STAT+: Roche goes beyond licensing in deal with Chinese biotech

DOJ signals it will start scrutinizing drugmakers, PhrMA sues Trump administration, and more biotech news Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning. Let’s get straight to the news. The need-to-know this morning Bristol Myers Squibb said Zenbexus, recently granted FDA accelerated approval to treat multiple myeloma, reduced the risk of disease progression by 51% compared to standard therapy in a Phase 3 trial. Generic drugmaker Viatris said it will acquire Pacira Biosciences, maker of non-opioid pain therapies, for $1.65 billion. Roche goes beyond licensing in deal with Chinese biotech Over the past few years, pharma companies have flocked to China to license existing drug candidates. Roche is taking a new approach, partnering with Chinese startup Defand Therapeutics to discover new medicines. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe National Biotech Reporter Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70.