BUSINESS INSIGHTS, PHARMACY MARKET
Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | January 31, 2023
On January 30, 2023, Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc., a leading biopharmaceutical company, announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted orphan-drug exclusivity (ODE) to its subsidiary Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for Recorlev® (levoketoconazole) a cortisol synthesis inhibitor for the treatment of endogenous Cushing's syndrome in adult patients for whom surgery is not viable or has not been effective.
levoketoconazole (Recorlev) being the first FDA-approved therapeutic for the treatment of endogenous hypercortisolemia, Xeris Pharmaceutical is permitted to have seven years of orphan-drug market exclusivity beginning from December 30, 2021. The FDA's Orphan Drug Designation program intends to accelerate the development of medications that treat a disease that affects 200,000 or fewer people in the United States each year. This regulatory exclusivity with the patent exclusivity under Xeris' U.S. patents for Recorlev is valid until at least March 2040.
To serve and assist this community, Xeris is dedicated to ensuring that everyone who needs access to their medications receives them. Xeris has developed Xeris CareConnection™ to provide patients and caregivers with a comprehensive program that includes financial support, one-on-one assistance, and educational materials throughout the treatment journey. Additionally, Xeris CareConnection assists healthcare providers and their teams with education on access and reimbursement.
About Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Founded in 2005, Xeris is a growth-oriented biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to improving patients' lives via the development and commercialization of novel products in a range of therapies. Its unique technology makes medicines easier to use for patients & caregivers. The company has three commercially available products; Gvoke®, a ready-to-use liquid glucagon for treating severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar); Keveyis®, the first and only FDA-approved therapy for primary periodic paralysis; and Recorlev® for the treatment of endogenous hypercortisolemia. In addition, it has an increasingly broad pipeline of research and partnered projects utilizing its unique formulation technology platforms, XeriSol™ and XeriJect™, bringing forward innovative products for the firm and its partners.
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BUSINESS INSIGHTS, PHARMA TECH
KSQ Therapeutics | January 30, 2023
KSQ Therapeutics, a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, recently announced that Ono Pharmaceutical (ONO) has acquired multiple research-stage DNA damage response (DDR) programs. The programs were identified using KSQ's CRISPRomics platform technology. All of the programs are new and have the potential to be first-in-class therapies.
ONO's Discovery & Research Executive Director/ Senior Executive Officer Toichi Takino commented, "ONO appreciates the ability of KSQ's CRISPRomics platform technology to discover novel therapeutic targets with high selectivity for cancer cells." He added, "Through this acquisition agreement, we expect that the programs acquired from KSQ will lead to the creation of innovative medicines that will help treat cancer patients."
(Source – Business Wire)
KSQ's Chief Executive Officer Qasim Rizvi commented, "This acquisition of multiple research-stage oncology programs by ONO is further validation of the power of our platform to identify novel oncology targets and develop potential first-in-class programs." He added, "This is an important transaction for KSQ, enabling us to focus on our other programs. We look forward to watching ONO's progress as they advance these programs toward clinical studies."
(Source – Business Wire)
As per the terms of the agreement, ONO will pay KSQ a double-digit million upfront payment, prospective near-term milestone payments with potential long-term value in the triple-digit millions, and net sales-based royalties.
About KSQ Therapeutics
Founded in 2015, KSQ Therapeutics is a clinical-stage firm using its CRISPRomics® discovery platform to systematically decode the genome and identify optimal gene targets for oncology and autoimmune disease. It utilizes the platform for innovative drug development across diverse therapeutic domains and is actively creating a proprietary pipeline of tumor- and immune-focused drug candidates. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, KSQ was formed by functional genomics thought leaders and CRISPR screening technology pioneers.
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BUSINESS INSIGHTS, PHARMACY MARKET
Horus Pharma | January 11, 2023
On January 10, 2023, Horus Pharma, an independent French ophthalmology laboratory known for its preservative-free eye and eyelid health products, announced a partnership with Plastic Bank to recycle approximately 100 tons of plastic annually.
The pact is a part of Horus Pharma's environmental program, Eco' Ophtalmo. Since its founding in 2003, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been a consistent part of Horus Pharma's culture. Over the years, the company's increasing awareness of industrial activities' environmental impact has led to numerous initiatives.
Horus Pharma has committed to continuously seeking new solutions via innovation and collaboration to minimize its ecological footprint to the greatest extent possible. Furthermore, through its strategy of cooperative actions and initiatives, it strives to encourage and support the spread of ecologically-responsible practices within its industry.
Launched in September 2022, the Eco' Ophtalmo initiative has incorporated ecology into Horus Pharma's culture and strategy planning. Eco' Ophtalmo project encompasses major and ambitious initiatives, including an environmental and social commitment to achieve Plastic Net Zero and create recyclable packaging. In addition, Horus Pharma aims to promote awareness among ophthalmologists and drive action by cooperating to increase awareness and encourage collective efforts to reduce the environmental footprint.
About Horus Pharma
Founded in 2003, Horus Pharma is a leading eye and eyelid health product developer. It operates in most ophthalmology segments to develop effective and safe practical innovations. Focused on patient safety, its laboratories are renowned for their expertise in developing preservative-free formulations and product delivery systems. The laboratory's product portfolio includes medicinal products, food supplements, and medical devices. In addition, it has been pursuing growth with its new surgery division by providing surgical and peri-surgical diagnostic solutions for eye problems.
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