Trump trade adviser, citing 'broken system,' calls for more drug manufacturing in Puerto Rico

Fiercepharma | June 01, 2020

Welcome to the FiercePharma political roundup, where each Monday we’ll highlight developments in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere that could affect drug pricing and how drugmakers operate. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored key weaknesses in the biopharma industry’s complex global supply chain, and now a top adviser for the Trump administration is calling on Congress to push for more manufacturing in Puerto Rico. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro faulted a “broken system” that pushes manufacturing offshore. He called on Congress to use the next round of COVID-19 relief to incentivize manufacturing on the island territory.

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Somalia's first pharmaceutical factory since the start of the country's civil war has opened its doors in Mogadishu. The Horn of Africa nation has not had such a firm operating there since the breakout of violence in the country three decades ago.

Spotlight

Somalia's first pharmaceutical factory since the start of the country's civil war has opened its doors in Mogadishu. The Horn of Africa nation has not had such a firm operating there since the breakout of violence in the country three decades ago.

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS, PHARMA TECH

KSQ Announces ONO’s Acquisition of Multiple Research-stage Oncology Programs

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

Harrow Introduces Next-Gen Compounded Atropine Formulations

Harrow | February 16, 2023

On February 15, 2023, Harrow, a renowned pharmaceutical firm specializing in eyecare in the United States, announced the launch of its next-generation, patent-pending compounded Atropine formulations. These formulations are now accessible through ImprimisRx, a mail-order pharmacy subsidiary wholly owned by Harrow. The following are the key features of ImprimisRx's next-generation Atropine formulations Thoroughly validated analytical tests are conducted to ensure potency, consistency, and stability. The formulations are free of preservatives and boric acid. They possess a physiologic pH of 5.5. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 180 days. Eyecare professionals can purchase these compounded Atropine formulations for as less as $39 per 5mL bottle through various channels, such as online via atropine.com or by contacting ImprimisRx Customer Service at 615-437-4690 via call or text. Compounded formulations are recommended for patients with clinical requirements that are not met by FDA-approved medications. It is essential to note that compounded medications are not reviewed by FDA for their safety and effectiveness. ImprimisRx does not manufacture copies of products that are already available in the market. Harrow's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mark L. Baum, commented, "Our mission has always been to help our eyecare professionals address their patients' unmet needs and to make ophthalmic medications both accessible and affordable. The availability of these innovative compounded atropine formulations is in keeping with our mission. We believe ophthalmologists, optometrists, and the millions of Americans who may benefit from topical atropine therapy, will appreciate the tremendous value these patent-pending formulations offer." (Source – Business Wire) About Harrow Founded in 2012, Harrow is a leading ophthalmic pharmaceutical firm in the United States focused on discovering, developing, and introducing accessible, innovative, and affordable prescription therapies. It holds commercial rights for ten FDA-approved eyecare pharmaceutical products. In addition, the company also operates ImprimisRx, a leading U.S. compounding business that specializes in ophthalmic medications and is licensed to ship prescription drugs in all 50 states. The success of its efforts is reflected in its remarkable financial performance, with a 72% compound annual growth rate achieved during our first eight years in operation. This phenomenal growth rate has established Harrow as one of the fastest-growing ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies in the United States.

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS, PHARMACY MARKET

West Pharmaceutical Introduces Three New Product Innovations at Pharmapack Europe

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | February 01, 2023

On January 31, 2023, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., a global pioneer in novel injectable drug administration solutions, announced its participation in Pharmapack Europe 2023 in Paris, France, to demonstrate its leadership and insights on industry packaging and containment trends and challenges. With the introduction of three new products, the company expands its innovations for its patients and customers worldwide - Daikyo Crystal Zenith® 2.25mL Insert Needle Syringe System, West Ready Pack™ with Corning Valor® RTU Vials using Stevanato Group's EZ-fill® SG EZ-fill® technology and FluroTec® 5-10mL Cartridge Plunger. West Pharmaceutical Services Vice President and General Manager, Biologics Li Chen commented, "This year, we are introducing three new product solutions at Pharmapack." He added, "With these innovations, we are addressing the growing market needs for today's complex and sensitive molecules, including large-volume delivery and a complete vial containment solution that can protect and scale from development through commercialization." (Source – PR Newswire) Meanwhile, West's participation in this year's conference includes the following Learning Lab - How Market Trends Drive Innovation and Enable the Pharmaceutical Pipeline on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 Panel Session - Innovation of Novel Medicines and Trends in Demand for Injectable Home and Self-Administration on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 Innovation Tours - West Ready Pack™ with Corning Valor® RTU Vials using Stevanato Group's EZ-fill® Technology on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 Daikyo Crystal Zenith® 2.25mL Insert Needle Syringe System on Thursday, February 2, 2023 About West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Founded in 1923, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a market leader in developing and delivering innovative, high-quality injectable solutions and services. As a trusted partner to both established and emergent drug producers, it contributes to the safe, effective containment and distribution of life-saving and life-enhancing medications to patients. West Pharmaceutical supports its clients by supplying over 45 billion components and devices annually, with roughly 10,000 team members spread across 50 facilities globally. The company marks its 100th anniversary of growth and innovation in 2023, as well as the essential role it continues to play in healthcare and the patient experience. Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, it had generated $2.83 billion in net sales for the fiscal year 2021.

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