Takeda has acquired Molecular Templates for $30 million. The biotech company’s pipeline includes a drug that targets CD38 in multiple myeloma and a drug being tested in patients with B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and B-cell CLL. (Endpoints)
Amicus Therapeutics has acquired rare disease gene therapy company Celenex and a portfolio of 10 gene therapy programs for $100 million. The clinical and preclinical programs are focused on developing curative therapies for neurologic lysosomal storage disorders. (Nasdaq)
Recently released FDA data shows that black patients are underrepresented in clinical trials. Takeda’s treatment for multiple myeloma, Ninlaro, is one drug that fell into this category. Only 1.8% of participants in the trial were African-American even though 20% of diagnoses are black patients. (STAT)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says Novartis’ Kymriah is too expensive as a treatment for adults with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The list price, with a confidential discount, was about $370,000 per patient. The agency also said there is not enough data for Kymriah to be considered life-extending treatment. (BioPharma Dive)
2e Creative has acquired Fire & Rain, an Indiana-based firm. Fire & Rain’s services span marketing, technical communications, salesforce training, video production, and corporate events. 2e is planning to expand the agency’s presence on the East and West coasts, as well. (MM&M)
