June 7 Quick Takes: J&J returns rights to argenx’s AML antibody; plus Alexion, Carsgen, bluebird, Pharnext and more
Citing the totality of available data and an evolving treatment landscape for acute myelogenous leukemia, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) returned rights to anti-CD70 antibody cusatuzumab, for which it paid argenx S.E. (Euronext:ARGX; NASDAQ:ARGX) $500 million up front in 2018. The therapy led to complete remissions in 20 (48%) of 42 evaluable patients, and an overall response rate of 93%, in an interim analysis of the Phase Ib ELEVATE trial with Venclexta venetoclax and azacitidine. The armamentarium against AML has grown in recent years, with the approvals of new drugs including Venclexta and Daurismo glasdegib.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) has gained another indication for Ultomiris ravulizumab-cwvz with FDA’s approval of the long-acting C5 inhibitor for patients aged one month and older with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The company already markets Ultomiris for adult patients with PNH and adult and pediatric patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. ...