Category Archives: Topics

Welldoc Insulin Adjustment Program Approved by FDA; Fractyl to Initiate Study for Insulin-dependent T2DM Patients

Two diabetes-related news items have been observed: Welldoc announced FDA approval of an additional feature for the BlueStar platform called the Insulin Adjustment Program (IAP) and Fractyl Laboratories announced FDA approval of an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to initiate a study examining the effects of Revita DMR in T2DM patients treated with insulin. Below FENIX provides highlights and insights for the respective news items.

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Thoughts on Bigfoot’s $55M Series C and if Abbott Libre 2 FDA Approval is Imminent

Bigfoot Biomedical announced the closing of its Series C financing round for a total of $55M. With the closing of Series C, the company says it is moving closer to FDA submission of Bigfoot Unity in 2020. Recall, Bigfoot Unity is a decision support system that leverages a connected insulin pen cap and the Abbott Libre CGM. Additionally, Bigfoot’s co-founder Bryan Mazlish (view LinkedIn profile) is transitioning from president of the company to the Executive Board Director. Below, FENIX provides insights into Bigfoot’s financing, management changes, and valuation and thoughts on how the Series C closing could potentially indicate Libre 2 FDA approval is imminent.

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Josh Riff Leaves Onduo; Thoughts on AgaMatrix+Bayer for China, and Confusion on Cascade CGM Wear Time in Europe

Two diabetes-related news items have been observed: Onduo announced the departure of CEO Josh Riff and AgaMatrix Holdings announced a corporate name change to “WaveForm Diabetes,” the appointment of a new Executive Chairman and CEO, Rick Valencia, and a partnership in China with Bayer for its CGM distribution. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the leadership appointments in Onduo and WaveForm, as well as insight into the somewhat ironic partnership between WaveForm and Bayer, and some observed confusion on 15-day vs. 14-day wear time from Menarini’s product materials.

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Allogene ALLO-501 Ph1 ALPHA Results and ASCO 2020 Investor Call Summary

On Friday, May 29, Allogene held an investor call (press release/presentation), highlighting updated clinical data from the ALLO-501 (CD19 allogeneic CAR-T) Ph1 ALPHA study, in ≥3L NHL (DLBCL or FL). The data was also presented at ASCO (Sattva Neelapu et al, May 2020). Below, FENIX provides thoughts on the promising positive data from the ALPHA study, and particularly how ALLO-501 compares to equivalent autologous CD19 CAR-Ts from Novartis (Kymriah), Gilead (Yescarta), and BMS (liso-cel).

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Mylan Wins Final Patent Dispute vs. Sanofi; Biocon Bs-glargine Final FDA Approval Imminent

Mylan announced the US Patent and Trademark Appeal Board (PTAB) ruled in Mylan’s favor during recent inter partes review (IPR) proceedings. Importantly, Mylan’s outgoing CEO, Heather Bresch, commented, “…with this final victory in hand, we now look forward to working with FDA to complete the regulatory review process and introduce Semglee in the U.S. as soon as possible.” Recall, Mylan/Biocon has disclosed that the FDA action date for their bs-glargine is sometime in June 2020. Below, FENIX provides a brief overview of the PTAB ruling as well as thoughts on the impending approval and launch of the Mylan/Biocon bs-glargine product.

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CREDENCE Receives Positive CHMP Opinion; Metformin ER Recalled Over NDMA Impurities

Two diabetes-related news items have been observed: according to the CHMP meeting highlights, Janssen’s Invokana/Vokanamet renal protection indication (CREDENCE) has received a positive CHMP opinion and FDA announced a voluntary recall for certain lots of metformin ER due to nitrosamine impurity N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) impurities. Of note, FDA indicated there are five firms who have been contacted about the recall but additional manufacturers remain unaffected. Below, FENIX provides brief thoughts on the the CREDENCE CHMP opinion and insight on a potential readthrough to branded OADs following the metformin recall.

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Thoughts on Cellectis Q1 2020 Call

On Wednesday, May 6, Cellectis held their Q1 2020 earnings call (press release). The company stated that they have experienced limited disruption from COVID-19 and continue to progress with their CAR-T clinical trials and manufacturing expansion activities. Below, FENIX provides highlights and insights from the call, including how Cellectis’s ability to avoid delays to key strategic programs could help maintain its position as a leading cell therapy company developing allogeneic CAR-Ts for AML, ALL, and MM.

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New Autolus AUTO1 Pivotal Trial in Adult ALL Posted

A new Autolus-sponsored AUTO1 Ph1b/2 AUTO1-AL1 trial in R/R adult ALL has been observed on CT.gov. Of note, the trial uses a split dosing regimen. Below, FENIX provides insights on this new pivotal trial and how a split dose could differentiate Autolus’s position compared to CAR-T leaders Novartis and Gilead in R/R adult ALL.

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Autolus Provides Update on CAR-T Program; Q1 2020 Call

On Thursday, May 7, Autolus held their Q1 2020 earnings call (press release/slides), highlighting their current clinical progress, enrollment, and potential initiation of their pivotal trial AUTO1-AL1 in adult R/R ALL. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on Autolus’s cell therapy program, particularly in the context of the ongoing health emergency.

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Thoughts on Allogene CAR-T Pipeline Update; Q1 2020 Call Summary

On Wednesday, May 6, Allogene held their Q1 2020 earnings call (webcast/press release/ slides), highlighting the off-the-shelf benefits allogeneic products have over autologous products, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, FENIX provides thoughts on Allogene’s cell therapy program in the context of the ongoing health emergency.

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