Astrazeneca Plc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Genomic Vision has launched FiberSmart®, an AI-based technology that enhances the analysis of fluorescent signals in DNA. This platform offers up to three times more precision and ten times faster analysis compared to previous software solutions. Successfully tested by AstraZeneca and the Fritz Lipmann Institute, FiberSmart® is compatible with Genomic Vision’s scanners and aims to improve genomic analysis in cell and gene therapy. However, the company has initiated convertible note financing, which could cause dilution and downward pressure on share value, risking shareholder capital.

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo reported promising results from the DESTINY-PanTumor02 Phase II trial of ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki). The therapy met the prespecified criteria for objective response rate (ORR) and showed durable response in patients with HER2-expressing advanced tumors not eligible for curative treatment. The trial focuses on various cancers including biliary tract and pancreatic cancers. Safety data confirmed no new safety signals. The findings will be shared at an upcoming medical meeting and with regulatory authorities, highlighting ENHERTU's expanding role in addressing significant unmet medical needs.

Alexion, a part of AstraZeneca Rare Disease, will present vital findings at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting from April 22-27, 2023. The company will showcase 19 abstracts focused on C5 inhibition therapies for rare neurological diseases, including generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Key data will highlight the efficacy and safety of ULTOMIRIS® and SOLIRIS®. Notably, new Phase I data for gefurulimab, an investigational C5 inhibitor, reinforces its future Phase III trials in gMG. CEO Marc Dunoyer emphasized the company’s commitment to innovative treatments for rare disease communities.

Keymed Biosciences Inc. and Lepu Biopharma Co., Ltd have entered into a global exclusive license agreement with AstraZeneca (AZN) for CMG901, a potential first-in-class antibody drug conjugate targeting Claudin 18.2. AstraZeneca will oversee research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of CMG901, which is currently in Phase I trials for Claudin 18.2-positive solid tumors. The agreement provides Keymed with an upfront payment of $63 million and potential milestone payments up to $1.1 billion, along with low double-digit tiered royalties. Closing is anticipated in the first half of 2023, pending regulatory approvals.

Results from the PROpel Phase III trial for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) indicate that the combination of LYNPARZA® (olaparib) and abiraterone offers a median overall survival (OS) of 42.1 months, compared to 34.7 months for abiraterone alone. This 7.4-month increase, though not statistically significant (HR 0.81), underscores the potential of the combination therapy. The safety profile remains consistent with previous studies, showing no new long-term safety issues. LYNPARZA was approved in the EU in December 2022 for mCRPC patients, highlighting its importance in addressing a critical treatment gap in prostate cancer.

SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH) is partnering with AstraZeneca (Nasdaq: AZN) to enhance precision oncology through its SOPHiA DDM™ platform and multimodal technology. This collaboration aims to improve early patient identification, optimize clinical development, and accelerate the use of innovative treatments. The partnership will integrate various data modalities, including radiomics, molecular data, and clinical information, to provide better insights for treatment decisions. Additionally, SOPHiA is conducting its own DEEP-Lung-IV clinical study to identify predictive signatures for lung cancer immunotherapy response.

AstraZeneca and Amgen's TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) has received FDA approval for self-administration via a pre-filled pen for patients aged 12 and older with severe asthma. This makes TEZSPIRE the first biologic treatment for severe asthma with no phenotype or biomarker limitations. The approval comes from extensive clinical trials, showing high success rates in administering the drug at home or in clinics. TEZSPIRE is also approved in the EU and Japan, with ongoing reviews in other regions. The collaboration aims to enhance treatment options for patients suffering from this complex condition, addressing significant unmet needs.

Daiichi Sankyo announced the dosing of the first patient in the global, randomized TROPION-Lung07 phase 3 trial, evaluating datopotamab deruxtecan in combination with pembrolizumab, with or without chemotherapy, for patients with untreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This trial targets patients with PD-L1 expression less than 50% and aims to improve treatment outcomes for a patient group that faces significant disease progression with current therapies. The study will enroll approximately 975 patients and assess primary endpoints such as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival.

Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca have received EU approval for ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan) to treat adults with HER2 low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) metastatic breast cancer. The therapy significantly reduced disease progression or death risk by 50% and increased median overall survival by over six months compared to chemotherapy. Approval is based on the pivotal DESTINY-Breast04 trial results, reinforcing ENHERTU as a potential new standard of care. Following this, AstraZeneca is due to pay $150 million to Daiichi Sankyo as a milestone payment.