STAT+: Three biotech updates, including accusations of theft and and a new lobbying leader

Beam alleges Chinese company stole its IP, PhRMA has a new leader, and more biotech news Adobe 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. Good morning. I have a gallon of apple cider I don’t know what to do with. Please send any good recipes you have! The need-to-know this morning Moderna appointed Juan Andres as its new chief operating officer, a new executive role for the company as it prepares to expand into oncology. This is Andres’ second stint with Moderna. He previously served as its top executive in charge of manufacturing and quality control. Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals and Atara Biotherapeutics said their drug Ebvallo was refiled with the FDA. The companies are seeking approval to treat patients with an ultra-rare and fatal type of blood cancer that can develop in people who have received a stem cell or solid organ transplant. In May, the FDA agreed to review Ebvallo again after previously rejecting the drug. Beam alleges Chinese company stole its IP Beam Therapeutics has filed a lawsuit alleging one of its former scientists stole intellectual property and used it to co-found a Chinese company that recently made a deal with prominent VC firms. The allegations by Beam, based in Cambridge, comes amid escalating tensions between American biotechs and their Chinese counterparts. A growing number of U.S. investors and pharma companies are looking to China to license new drugs at lower costs, but American entrepreneurs and scientists have countered that Chinese biotechs are creating copycats of U.S drug candidates. 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.