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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PHARMA TECH
Douglas Pharmaceuticals | January 27, 2023
A clinical advisory board has been established to support Douglas Pharmaceuticals' lead program R-107, an oral extended-release dose of racemic ketamine being developed as an adjunctive or stand-alone therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
Douglas Pharmaceuticals is a New Zealand-based pharmaceutical company specializing in the development of specialty generic and repurposed medications (TRD).
Peter Surman, Chief Scientific Officer expressed, "We are very excited to bring together a group of world-class experts in the field of psychiatry, to help guide our late-stage development of R-107." "We believe their deep knowledge in the field, insights and contributions will be instrumental in charting an efficient course through pivotal clinical studies in TRD," he added.
(Source – Cision PR Newswire)
Some of the members of the clinical advisory board are as follows:
• Prof. Paul Glue [MB, ChB (Otago), MD (Bristol), FRCPsych]
• Prof. Alan F. Schatzberg, [MD] • Prof. Sanjay J. Mathew [MD]
• Prof. Allan Young [MB, ChB, MPhil, Ph.D., FRCP (Edin.), FRCPC, FRCPsych]
• Prof. Wiesław J. Cubała, [MD, PhD]
• Prof. Colleen Loo [MBBS (Hons), FRANZCP, MD]
About Douglas Pharmaceuticals
New Zealand's largest private pharmaceutical and healthcare firm, Douglas Pharmaceuticals, employs over 700 people and exports to over 40 countries. The company provides creative, competitive, and high-quality healthcare solutions to 'improve lives'. It designs, manufactures, and distributes unique and generic products, preferring those with significant intellectual property and technological complexity in high-unmet need sectors. The company's presence in international markets continues to grow, exposing New Zealand to the world. It is dedicated to improving people's health all around the globe. Some of the products that the company works with cutting-edge partners to develop, make, market, and distribute are pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, automated compliance systems, and consumer healthcare items.
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BUSINESS INSIGHTS, PHARMA TECH
Avita Care Solutions | January 10, 2023
PMQ Investors, LLC, the parent company of Avita, has acquired Q Care Plus, Inc. This community-focused care management solution offers stigma-free access to care via telehealth, focusing on telePrEP services.
Meanwhile, the terms and conditions of the deal are yet to be revealed.
"Bringing Avita and Q Care Plus together comes at a time when reducing health inequities among underserved populations is more critical than ever," said Avita Chief Executive Officer Michael Yount. He further added, "A multiyear pandemic, partisanship-based politics that limit health care rights, and long-standing stigma, fear, and discrimination against marginalized populations like the LGBTQ+ community have exacerbated existing obstacles to health care and created a host of new ones."
(Source: PR Newswire)
Avita can now broaden its commitment to a community care management strategy that eliminates obstacles for patients and covered entities throughout the care continuum due to its acquisition of Q Care Plus. The company promotes patients' and covered entity partners' capacity to acquire culturally competent LGBTQ+, HIV, PrEP, and sexual wellness care by providing comprehensive access to pharmacy services, 340B program administration, clinical care delivery, and digital health choices.
Avita is transitioning to Avita Care Solutions in light of its recent growth. This brand will encompass Avita Pharmaceutical, the company's pharmacy services section, and AvitaCare Atlanta, its new Atlanta medical and primary care center and pharmacy previously owned by AbsoluteCare. There are no plans to rebrand Q Care Plus' digital health platforms. In 2023, Avita will start selling Q Care Plus under the Avita family of brands.
About Avita Care Solutions
Avita Care Solutions is committed to improving health equity by giving underserved communities comprehensive, caring, and all-inclusive health care and pharmacy services. Its strategy for managing care in the community makes it possible for patients and covered entities to eliminate barriers across the care continuum. Over 145,000 patients and 320+ covered organizations at 65+ locations benefit from Avita's community care management strategy, which includes pharmacy services, program administration, digital health, and clinical care delivery.
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