Embattled biotech Novavax announced Canada has agreed to pay $350 million for forfeiting COVID-19 vaccine doses that were previously scheduled for delivery. Canada’s payment will be made in two equal installments in 2023, according to the SEC filing. (CNBC)
BeiGene struck a partnership with DualityBio to help the company expand its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) capabilities in cancer. BeiGene said it will pay up to $1.3 billion to license a preclinical ADC in solid tumors developed by DualityBio. (Endpoints News)
Fractyl Health has plans to develop a gene therapy alternative to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to control blood sugar and body weight without repeated injections. The company wants to deliver an artificial gene to the pancreas that continuously produces the GLP-1 hormone so there’s no need for weekly injections. (Wired)
Sen. Bernie Sander’s choice to stall the appointment of National Institutes of Health (NIH) nominee Monica Bertagnolli over drug pricing regulation has led to gridlock. Some public health experts are concerned over the delay, given that the NIH hasn’t had a permanent director since December 2021. (STAT News)
Large retailers including Kroger, Walmart and Walgreens have sought to expand into clinical trial recruitment – right from their pharmacies and stores. “We’re trying to build the right highway into our communities to bring trials closer to where they are,” Ramita Tandon, chief clinicals trial officer at Walgreens, told Axios. (Axios)
