The randomized Phase II trial will ... the on-trial multi-omic analyses will investigate cellular mechanisms that could guide personalized and precision-based approaches. The research may also identify potential biomarkers and combinatorial strategies for future interventions, with the potential to advance the treatment paradigm for GERD and inform future clinical development.” · N-Zyme is developing fosamprenavir as a novel therapeutic approach to reflux disease based on ... The randomized Phase II trial will provide important data on the efficacy of fosamprenavir, while the on-trial multi-omic analyses will investigate cellular mechanisms that could guide personalized and precision-based approaches. The research may also identify potential biomarkers and combinatorial strategies for future interventions, with the potential to advance the treatment paradigm for GERD and inform future clinical development.” · N-Zyme is developing fosamprenavir as a novel therapeutic approach to reflux disease based on inhibition of pepsin, a digestive enzyme increasingly implicated in reflux-related tissue injury. NIH-supported research will evaluate the mechanistic effects of fosamprenavir and support a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with PPI-refractory GERD · WAUWATOSA, Wis. & NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#Award--N-Zyme Biomedical Inc. (“N-Zyme”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel pepsin-targeted therapies for reflux disease, today announced that a research team led by N-Zyme Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Unlike conventional therapies focused primarily on suppressing gastric acid, N-Zyme’s approach is designed to target pepsin-mediated injury as a distinct component of reflux disease. N-Zyme will serve as the sponsor of the Phase II clinical trial. Nikki Johnston has been awarded US$2.76 million through an R01 research grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to advance the study of fosamprenavir in proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The award, administered through the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), will support an integrated translational and clinical research program evaluating fosamprenavir, N-Zyme’s lead drug candidate, as a potential treatment for patients with GERD whose symptoms persist despite PPI therapy.

Original title: “N-Zyme Biomedical Program Receives US$2.76 Million NIH Award to Advance Fosamprenavir for PPI-Refractory GERD - BioSpace”

Novo CEO Maziar Mike Doustdar disclosed an additional 4,000 staff departures, which a spokesperson told BioSpace are linked to attrition and other measures.

Original title: “Novo’s workforce reduction climbs to 13,000 to fuel R&D work”

Envisagenics’ platform makes use of AI to screen and detect cancer-specific RNA alterations, which Boehringer Ingelheim wants to target through various precision treatment modalities, including multi-specific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates and T cell engagers.

Original title: “Boehringer Ingelheim bets up to $1B in AI-centered solid tumor collab with Envisagenics”

Deal strengthens company’s established medicines strategy

Original title: “Grünenthal acquires cancer medicine Stivarga”

As Big Pharma adds AI technology to bolster drug development, a cadre of new, upstart biotechs are pushing drug discovery to new heights.

Original title: “Deep Dive: How AI is now essential in biopharma”

At a “capital markets day” in London, executives outlined a roadmap to better compete with key rival Eli Lilly and soon bring forth several multibillion-dollar products.

Original title: “Novo talks up drug launches in effort to win back investors”

Deals for Chinese radiopharmaceutical assets have been rare to date and there is a limited pool of potential Western buyers available, Sleuth said.

Original title: “Sleuth forecasts 2027 jump in Western license deals for Chinese radioligand therapies”

Novo has “gone shopping” to fill pipeline gaps, with a focus on obesity and diabetes, plus an expansion in blood and endocrine disorders, liver diseases and cardiovascular conditions.

Original title: “Novo’s plan to hit $23B in revenue by 2035 leaves investors wanting”

Aside from its manufacturing and distribution footprint, ITM Isotope Technologies Munich will give Telix Pharmaceuticals the late-stage ITM-11, being developed for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The asset was rejected by the FDA last month for manufacturing concerns.

Original title: “Telix buys ITM for $1.65B in ‘supercritical’ radiopharma M&A”

Investors and analysts have been hounding Novo to beef up its pipeline and advance new molecules as a majority of the company's sales stem from its semaglutide franchise.

Original title: “Novo buys three early-stage obesity assets from Kallyope as investor pressure mounts”