Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, despite the cloudy skies looming over the Pharmalot campus. After all, the birds are still chirping and a cool breeze is wafting by. Moreover, this marks the middle of the week, which means we have managed to survive this far. And this calls for celebration, yes? So please join us as we hoist another cup of delicious stimulation. Our choice today is cinnamon hazelnut. Remember, no prescription is required. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. Have a grand day, and drop us a line if you hear something juicy. …
Drug makers may face stricter rules to ensure the supply of medicines in the European Union as the bloc tries to reduce its imports of pharmaceutical products from China and other foreign “autocracies,” Reuters explains. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, the 27-country bloc encountered protracted problems in obtaining a wide range of medicines and their ingredients from India and China, as supplies tightened amid lockdowns and export restrictions. The planned rules change is also aimed at reducing reliance on pharmaceutical ingredients produced abroad, as the European Commission estimates two-thirds of the global supply is concentrated in India and China.
More of the cancer patients who received an experimental, off-the-shelf CAR-T cell therapy from CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) showed complete remissions compared to initial study results, STAT says. Some remissions are lasting six months or more, an important measure of durability. The results come at an uncertain time for companies using genome-editing technologies to develop more convenient cell treatments for cancer. Last week, Allogene’s (ALLO) 0ff-the-shelf CAR-T programs were placed on clinical hold following the discovery of a “chromosomal abnormality” in a single patient treated with its therapy. The cause remains undetermined, but an investigation is underway.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect