This week we take a look at Eli Lilly returning the rights of an immunology drug after disappointing trial results, the US market seeing the first FDA approved microbial treatment, the latest challenges to the healthcare sector, and other top news!
Revolo’s EoE Drug Shows Positive Results in Mid-Stage Trial
Revolo Biotherapeutics announced positive data from a Phase II clinical trial of its drug, REV-004, for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The study met its primary endpoint of reducing esophageal eosinophilia and dysphagia symptoms, and no serious adverse events were reported. The biotech firm is now planning to initiate a Phase III trial by the end of 2023. If the drug is approved, it could provide an effective treatment option for the chronic allergic inflammatory disease that affects approximately 160,000 people in the US.
Lilly Returns Immunology Drug Rights to Nektar after Lupus Study Disappoints
Eli Lilly and Company has returned the rights to an immunology drug, NKTR-358, to Nektar Therapeutics after the drug failed to show efficacy in a Phase IIb study for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While the decision is a disappointment for Lilly, the move to focus on other promising pipeline candidates is a common strategy in the pharmaceutical industry. Nektar is still hopeful that the drug may prove successful in other autoimmune diseases.
Nestle to Bring Vowst to US Market
Seres Therapeutics has received FDA approval for its microbiome capsule, Vowst, which aims to prevent the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection. Nestlé Health Science will market Vowst after its approval from the FDA. Vowst is a standardized treatment that has received FDA scrutiny and is the first FDA-approved oral microbiota treatment. Vowst outperformed the placebo in lowering the incidence of recurrent C. difficile infections in a phase 3 experiment called ECOSPOR III. Nestlé supplies its commercial infrastructure, including sales representatives and reimbursement capabilities.
RetinAI and Boehringer Ingelheim Collaborate on AI-Based GA Treatment
RetinAI Medical AG and Boehringer Ingelheim have teamed up to develop an AI-based solution for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), a condition that can cause blindness. The collaboration will leverage RetinAI’s software to analyze data from clinical trials and develop an algorithm to identify and predict disease progression. The algorithm will help doctors make informed treatment decisions and potentially better outcomes for patients. The partnership underscores the growing role of AI and machine learning in the healthcare industry and their potential to transform patient care.
Proactive Approach Needed to Improve Healthcare Outcomes
A recent survey of healthcare executives suggests that most health systems are reactive rather than proactive when it comes to improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. Only 16% of health systems surveyed reported a proactive approach to value-based care, indicating a need for a more proactive approach to achieve long-term improvements. The study suggests that a more proactive approach to value-based care could reduce costs and improve outcomes for patients. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, health systems can better address healthcare challenges and achieve better results.
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