AstraZeneca’s lupus candidate failed in a late-stage study, dealing a setback to the company as it races against GlaxoSmithKline to develop new treatments for the disease. Anifrolumab, which had a different mechanism of action than GSK’s Benlysta, did not show a statistically-significant reduction in disease activity. (Reuters)
The FDA is expanding its investigation of heart medicines for traces of toxic materials. This comes after the substance NDMA was found in a generic valsartan blood pressure pill last month. NDMA is listed as a possible carcinogen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The FDA plans to test all products in the ARB class to determine if they contain NDMA, according a statement. (STAT)
Eli Lilly has promoted Anne White to SVP of Lilly and president of Lilly Oncology. She will replace Sue Mahony, effective September 1. White began working at Lilly in 1991 and has held roles in clinical research and drug development. (Endpoints)
In the Philippines, the Public Attorney’s Office filed three more criminal complaints against Department of Health officials, among others, related to the deaths of schoolchildren previously inoculated with Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengvaxia vaccine. The latest cases bring to 15 the number of complaints filed. (Manila Standard)
Two new Merck HIV treatments received approval from the FDA. The two drugs, Delstrigo and Pifeltro, are once-daily oral antiretroviral therapies and were approved ahead of schedule. Gilead’s Isentress is currently the market leader in HIV. (Endpoints)
