Amgen and Neumora Therapeutics Announce Strategic R&D Collaboration to Accelerate Novel Precision Therapies for Brain Diseases

On October 7, 2021 Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) and Neumora Therapeutics, Inc. (Neumora), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering precision medicines for brain diseases, reported a strategic collaboration to advance neuroscience discovery, development and commercialization (Press release, Amgen, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590983]). The companies will collaborate on programs by applying Neumora’s proprietary precision neuroscience platform to insights generated by Amgen’s deCODE genetics and human data research capabilities. In addition, Neumora has received a $100 million equity investment from Amgen and acquired exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize Amgen programs targeting casein kinase 1 delta and glucocerebrosidase for neurodegenerative diseases.

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Neumora leverages proprietary multimodal capabilities and technologies to integrate advanced computational data science with R&D to increase the probability of success of drug development in brain diseases. Neumora’s precision neuroscience platform focuses on the creation of Data Biopsy Signatures to deconvolve the complex systems that drive brain diseases and connect the signatures to clinically meaningful measures to inform the development of therapeutics for an enriched patient population, or Precision Phenotypes.

Amgen’s deCODE genetics subsidiary is a global leader in analyzing and understanding human health and disease and has been at the forefront of the analysis of human data to enhance drug discovery and development. By leveraging these platform technologies and the complementary capabilities of both companies, the collaboration aims to discover unique and unprecedented insights into brain diseases across neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, including schizophrenia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ultimately leading to effective therapeutics targeted at patients most likely to respond to treatment.

"Our collaboration with Neumora leverages both our unique capabilities from deCODE and Neumora’s focus and expertise in brain diseases to discover and develop potentially best-in-class precision therapies," said David M. Reese, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "Although Amgen is not currently engaged in neuroscience research and early development internally, this approach addresses our commitment to remain engaged in neuroscience through external collaborations, and we are excited to work with Neumora to propel R&D for brain diseases into the future and advance promising new medicines."

"This partnership with Amgen underscores the vast potential of precision drug development for brain diseases; insights generated by deCODE will further enhance Neumora’s data-driven precision medicine approach," said Paul L. Berns, co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer at Neumora. "We are also excited to expand our pipeline with potential best-in-class programs targeting casein kinase 1 delta and glucocerebrosidase for neurodegenerative diseases. Neumora is poised to become a pioneer in precision drug development for brain diseases and we look forward to working with Amgen to advance promising new medicines for patients in need of better treatment options."

About deCODE Genetics
Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, deCODE is a global leader in analyzing and understanding the human genome. Using its unique expertise in human genetics combined with growing expertise in transcriptomics and population proteomics and vast amount of phenotypic data, deCODE has discovered risk factors for dozens of common diseases and provided key insights into their pathogenesis. The purpose of understanding the genetics of disease is to use that information to create new means of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. deCODE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amgen.

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes Announces Launch of New Website to Showcase Company’s Expanding Commercial Success, Pipeline Progress and Plans for the Future

On October 7, 2021 NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC, a global innovator in the development, production and commercialization of radiopharmaceuticals used for therapeutic applications and medical imaging, reported the launch of its newly redesigned corporate website (Press release, NorthStar Medical Radiostopes, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590982]). The new site includes increased functionality and a number of enhancements. Expanded content includes latest product information, updates on NorthStar’s significant campus expansion, its growing partnerships and dynamic pipeline in therapeutic and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals, and the latest in career opportunities as the Company continues to grow and expand. NorthStar welcomes visitors to its new site at: www.northstarnm.com.

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"We are very pleased to launch the new NorthStar corporate website that reflects our excitement and enthusiasm in working to provide global solutions for reliable medical radioisotope supply for patient health," said Stephen Merrick, President and Chief Executive Officer of NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes. "We redesigned the website to provide details on NorthStar’s progress and expansion, our talented and experienced management team and employee base, our robust plans for the future and our commitment to patient health. This is an exciting time for NorthStar that warrants amplified communication and updates to our audiences. We believe there is no better way to share this information than with a highly relevant website that consistently provides streamlined, timely content."

