
Focused on PhIII, BeiGene touts early PD-1 results; Amgen partners with Simcere on China biosimilars work
→ Hustling as fast as it can, BeiGene $BGNE today offered an early look at early-stage data for its PD-1 checkpoint partnered with Celgene $CELG. The company says it got the initial tumor responses it was looking for — with no dose-limiting toxicity — as researchers pursue two registration studies for BGB-A317 in urothelial cancer and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The China-based biotech has a slate of Phase III studies in the pipeline.
→ Amgen has struck a deal with Simcere to co-develop and commercialize its biosimilars in China. Simcere’s primary role will be in the distribution and commercialization of the biosimilars, which Amgen has made a significant part of its portfolio. These kinds of deals have grown increasingly common over the past year as global biopharma companies position themselves in China with local partners. ”This collaboration will allow both companies to further penetrate inflammation and oncology markets in China,” noted Simcere President Honggang Feng.
→ BARDA has awarded South San Francisco-based Achaogen $12 million in committed funding for development of its antibacterial C-Scape. Achaogen has a shot at up to $18 million in funding under the contract.