Hope/Misery
18 hours ago
Interesting fact from 2017 which gives insight into why BMS operated Opdivo the way they did and let Keytruda take the lead.
Merck Announces Settlement and License Agreement Resolving KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Patent Litigation
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January 20, 2017 4:01 pm ET
Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), and certain of its affiliates, today announced it agreed to enter into a settlement and license agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., resolving the worldwide patent infringement litigation related to the use of an anti-PD-1 antibody for the treatment of cancer, such as KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab).
Under the settlement and license agreement, the company will make a one-time payment of $625 million to Bristol-Myers Squibb and provide royalties on the worldwide sales of KEYTRUDA for a non-exclusive license to market KEYTRUDA in any market in which it is approved. For global net sales of KEYTRUDA, the company will pay Bristol-Myers Squibb royalties as follows:
6.5 percent of net sales occurring from Jan. 1, 2017 through and
including Dec. 31, 2023; and
2.5 percent of net sales occurring Jan. 1, 2024 through and including
Dec. 31, 2026.
The parties also agreed to dismiss all claims in the relevant legal proceedings.
“Today’s announcement eliminates uncertainty and enables us to continue to focus on KEYTRUDA, our immuno-oncology medicine, which is already helping thousands of patients around the world and becoming a foundation for the treatment of cancer through our industry-leading clinical development program,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck.
The $625 million payment will be recorded in the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2016 results. This expense will be excluded from Merck’s non-GAAP results.
About Merck
For more than a century, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Fred Kadiddlehopper
1 week ago
argenx Announces FDA Approval of VYVGART Hytrulo Prefilled Syringe for Self-Injection in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
https://ih.advfn.com/stock-market/NASDAQ/argenx-ARGX/stock-news/95826761/argenx-announces-fda-approval-of-vyvgart-hytrulo-p
April 10 2025 - 5:47PM
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VYVGART, the first-in-class FcRn blocker, now offers three administration options, including self-injection with a prefilled syringe
Self-injection provides gMG and CIDP patients with flexibility for when and where to receive treatment – at home, while ‘on the go’ or in a healthcare setting
Approval reflects commitment to innovating the patient experience with individualized, safe and effective therapies
April 10, 2025, 11:45 PM CET
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – argenx SE (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new option for patients to self-inject VYVGART® Hytrulo with a prefilled syringe (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc) for the treatment of adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive and adult patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
“Today’s FDA approval provides a new self-injection option across both approved indications in the U.S. that is designed for patients who seek more independence with their treatment,” said Luc Truyen M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, argenx. “We understand patients experience MG and CIDP in different ways, and our prefilled syringe is an important innovation that provides patients with more freedom and flexibility to self-administer VYVGART Hytrulo. Whether patients prefer to receive their treatment in a physician’s office, at home, or while traveling, they can experience treatment on their own terms and continue to benefit from VYVGART Hytrulo’s favorable safety profile and strong efficacy.”
VYVGART Hytrulo prefilled syringe for self-injection is approved as a 20-to-30-second subcutaneous injection administered by a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional. Patients are able to self-inject after proper instruction in subcutaneous injection technique. The single dose prefilled subcutaneous injection was developed as part of argenx’s exclusive partnership with Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology, which enables rapid, high-volume delivery of biologics.
“I am excited to offer my patients living with gMG and CIDP the option of the new prefilled syringe for VYVGART Hytrulo,” said Dr. Beth Stein, M.D., Director of Neuromuscular Diseases, St. Joseph’s Health, Clifton, NJ. “This new self-injection option will lead to more convenient and flexible administration for patients, empowering them to decide when and where they receive treatment. A ready-to-use option enhances patient independence and reduces the time required for treatment, making disease management and control more seamless.”
The approval of VYVGART Hytrulo prefilled syringe for self-injection is supported by data from studies evaluating its bioequivalence to VYVGART Hytrulo in a vial. In addition, human factors validation studies demonstrated that participants with gMG or CIDP, or their caregivers, safely and successfully prepared and administered VYVGART Hytrulo with the prefilled syringe. Previous FDA approval of VYVGART Hytrulo for patients with gMG and CIDP was based on the global Phase 3 ADAPT, ADAPT-SC and ADHERE trials.
“argenx is a trusted partner in the MG patient community, continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of patients. This new self-injection option is a natural progression, empowering individuals to take control of their treatment and working toward achieving a greater sense of normalcy in their lives,” said Samantha Masterson, President and CEO of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.
“The daily burden of CIDP from both the symptoms of the disease and interruption to daily life creates profound unseen challenges for patients,” said Lisa Butler, Executive Director, GBS-CIDP Foundation. “Effective new treatments that reduce the need for frequent clinic visits are a welcome option for active patients seeking to regain time and a sense of normalcy in their daily routine. Today’s news about the approval of argenx’s prefilled syringe for at-home self-injection is a significant step forward for those patients seeking a new treatment option.”
Access Support for VYVGART Hytrulo Prefilled Syringe
The argenx patient support program, My VYVGART® Path, can help patients and healthcare providers navigate access. My VYVGART Path resources include disease and product education, access support and benefits verification, and financial assistance programs for eligible patients. argenx is committed to supporting access for patients to its medicines, including VYVGART Hytrulo prefilled syringe.
More information is available at VYVGART.com.
See FDA-approved Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for VYVGART Hytrulo for additional information.
Important Safety Information
What is VYVGART HYTRULO® (efgartigimod alfa and hyaluronidase-qvfc)?
