Pfizer Expands its Oncology Team by Acquiring Array BioPharma

Already a leader in the treatment of prostate and breast cancer,Pfizer,the world's largest pharmaceutical company,has further enlarged its oncology portfolio by completing its acquisition of Array BioPharma,Inc.,the company announced on 30 July 2019.This will advance breakthrough science for the discovery,development and commercialisation of targeted small molecule medicines to treat cancer and other diseases of high unmet need,Pfizer said.*
Array's portfolio included the approved combined use of BRAFTOVI (R) and MEKTOVI (R) for the treatment of two forms of unresectable or metastatic melanoma skin cancer,with significant potential for long-term growth with expansion into additional areas of unmet need.The combination is also being investigated as a potential first-in-class combination for the treatment of BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC),based on interim results the company feels are compelling from the pivotal Phase 3 BEACON trial,according to Pfizer.They believe this application has industry-leading potential.*
Pfizer says it will maintain Array's operations in Cambridge,Massachusetts;Morrisville,North Carolina;and Boulder,Colorado.Array is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the New York-based pharma titan.The all-cash deal had a value of around 11.4 billion dollars.*
Pfizer Inc (PFE)

MedImmune and 3M Partner in Cancer Drug Research

MedImmune,the biotech subsidiary of British pharma titan AstraZeneca,and 3M Drug Delivery Systems announced a research collaboration on 25 September 2015.It is focused on developing nextgen toll-like receptor agonists,which are agents that activate innate immune cells and enhance the visibility of cancer tumours.MedImmune has licensed MEDI9197 from 3M,which the US FDA recently accepted for an investigational drug application,allowing a Phase I study on its safety and tolerability as a potential treatment for solid tumour patients.*
Such TLR agonists activate antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells,enhancing the visibility of a tumour to the immune system.MEDI9197 has been designed to activate a broad range of innate immune cells,leading to a more robust adaptive immune response.
Preclinial studies show MEDI9197 may inhibit tumour growth of both the injected and distant lesions in multiple types of cancer,including melanoma skin cancer.It is designed for intratumoural injection,allowing the compound to be retained in the tumour and provide specific immune activation,enhancing its safety and tolerability.*
MEDI9197 adds a unique mechanism to our growing portfolio,and supports our strategy of maximising anti-tumour immunity through scientifically rational combinations,said MedImmune Sr. Vice President and Head of Research Yong-Jun Liu,PhD.*
Everyone here at 3M's Drug Delivery Systems is very excited to collaborate with MedImmune,a world leader in cancer immunotherapy,according to Cindy Kent,President and General Manager of 3M DDS.We're very pleased with the progression of MEDI9197 to the clinic.*
Under the deal,MedImmune will be responsible for the clinical development and strategy for MEDI9197.3M will continue to develop more TLR agonists in oncology and other therapy areas,with MedImmune holding exclusive rights to conduct research on new molecules resulting from the collaboration,and to determine which to progress to clinical development.
MedImmune will make an upfront payment to 3M and must make developmental milestone payments for MEDI9197,as well as provide research funding to 3M.*
MedImmune is based in Gaithersburg,Maryland and is best known for its Flu-Mist influenza vaccines and its pediatric vaccine Synagis,which prevents the serious respiratory disease RSV.3M is a Saint Paul,Minnesota-based multinational corporation with 11 lines of business.It is famous for products such as the iconic Scotch Tape and Post-It Notes.*
AstraZeneca (AZN),3M (MMM)

GlaxoSmithKline Submits New Melanoma Therapies

GlaxoSmithKline has submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application to the European Medicines Agency for trametininb as a monotherapy,and in combination with dabrafenib,for adult metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation.The EMA granted GSK's request for accelerated assessment of the application.
The application contains data from two clinical trials of the therapies.
GSK initiated a randomised study early in the development programme to ascertain whether the combination therapy could circumvent resistance to single agent anti-BRAF melanoma therapy and were encouraged by trial results,said Dr.Rafa el Amado,Head of Oncology R and D.We are planning further submissions based on these data in the US and other countries in the coming months.
GSK had submitted applications for dabrafenib monotherapy to the EMA,and for trametinib monotherapy  to the US FDA,for BRAF V600 metastatic melanoma in August 2012.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and even kills numerous young people annually.
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.London-based,it employs over 97,000 in more than 100 countries.
GlaxoSmithKline(GSK)

Health Uncle:Summer Hazards

The hazards of summer are mainly related to the sun on the one hand,and water on the other.Not everyone is active on the water,but we all deal with the sun.Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration are threats,especially to vulnerable populations,but the spectre of skin cancer is a less immediate threat,though a more widespread occurrence.More than 10,000 Americans die of skin cancer every year-mostly from melanoma.If diagnosed early,melanoma patients can survive quite a long time.Five years after diagnosis,99% of melanoma patients are still alive.
Besides melanoma,there are more than a million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year in the U.S.These are also mainly sun-related,but they tend not to spread to other organs,unlike melanoma.Non-melanoma skin cancers are typically found on the face,lips,ears and neck,which are exposed to the sun more.The eyes are at risk from the sun's UV rays as well.Cataracts and macular degeneration have been linked to the solar rays.Light-colored clothing,sun glasses,sunscreen and hats keep us feeling and looking cooler through those hot,bright summer days,and help preserve our health.