Regeneron faces new biosimilar threats; an AI biotech lays off staff

Today, a brief rundown of news from Boehringer Ingelheim, as well as notes on GSK, Bristol Myers Squibb, Exscientia and Regeneron that you may have missed earlier this week:

Boehringer Ingelheim has expanded an existing deal with OSE Immunotherapeutics, the companies said Wednesday. The partners will now evaluate a pair of cancer drug prospects as cardiometabolic therapies, with a Phase 2 study scheduled to start later this year. They’re also starting a preclinical cancer immunotherapy program. OSE will receive €13.5 million upfront, another €17.5 million in the near term, and possibly an additional €1.1 billion in future payouts. — Ben Fidler

A long-acting asthma drug being developed by GSK succeeded in a pair of Phase 3 trials that enrolled adults and adolescents with a severe form of the breathing condition. Treatment with the drug, an antibody called depemokimab, significantly reduced the annualized rate of asthma attacks over one year, compared to a placebo, the company said Tuesday. GSK is testing a six-month dosing schedule, or two injections per year. — Ned Pagliarulo

Bristol Myers Squibb now expects an FDA approval decision on its subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo by Dec. 29, rather than the Feb. 28, 2025 date it originally announced. The under-the-skin shot, which is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase made by Halozyme, is under review for all adult, solid tumor indications for which Opdivo is currently approved. — Ned Pagliarulo

Exscientia, a specialist in AI-powered drug discovery, on Tuesday said it would lay off between 20% and 25% of its workforce by the end of the year. The cuts are part of “efficiency measures” designed to save costs and simplify operations, the company said. Exscientia, which fired its CEO in March, employed 483 staff at the end of last year. — Ned Pagliarulo

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved two biosimilar versions of Regeneron’s blockbuster eye disease drug Eylea. Both are cleared for “interchangeable” use, meaning a pharmacist can substitute them for Eylea without first consulting the prescribing physician. Dubbed Yesafili and Opuviz, the biosimilars will be marketed in the U.S. by Biocon Biologics and Biogen, respectively, although it’s unclear exactly when they might be able to launch due to ongoing patent litigation. — Ned Pagliarulo