VYVGART HYTRULO is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with:
generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.
chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
It is not known if VYVGART HYTRULO is safe and effective in children.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take VYVGART HYTRULO if you are allergic to efgartigimod alfa, hyaluronidase, or any of the ingredients in VYVGART HYTRULO. VYVGART HYTRULO can cause serious allergic reactions and a decrease in blood pressure leading to fainting.
Before taking VYVGART HYTRULO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have an infection or fever.
have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations.
have any history of allergic reactions.
have kidney (renal) problems.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether VYVGART HYTRULO will harm your unborn baby.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for women who use VYVGART HYTRULO during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby. Your healthcare provider can enroll you in this registry. You may also enroll yourself or get more information about the registry by calling 1-855-272-6524 or going to VYVGARTPregnancy.com
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if VYVGART HYTRULO passes into your breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
VYVGART HYTRULO can cause side effects which can be serious, including:
Infection. VYVGART HYTRULO may increase the risk of infection. If you have an active infection, your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with VYVGART HYTRULO until your infection is gone. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of an infection: fever, chills, frequent and painful urination, cough, pain and blockage or nasal passages, wheezing, shortness, sore throat, excess phlegm, nasal discharge.
Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reactions). VYVGART HYTRULO can cause allergic reactions that can be severe. These reactions can happen during, shortly after, or weeks after your VYVGART HYTRULO injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue, shortness of breath, hives, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, fainting.
Infusion or injection-related reactions. VYVGART HYTRULO can cause infusion or injection-related reactions. These reactions can happen during or shortly after your VYVGART HYTRULO injection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infusion or injection-related reaction: high blood pressure, chills, shivering, chest, stomach, or back pain.
The most common side effects of VYVGART HYTRULO include respiratory tract infection, headache, urinary tract infection, and injection site reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYVGART HYTRULO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing and Patient Information for VYVGART HYTRULO.
About VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo
VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa fcab) is a first-in-class human IgG1 antibody fragment that binds to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), resulting in the reduction of circulating IgG autoantibodies. VYVGART® Hytrulo is a subcutaneous combination of efgartigimod alfa (VYVGART) and recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology to facilitate subcutaneous injection delivery of biologics. VYVGART is approved for generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and immune thrombocytopenia (Japan only). VYVGART Hytrulo is approved for gMG and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). VYVGART Hytrulo may be marketed under different proprietary names in other regions.
About Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a rare and chronic autoimmune disease where IgG autoantibodies disrupt communication between nerves and muscles, causing debilitating and potentially life-threatening muscle weakness. Approximately 85% of people with MG progress to gMG within 24 months¹, where muscles throughout the body may be affected. Patients with confirmed AChR antibodies account for approximately 85% of the total gMG population.
About Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare and serious autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system. There is increasing evidence that IgG antibodies play a key role in the damage to the peripheral nerves. People with CIDP experience fatigue, muscle weakness and a loss of feeling in their arms and legs that can get worse over time or may come and go. These symptoms can significantly impair a person's ability to function in their daily lives. Without treatment, one-third of people living with CIDP will need a wheelchair.
About argenx
argenx is a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. Partnering with leading academic researchers through its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP), argenx aims to translate immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. argenx developed and is commercializing the first approved neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker and is evaluating its broad potential in multiple serious autoimmune diseases while advancing several earlier stage experimental medicines within its therapeutic franchises. For more information, visit www.argenx.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Fred Kadiddlehopper
2 weeks ago
EU Commission Approved Subcu DARZALEX® (daratumumab)-based Quadruplet Regimen for the Treatment of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma, Regardless of Transplant Eligibility
April 09 2025 - 8:45AM
PR Newswire (US)
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Subcutaneous DARZALEX® is co-formulated with Halozyme's ENHANZE® drug delivery technology
SAN DIEGO, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) (Halozyme) today announced that Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, received European Commission (EC) approval for an indication extension of DARZALEX® (daratumumab) subcutaneous (SC) co-formulated with ENHANZE® in the frontline setting. The approval is for daratumumab SC in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (daratumumab-VRd) for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.1
"The continued expansion of DARZALEX delivered subcutaneously with ENHANZE into additional settings highlights its status as a cornerstone of therapy for multiple myeloma," said Dr. Helen Torley, President and CEO of Halozyme. "This approval means that newly diagnosed patients can receive daratumumab subcutaneous plus VRd and avoid the need for lengthy IV infusions."
This approval follows the indication extension approval for daratumumab-VRd in October 2024, for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant, based on the results from the Phase 3 PERSEUS (NCT03652064) study. The study evaluated this daratumumab SC-based quadruplet regimen for induction and consolidation therapy, followed by daratumumab SC and lenalidomide maintenance.2,3
1 European Medicines Agency. DARZALEX (daratumumab) Summary of Product Characteristics. April 2025.
2 Rodríguez-Otero P, et al. Daratumumab (DARA) + bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone (VRd) in transplant-eligible (TE) patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM): Analysis of minimal residual disease (MRD) in the PERSEUS trial. 2024 American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. June 3, 2024.
3 Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine EMEA. DARZALEX® (daratumumab)-SC based quadruplet regimen approved by the European Commission for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant-eligible. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/darzalex-daratumumab-sc-based-quadruplet-regimen-approved-by-the-european-commission-for-patients-with-newly-diagnosed-multiple-myeloma-who-are-transplant-eligible. Last accessed: April 2025.
https://ih.advfn.com/stock-market/NASDAQ/halozyme-therapeutics-HALO/stock-news/95813280/european-commission-approved-subcutaneous-darzalex
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