BioPharm International, December 2019 Issue (PDF)

AstraZeneca acquired preclinical biotech Omniose, adding a bioconjugation platform for conjugate vaccines against serious bacterial infections.

FDA grants RMAT and Fast Track designations to AbelZeta’s CD20/CD19 bispecific CAR-T prizlon-cel in relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, Larimar Therapeutics completes a BLA seeking accelerated approval of nomlabofusp for Friedreich’s ataxia, and Merck’s GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist efinopegdutide meets its primary endpoint in a phase 2b MASH trial.

This FAQ explains how aseptic processing, contamination control, and validation protect patients amid sterile injectable failures.

Merck's GLP-1/glucagon co-agonist raised MASH resolution versus placebo at 52 weeks, but fibrosis and dose-response questions remain.

Larimar Therapeutics has completed its rolling BLA for nomlabofusp, a frataxin replacement fusion protein, seeking accelerated approval based on skin frataxin as a novel surrogate endpoint. The company expects a potential US approval in mid-2027.

FDA granted RMAT and Fast Track designations to AbelZeta’s anti-CD20/CD19 CAR-T therapy prizlon-cel for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. The company plans US studies after prior CAR-T therapy and in the second-line setting.

argenx agrees to acquire macrocyclic peptide developer Unnatural Products for up to about $1.15 billion, Johnson & Johnson’s pasritamig and JNJ-9401 bispecific regimen achieves a 73% PSA response in phase 1 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and Janux Therapeutics’ TRBV6-targeted T-cell engager JANX011 shows deep B-cell depletion in healthy volunteers.

More monoclonal antibodies are moving from IV infusion to subcutaneous injection, but dose, volume, and viscosity still limit the switch. This FAQ covers the formulation science, the enabling technologies, what regulators require, and what remains unresolved.