Kyowa Kirin Announces Discontinuation for Developing KHK2375 (Entinostat)

On October 7, 2021 Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (TSE:4151, President and CEO: Masashi Miyamoto, "Kyowa Kirin") reported the discontinuation for developing KHK2375 (generic name: entinostat) (Press release, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590979]).

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KHK2375 is a Class I selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, which was discovered by Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc. Kyowa Kirin signed a license agreement with Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc. for the exclusive rights to the development and commercialization of KHK2375 in Japan and Korea in 2014.

Under the license agreement, Kyowa Kirin developed KHK2375 for indications of breast cancer in its territory. However, concerning the situation carefully, Kyowa Kirin discontinued KHK2375 development project.

Yoshifumi Torii, Ph.D., Executive Officer, Vice President, Head of R&D Division of Kyowa Kirin commented, "We are disappointed in this decision, as it was expected to have novel possibilities in breast cancer treatment, especially in endocrine therapy. We would like to express our appreciation to all the patients and investigators who contributed to the clinical studies and our development and continue to push forward to deliver therapies that meet unmet medical needs in oncology."

The Kyowa Kirin Group companies strive to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world by creating new value through the pursuit of advances in life sciences and technologies.

Fusion Antibodies RAMPs Up Collaboration Success

On October 7, 2021 Fusion Antibodies, pre-clinical antibody discovery and development experts reported that it has secured an important new contract with a US based biotechnology company (Press release, Fusion Antibodies, OCT 7, 2021, View Source [SID1234590978]).

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This is the second collaboration announcement in less than two months for Fusion Antibodies, which will see the Belfast based CRO receive a minimum of US$1.83 million of fees over the next two years.

This collaborative research and development agreement reinforces Fusion Antibodies’ position as one of the leading providers of early-stage antibody discovery and engineering services and is testament to its rapidly growing service offerings.

Dr Richard Jones, CEO of Fusion Antibodies commented:

"We are delighted to have agreed this important new contract with a key player in the biotech industry. The Agreement has very significant minimum contract value of US$1.83 million.

"Furthermore, we are especially pleased that the project will take place using our RAMPTM platform, highlighting that this technology continues to gain traction in the marketplace."

Dr Julie Gormley, Senior Commercial Director said:

"This contract is also a further demonstration of Fusion Antibodies expertise and capabilities. Through the utilisation of our own proprietary RAMPTM platform we are offering our client the opportunity to drive the discovery of novel therapeutic antibodies against tough targets, where traditional discovery efforts have previously failed.

"We are thrilled to be working with a team of impassioned scientists to provide essential solutions in relation to the research and development of several pre-determined projects and as we continue to grow and invest in our technologies and team we hope to provide such support to many more clients across the globe as our industry evolves over the next 10 to 20 years."

James Fair, Chief Financial Officer also commented:

"Under our new CEO, Dr Richard Jones, Fusion Antibodies approach is to grow the business with a strong focus on using the organisation’s strong track record. By showcasing the knowledge and expertise of our exceptional staff, along with our first-rate proprietary platforms, we are in a prime position to continue to win large, long-term contracts such as the one we have announced today. We look forward to delivering on the contract and continuing to collaborate with other such organisations."

NVL-655 Exhibits Antitumor Activity in Lorlatinib-Resistant Subcutaneous and Intracranial Models of ALK-Rearranged NSCLC

On October 7, 2021 Nuvalent Presented the Corporate Presentation(Press release, Nuvalent, OCT 7, 2021, https://www.nuvalent.com/nvl-655-exhibits-antitumor-activity-in-lorlatinib-resistant-subcutaneous-and-intracranial-models-of-alk-rearranged-nsclc/ [SID1234590976])

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