Plus, news about GlycoMimetics and Indivior:
Galderma stops plans to develop nemolizumab in Phase 2: The Swiss dermatology company said it will “deprioritize” nemolizumab in advanced chronic kidney disease associated pruritus “given the multiple potential indications” for the experimental treatment and the “existing CKD-aP treatment landscape.” The drug was in Phase 2 trials for that indication. Galderma is waiting for FDA decisions on its anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody in prurigo nodularis and atopic dermatitis. Meanwhile, months after going public, the company brought in record sales of $2.2 billion in the first half of the year. — Kyle LaHucik
UCB cuts one indication, delays two Phase 3 readouts: The Brussels-based drugmaker stopped developing rozanolixizumab in LGI1 autoantibody positive autoimmune encephalitis after the drug failed a Phase 2a trial. Meanwhile, a Phase 3 readout of the FcRn inhibitor in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease has been pushed back two years to the second half of 2026. A readout for a Phase 3 study of Staccato alprazolam in prolonged seizures has also been delayed two years and is now expected to be shared in the first half of 2026. — Kyle LaHucik
GlycoMimetics lays off 80% of workforce: As part of a strategic review and restructuring announced Thursday, GlycoMimetics is laying off nearly all of its staff and looking for options for its cancer drug uproleselan. As of Dec. 31, 2023, the company had 35 full-time employees. The move comes after Glyco met with the FDA, and the agency said another entire trial would be needed in relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia for the regulatory process to move forward. For now, the company has a cash runway into the second quarter of 2025. — Katherine Lewin
Indivior to settle more opioid litigation: The company announced Thursday that it will pay $75 million over five years to “certain parties” to settle the multi-district opioid litigation. It also said it expects the amount will be adjusted down to about $65 million, citing a risk-adjusted rate. Indivior paid out $385 million last year to direct purchasers as part of accusations it prevented generic competition to its opioid addiction treatment Suboxone. — Katherine Lewin