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With A New CSO, Bristol-Myers Squibb Doubles Down On Immuno-Oncology

 
• By Marc Wortman

BMS’ strategy for the complex, highly competitive immuno-oncology field. A Q&A with the company’s new R&D chief, lung cancer specialist Thomas Lynch, MD.

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Thomas Lynch, MD

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s former chief scientific officer and EVP, Francis Cuss, MD, was cursed by good luck. In 2015, BMS won the first-ever approval for an immuno-oncology (IO) agent to treat a form of lung cancer. The PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor Opdivo (nivolumab) swiftly became a blockbuster as a treatment for squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as a second-line therapy. In short order, BMS gained 10 more approvals for the drug. But all eyes were on CheckMate-026, the late-stage test of Opdivo as a first-line NSCLC treatment, by far the largest unmet need in any cancer. Before study data came out last summer, some even used the “cure” word. Based on projected peak sales of the drug approaching $14 billion annually, BMS’ valuation soared.

But it was not to be – at least not yet – and it wasn’t long before Cuss left after...

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Late-Stage GLP-1 Drug Trials Outside The Cardiometabolic Space

 
• By David Wild

A look at Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and other companies' late-stage clinical studies of GLP-1 drugs in indications ranging from neurodegeneration to oncology, and alcoholic liver disease to autoimmune conditions.

Rising Leaders 2025: Metsera’s Whit Bernard’s Musical Path To Biotech Leadership

 
• By David Wild

Metsera CEO Whit Bernard applies an unconventional leadership philosophy to develop next-generation obesity therapeutics, including monthly GLP-1 injections and oral peptides.

AI In Drug Discovery: The Patent Implications

 
• By David Wild

A Q&A with DeAnn Smith, partner and co-chair of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Proceedings Practice Group at law firm Foley Hoag.

Is Advanced AI Revolutionizing Sales Enablement In Pharma?

 
• By Marina Hickson

Advanced AI is revolutionizing sales enablement by addressing training gaps and performance challenges. Used correctly, it can help to bridge the sales-marketing divide, accelerate ramp-up times and provide managers with data-driven insights.

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Podcast: Brain+ CEO Discusses “Groundbreaking” Potential Of CST Assistant For Dementia Patients

 
• By Anabel Costa-Ferreira

Devika Wood, CEO of Brain+, explains the importance of developing health tech solutions for dementia and the growing need to both raise awareness and improve overall access to nondrug interventions like CST.

Behind The Buyout: Dispatches From The Dealmaking Table

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

In a challenging funding environment for biopharma, strategic dealmaking has become a critical growth engine. In Vivo explores what it truly takes to navigate high-stakes acquisitions and partnerships, drawing on insights from seasoned industry leaders.

Crisis Or Opportunity? US MFN Policy Could Test Japan’s Appetite For Reforms

 
• By Lisa Takagi

While the adoption of most favored nation drug pricing in the US stands to affect Japanese biopharma firms now heavily reliant on this market, it might also present an opportunity for pricing and policy reforms at home.