![Close up view of the Merck logo on the top corner of a glass building [Credit: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com].](https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/Merck-aquisition-300x278.jpg)
![Close up view of the Merck logo on the top corner of a glass building [Credit: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com].](https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/Merck-aquisition-scaled-e1605009301887.jpg)
Merck to acquire VelosBio for $2.75 billion
The acquisition will strengthen Merck’s oncology pipeline with VLS-101, an investigational antibody-drug conjugate in trials for haematological malignancies and solid tumours.
List view / Grid view
News
Use of paper tube-pouch could reduce plastic in pharma packaging
According to the developers of a new paper tube-pouch, its design could reduce plastic use by up to 65 percent in pharma packaging.
First patient dosed in COVID-19 trial with allogeneic cell therapy
The first patient with COVID-19 has been administered agenT-797, an allogeneic cell therapy made by Agenus Inc.
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine candidate over 90 percent effective, Phase III study shows
The COVID-19 vaccine candidate BNT162b2, made by Pfizer and BioNTech, has demonstrated over 90 percent efficacy in its first interim analysis during its Phase III trial.
US pharma industry responds to American election result
PhRMA has released a statement following the announcement that Joe Biden will be the next President of the US.
Differences in remdesivir efficacy due to trial variances, not drug, report says
After remdesivir showed little effect against COVID-19 in the SOLIDARITY trial, a new report has suggested this is due to the structure of the study.
NICE rules nivolumab is not cost effective for use on NHS
The regulatory body said that due to uncertainties surrounding the long-term effectiveness of nivolumab (Opdivo), its cost-effectiveness estimates are too high.
Recipients of Suffrage Science awards announced
The Suffrage Science awards recognise the efforts of 22 leading women in life sciences and mathematics & computing.
AstraZeneca’s Forxiga approved in EU to treat chronic heart failure
The European Commission has approved Forxiga (dapagliflozin) for use in the EU to treat symptomatic chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Slow CMO revenue growth could impact US
Dose contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs) had slow revenue growth in 2019, a trend continuing into 2020 that could impact the US.
GSK sets goals of net zero impact on environment by 2030
GSK will use 100 percent renewable electricity usage among other efforts in its plans to have a net zero impact on the climate by 2030.
CVnCoV COVID-19 vaccine safely elicits immune response in Phase I testing
The interim Phase I data suggests CVnCoV can safely induce a neutralising antibody response similar to that of convalescent COVID-19 patients with two 12μg vaccine doses.
Pharma M&A activity up 17 percent year-on-year in H1 of 2020
A new report has highlighted that despite the pandemic, pharma M&A activity rose but deal value fell in the first half of 2020.
Novel gelatin microcarrier developed to enhance cell production
Researchers who developed the dissolvable microcarrier for large-scale cell production and expansion say it offers higher yield and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods.
NICE recommends Liraglutide for treatment of obesity and non-diabetic hyperglycaemia
Liraglutide (Saxenda) will be offered to adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
