Shifting Goalposts For Vaccine Cos As Lambda Variant Rears Head

Multiple Vaccines Show Delta Efficacy

Studies point to Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Bharat Biotech’s vaccines neutralizing the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, even if efficacy is lower compared to the original strain. This follows positive news from other vaccine companies but will the Lambda variant cause a setback?

Coronavirus Variant Emerging/Mutated SARS-CoV-2
The Changing Colors Of SARS-CoV-2 Present A Challenge To Vaccine Makers • Source: Alamy

Global manufacturers developed vaccines in record time when COVID-19 hit but "there’s no rest for the wicked." Even as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc./BioNTech SE and Bharat Biotech added to the chorus of producers saying their vaccines work against the highly contagious Delta variant, another viral iteration termed Lambda has now reared its head.

While it is widely believed that mRNA vaccines can quickly be adapted to counter variants and inactivated virus vaccines are...

Scrip Podcast

Keep up with the top pharma business news of the week. On the go.

Scrip brings you a weekly bulletin of top picks.

More from R&D

ProGen’s Dual Agonist Obesity Contender Gains Momentum With Rani Partnership

 
• By 

The CEO of South Korean biotech shares how his company was able to reach a partnership with Rani so quickly and why it is confident in its GLP-1/GLP-2 dual agonist for obesity and diabetes, despite recent disappointing clinical results for its sole rival.

Sciwind Eyes Differentiation For Ecnoglutide In Highly Competitive Arena

 
• By 

Chinese firm Sciwind has revealed additional Phase III findings for its promising once-weekly GLP-1 agonist ecnoglutide, just one asset in a burgeoning Chinese sector that could see the emergence of new rivals to current global leaders in obesity and diabetes.

Fosun ALK/ROS1 Inhibitor Shows 1L Promise In Advanced NSCLC

 
• By 

Interim results from the Phase III REMARK study presented at WCLC showed the Chinese company’s second-generation ALK/ROS1 inhibitor met its primary endpoint as a first-line therapy in ALK-positive advanced NSCLC.

Sponsored By:

Nancy Tests SPARC-931-part

The article discusses the impact of upcoming patent expirations in oncology biologics on biosimilar developers, highlighting the opportunities in Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Bispecific Antibodies (BsAbs). It explores the challenges posed by the structural complexities of these biologics, necessitating new bioanalytical tools and manufacturing processes. The evolving regulatory landscape, with contributions from EMA, FDA, and WHO, offers flexible pathways but also presents challenges. The article underscores the potential for biosimilars to generate significant cost savings and enhance patient access to cancer treatments over the next decade.

More from Scrip

EHA: Lilly’s Jaypirca Posts First Phase III Triplet Win In CLL While BTK Degraders Advance - Clone

Lilly's first Phase III triplet win opens the door to a label expansion in BTK-pretreated CLL, with analysts suggesting Jaypica could attain blockbuster status. However, the window to capitalize may be brief as next-generation BTK degraders close in with head-to-head trials.

Top 10 Drugs Q1 2026: New Sheriff In Town As Mounjaro Unseats Keytruda

Mounjaro, Eliquis, and Darzalex buck the Q1 trend to make gains