezolizumab). The TIGIT pathway is distinct but

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SFBN Feed: Arcellx and Gilead seek to unseat J&J-Legend in multiple myeloma https://lnkd.in/g_9CQUG2 SAN DIEGO — Gilead and Arcellx say their experimental multiple myeloma cell therapy anito-cel could be a safer rival to field leaders Legend Biotech and Johnson & Johnson. New results from a pivotal study of [...] #BayArea #SanFrancisco #Biotech #Lifescience #News

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🌊 Riding the Wave of Innovation in Immunology! 🌊 Sanofi is partnering with Belharra Therapeutics in a groundbreaking deal worth up to $700M in biobucks! 🎉💊 This collaboration kicks off with $40M upfront and near-term milestones, empowering Belharra to use its cutting-edge non-covalent chemoproteomics platform to explore new immunology drug targets. The remainder of the deal will be distributed through milestones, plus royalties. 🌟🔬 “By leveraging Belharra’s chemoproteomics platform, we hope to explore immunology targets that, to date, have been considered undruggable,” said John Bertin, Sanofi’s Global Head of Immunology and Inflammation Research. Belharra, which launched in January 2023, has already built an impressive internal pipeline in oncology and immunology and secured a major partnership with Roche’s Genentech, which includes $80M upfront and $2B in milestones. 💡🧬 Sanofi is undergoing a major pipeline overhaul to become an “immunoscience powerhouse,” strategically investing in areas where it can make a meaningful difference. 🌐🩺 Looking forward to the innovative breakthroughs this partnership will bring to the field of immunology! #Biotech #Immunology #HealthcareInnovation #Sanofi #BelharraTherapeutics #DrugDiscovery #Chemoproteomics #Pharmaceuticals #MedicalAdvancements #Oncology #Partnership #InnovationInHealthcare #Immunoscience #ResearchAndDevelopment #Biopharma #Breakthrough

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📢 Quarterly Update: Biotech M&A and IPO Activity - Q2 2024 📢 The biopharma deal scene experienced a sharp downturn in Q2 2024, marking a significant slowdown compared to the bustling first quarter. 🔄 Mergers & Acquisitions Highlights 🔄 -Novartis Acquires Mariana Oncology 🌟 Novartis invested $1 billion upfront to acquire Mariana Oncology, adding crucial radioligand assets to its portfolio. The focus on actinium-based therapies provides a unique edge to Novartis's already impressive lineup, including Pluvicto and Lutathera. -Biogen's Bold Move 💰 Biogen acquired Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio) for $1.15 billion, securing a promising anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody on the cusp of phase 3 trials for rare immune-mediated diseases. -Merck & Co.'s Eye on Ophthalmology 👀 Merck & Co. struck the largest deal of the quarter with a $3 billion purchase of Eyebiotech. This includes a $1.3 billion upfront payment and $1.7 billion in potential milestones. 📈 IPO Updates 📈 -Rapport Therapeutics 🎉 Rapport Therapeutics successfully closed a $136 million IPO. -Alumis's Adjusted Plans 📊 Alumis adjusted its initial $274 million IPO plans, raising $250 million through a combination of IPO and private placements. -Artiva Biotherapeutics' Upcoming IPO 🧬 NK cell therapy biotech, Artiva Biotherapeutics, announced its intention to go public, with details still under wraps. -Telix Pharmaceuticals' IPO Withdrawal ❌ Telix Pharmaceuticals pulled back from its planned $183 million Nasdaq IPO due to market conditions. 🌐 Radiopharma Sector Surge 🌐 -Eli Lilly's Strategic Moves 🚀 Lilly's $140 million upfront partnership with Radionetics and the $60 million deal with Aktis Oncology underscore its commitment to radiopharmaceuticals, building on the $1.4 billion acquisition of Point Biopharma last year. 💡 Looking Forward 💡 Despite a quiet Q2, the biotech industry continues to evolve with significant strategic moves, particularly in the radiopharma sector. Stay tuned for more updates as we move into Q3! #Biotech #Pharma #MergersAndAcquisitions #IPO #Novartis #Biogen #Merck #Radiopharma #Investments #Biotechnology #Innovation #Healthcare

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Excited to share the latest feature in our "Partnering Spotlight" series, where we share some of the connections we are building to foster scientific innovation in healthcare. In this edition, our very own Neha Kaushal sits down with Daniel Anderson, Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, to discuss the potential of innovative #mRNA applications in vaccines and novel treatments for genetic diseases. Check out the video to learn more about our collaboration! https://lnkd.in/eHwpyjeY #vaccines #immunoscience

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Candid Therapeutics, a new San Diego biotech bent on becoming a leader in the emerging T-cell engager space, has unwrapped three new research collaborations focusing on autoimmune diseases. Candid will partner with EpimAb Biotherapeutics, Inc. , Nona Biosciences and Ab Studio to beef up its pipeline of bispecific antibodies. https://lnkd.in/eU4ktbC6

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SDBN Feed: Candid Therapeutics unwraps three new collaborations to discover and develop T-cell engager antibodies https://lnkd.in/g4rKJTSk Candid Therapeutics, a new San Diego biotech bent on becoming a leader in the emerging T-cell engager space, has unwrapped three new research collaborations focusing on autoimmune diseases. Candid will partner with EpimAb Biotherapeutics, Nona [...]

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Breaking barriers in ADC development: What’s next? 🔎 Antibody-drug conjugates are no longer just a concept – they’re revolutionizing cancer therapy with precision-targeted treatments. However, their success hinges on robust development strategies. Allucent explores how improved analytical methods, scalable manufacturing, and compliance with global regulatory standards are key to unlocking the full potential of ADCs. 🚀 By understanding the complex interplay of science, strategy, and regulation, biotech companies can navigate the challenges of bringing ADCs from the lab to the clinic. Dive into Allucent’s roadmap for clinical success and learn how ADCs are evolving to meet the unmet needs in oncology. 🔬 Full article below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dmUUXcdB #ADCtherapies #oncologyinnovation #cancerresearch #targetedtherapies #precisionmedicine #bispecificADCs #pharmabreakthroughs #drugdevelopment 

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A new #CRISPR-based clinical trial for #SickleCell disease is enrolling at UCSF. This is the first therapy in the U.S. to apply non-viral CRISPR gene editing to directly correct the genetic mutation that causes the disease. Read more: https://ow.ly/Smry50UfZi1

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