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Two Alzheimer’s trials stopped, another started

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United States

Two Phase 3 trials of an experimental drug for Alzheimer’s disease were stopped for futility by Biogen Inc and Eisai Co Ltd on 21 March. However a day later, Eisai announced the start of a new Phase 3 programme for another Alzheimer’s treatment which is being developing with Biogen. In both cases the drugs are monoclonal antibodies designed to treat patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease. They apparently differ in the way they target amyloid-beta which are protein fragments in the brain, thought to contribute to neurodegeneration.

Celgene secures Exscientia’s AI services

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United Kingdom

Celgene Corp has contracted the UK artificial intelligence company Exscientia Ltd to supply drug discovery services over a period of three years in order to identify new candidate molecules for three programmes in the areas of oncology and autoimmunity.

The alliance is one of several for Exscientia which has also secured collaborations with Roche, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Sanofi SA and Evotec AG. Celgene, which is soon to be taken over by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, is also an investor in Exscientia.

Pfizer has option to acquire Vivet

Country

United States

Pfizer Inc has entered into an option agreement to acquire Vivet Therapeutics SAS, a privately-held French company with a gene therapy for Wilson disease, a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from regulating copper. The disease can lead to liver and brain damage.

Pfizer will initially take a 15% equity interest in Vivet with an exclusive option to acquire the remaining shares in the future. The exercise of the option is linked to the performance of the therapy in a Phase 1/2 trial.