Nov. 30 Quick Takes: Grail piloting blood test in U.K.; plus Rhythm, Kadmon, venture rounds for Adrenomed, Xbiome, Transition
Grail piloting cancer blood test with NHS England
Grail Inc. announced a pilot program with NHS England using the company's Galleri blood test to monitor 140,000 asymptomatic participants aged 50 to 79 for three years, and to speed up the diagnosis of 25,000 people with possible cancer symptoms. The program, which aligns with the NHS Long Term Plan's goal of increasing the proportion of cancers caught early, is slated to launch in mid-2021 and read out in 2023; if effective, the program could be expanded to involve about 1 million participants in 2024-25.
FDA approves weight management drug for ultra-rare indications
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) said FDA approved Imcivree setmelanotide, its therapy for chronic weight management in patients with obesity associated with POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR deficiencies. All are ultra-rare disorders, and Rhythm will receive a priority review voucher. The company expects to launch the MC4R agonist next quarter...