Merck, Keros, Metsera, Axsome newest

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Morning. At present, we check out the dramatic finances cuts on the NIH proposed by the Trump administration, see how prime authorities well being officers look like taking a softer line than some anticipated on gene therapies, and extra.

The necessity-to-know this morning

Merck mentioned its experimental, oral PCSK9 inhibitor lowered ranges of unhealthy ldl cholesterol in individuals with genetically excessive ldl cholesterol, attaining the objectives of two Section 3 research. No information have been reported in its press launch. Merck is conducting a big, cardiovascular outomes examine.
Keros Therapeutics mentioned it would return $375 million in “extra capital” to shareholders. The choice was made on the finish of a strategic evaluation of its operations, and notably, after Adar1 Capital Administration, a biotech hedge fund and Keros’ largest shareholder, accused administration of losing cash.
Avidity Biosciences mentioned it obtained clearance from the FDA to hunt accelerated approval for an RNA-based drug to deal with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Individually, the corporate reported new examine outcomes displaying its drug, known as del-brax, improved perform in sufferers with FSHD.
Axsome Therapeutics mentioned the FDA issued a “refuse to file” letter, turning again its utility searching for the approval of a remedy for fibromyalgia.
Struggling “zombie” biotech Elevation Oncology is being acquired by Concentra Biosciences and can be shut down.

Metsera’s amylin drug reveals early potential

Metsera, the obesity-focused biotech, mentioned this morning that its drug candidate concentrating on the amylin hormone confirmed marked efficacy in an early trial and the potential to have longer-lasting results than present weight reduction therapies in the marketplace which are injected weekly.

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