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Q1 2025
Newsletters and Drug Reports
Pfizer Discontinues Beqvez Development
Pfizer made the decision to stop further development and marketing of this gene therapy for Hemophilia B in all world markets. The decision was primarily due to low patient demand or interest in any of the hemophilia gene therapies. The company is committed to supporting patients who have already received Beqvez as part of clinical trials. Pfizer will now focus on alternative therapies, including its approved treatment, Hympavzi. Pfizer has exited the gene therapy market as they backed away from further research on the other clinical trials they had in process for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Hemophilia A.
New Research for Stem Cell Therapies to Treat Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s affects about one million Americans and it considered one of the world’s fastest growing neurological disorders. It is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease with many life altering symptoms. Parkinson’s currently cannot be cured but there drugs available to control symptoms. Two studies published in Nature found that stem-cell derived products can be safely transplanted into to the brain and may be effective in decreasing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The cell therapy tested, called bemdaneprocel, is being developed by Bayer subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics. The company is planning to start a Phase 3 trial before the end of June. Cell therapy has been tried in the past, but has not been successful.