An Industry Update: What's New in the Field of Therapeutic Delivery This Month?

In December 2016, the therapeutic delivery field experienced several key developments. AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novartis updated on clinical programs, with Biogen and AstraZeneca/Eli Lilly receiving US FDA fast track designation for Alzheimer's drugs, and Lundbeck reporting negative results for its Alzheimer's drug. Takeda was funded by the US government to develop a Zika vaccine, and Verily partnered with Sanofi on diabetes technology. Aspen Holdings acquired anesthesia assets from AstraZeneca, while Bristol-Myers Squibb and Nektar Therapeutics collaborated on oncology drugs. Janssen sought approval for a rheumatoid arthritis drug, and Sarepta received conditional approval for a Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment. Poietis and L'Oréal aimed to develop 3D bioprinting for hair restoration. Omeros Corporation's OMS721 showed promise for stroke treatment, Biogen's Alzheimer's drug aducanumab got Fast Track designation, and Janssen Biotech applied for approval of sirukumab for rheumatoid arthritis. Sarepta Therapeutics' EXONDYS 51™ was approved for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Novartis' NijiTM system was CE marked for severe allergic asthma, and Vectura PLC reported sales growth. Mylan faced scrutiny over EpiPen pricing and challenged Teva's patents on Copaxone®. The document also discussed the use of 3D printing technology for drug and cosmetic testing and the development of autologous grafts for regenerative medicine.