July 21, 2025

Pharma and Biotech Daily: Sarepta's Stock Plummets, Novartis' Positive Trial, AstraZeneca's Vaccine Delivery Delay, Pfizer and BioNTech's Booster Shot Study

3 minutes

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. Sarepta Therapeutics experienced a significant drop in shares as the FDA considers requesting a halt to shipments of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy Elevidys. This decision comes after a third patient death linked to the underlying platform. The company's stock plummeted by 37% on Friday afternoon as reports of the potential shipment stop circulated in the media. This news adds to the already turbulent week for Sarepta, which has been facing challenges in its gene therapy and siRNA biotech developments. ## Novartis announced positive results from a phase 3 trial of its drug Cosentyx in treating axial spondyloarthritis. The study showed that patients treated with Cosentyx had significant improvements compared to those on a placebo. These results further solidify Novartis' position in the market for treatments of autoimmune diseases. The company plans to submit the data to regulatory authorities for potential approval of this indication.Novartis revealed encouraging outcomes from a phase 3 trial of its drug Cosentyx for treating axial spondyloarthritis. The study demonstrated that patients who received Cosentyx experienced notable enhancements compared to those who were given a placebo. These findings strengthen Novartis' standing in the autoimmune disease treatment market. The company intends to present the data to regulatory bodies for potential approval of this indication.## AstraZeneca faced setbacks as it announced delays in delivering its COVID-19 vaccine doses to the EU. The company cited production issues as the cause of the holdup, leading to frustration among European officials. This news comes at a time when vaccine distribution is crucial in combating the ongoing pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in meeting global demand for vaccines.AstraZeneca encountered obstacles when it disclosed delays in distributing its COVID-19 vaccine doses to the EU. The company attributed production problems as the reason for the delay, causing frustration among European officials. This development occurs during a critical period in vaccine distribution to combat the current pandemic, underscoring the difficulties pharmaceutical companies encounter in meeting worldwide vaccine demands.## Pfizer and BioNTech announced plans to test a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine to assess its effectiveness against new variants of the virus. The study will involve participants who have already received two doses of the vaccine and will evaluate the immune response generated by a booster shot. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by pharmaceutical companies to adapt their vaccines to combat emerging strains of the virus.Pfizer and BioNTech unveiled intentions to examine a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine to determine its efficacy against new virus variants. The research will include individuals who have already been administered two doses of the vaccine and will assess the immune response produced by an additional shot. This undertaking demonstrates continuous endeavors by pharmaceutical firms to modify their vaccines in response to evolving virus mutations.

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