Biotech Strategy Blog

Commentary on Science, Innovation & New Products with a focus on Oncology, Hematology & Immunotherapy

About MaverickNY

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Posts by MaverickNY

Cut and run

Sometimes it’s the unexpected or quirky changes that stand out

While many observers have almost exclusively focused on protein degradation in the context of modern chemical proximity approaches, this isn’t the only possibility when using a bifunctional small molecule.

Indeed, I would argue some of the most creative ideas we are seeing coming out of late may well turn out to be unexpected standouts in future clinical trials.

Yet their goal is a very different one from what we’ve seen from the majority in the clinic.

In this latest example of the genre, we turn our attention to an area where drug hunters have struggled to find solutions for, despite the challenge being a commonplace issue for many oncologists in the clinic…

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A window into the future of IO

Phare de Kerkmorvan depuis 1849

It’s time to shine a light – or more correctly a beacon – on a novel approach to tackling advanced tumours.

If we want to improve beyond the low hanging fruit in immuno-oncology then we need to start tackling some of the more difficult challenges.

By the way, have you ever noticed how many observers will pick up on whatever is moving – like the sailboat in the photo – while missing the bigger picture that’s been around for a lot longer right in front of them?

Sometimes this happens in cancer research too.

Today’s story is very much along on these lines where an increasing body of research is starting to add up regarding an axis many have ignored, although admittedly it’s not as old as the lighthouse.

The thing is though, it could well turn out to be more enlightening than many realise…

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Standing out from the crowd in AML

Can Nkarta stand out from the CAR-NK crowd?

Over the years we have written quite a bit about NK cell therapies and CAR-NKs in particular.

To date none have been approved, although there is certainly plenty of competition in this niche.

The latest company to showcase their emerging data on early clinical developments are Nkarta Therapeutics.

Here we take a look at their recent data on several fronts and offer insights based on what we know about the biology involved and where things might be headed in the future.

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Next generation CAR-T cell therapies for the future

Putting new CARs in the spotlight

As we move on from second generation CAR-T cell therapies and CRISPR gene editing as well as a DNA to RNA shift, there’s a noticeable coming together of these modalities in novel next generation ideas now entering early stage trials in the clinic.

Inevitably some will fail, others will meet with mixed reactions on modest data, but a few will succeed and inspire the next round of innovative approaches.

Are there early signs of which products/companies might fall into each bucket?

Here we highlight fourteen examples to watch out for across biotechs and pharma alike while discussing some of the opportunities and challenges they may face…

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An alternative perspective on Hodgkins lymphoma

Old town in Lugano

Oftentimes I find lymphoma clinical data presented as an encore at iCML are much more conducive to thoughtful reflection than than during the intense hurly burly of ASCO.

After all, not all phase 3 trials with a significant progression-free survival (PFS) will necessarily be subsequently adopted as the standard of care in the near-term without demonstration an overall benefit.

Lymphoma experts tend to be mindful of the risks of secondary malignancies, as well as long term side effects given the younger population they may be treating in some conditions.

In this review we take a look at some key data and explore the impact from several different perspectives…

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How Tec kinases could make a difference in PTCL at iCML23

Lugano is such a glorious place to hold a meeting!

For quite a few years I used to ask a CTCL/PTCL expert in the poster halls whether there was anything new to report at ASH annual meetings, only to be met with a woeful hang dog look.

Despite many failed trials in this niche there are some encouraging signs beginning to emerge at last.

One story we have been following for a while has a new update worthy of discussion in terms of future directions…

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Stacking up the clinical evidence at ASCO23

Stacking up the evidence

Beyond all the ballyhoo, breathless hype, and boisterous claims for ‘a positive trial!’ or even ”practice changing data!’ we saw in Chicago recently, does the clinical evidence really stand up under scrutiny in support?

In some cases yes, but in quite a few cases the answers were a clear no.

So what trials fall into which category, and which yardsticks should we judge them by?

In our latest review we highlight ten clinical studies presented at ASCO and explain some alternative angles to watch out for, with some perspectives from thought leaders included for good measure…

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An under-rated gem at ASCO23

Reflections from Chicago

While many observers are intently focused on the plenary and oral tumour type sessions at ASCO, in the next couple of posts we will be offering some reflections on some of the hidden gems in the poster halls.

These presentations can afford glimpses into what to expect in future clinical trial readouts in the not too distant future.

Of late many companies have been struggling to raise funding in a tough economic climate, especially if they are powered by a novel target or approach, while others are well funded and settled.

In this example, we discuss a well funded biotech with a novel approach to targeting difficult to treat advanced cancers.  What’s not to like?

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Making sense of all the TIGIT data at ASCO23

Graffiti in Adams Morgan, Chicago

Continuing our coverage of the annual meeting of ASCO in Chicago I felt compelled to review the actual data presented at the meeting.

Regardless of whether you are bullish or bearish about the target – or even specific agents in the niche – there are some important subtleties and nuances to be aware of and take into consideration.

Here we offer a detailed look at key issues to think about in the broader context of new product development and early stage clinical trials…

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A look at early stage trials debuting at ASCO23

Chicago River Bridge

Early stage clinical trials can often turn out to be a bridge to future success or an unexpected dunk in the water, depending on how the outcomes go.

The path to success in Developmental Therapeutics is often paved with many unexpected trials and tribulations.

The important factor though is not whether or not companies experience them – because they will – but how well they handle the issues which present along the way.

In our latest report from ASCO23 we take a look at three phase 1 trials and one phase 2 study to explore the opportunities and challenges involved for four very different companies…

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