Chugai Pharmaceutical

The Japanese Roche subsidiary Chugai is halting clinical development of emugrobart (GYM329) for obesity after an interim analysis likely showed no clinically meaningful additional weight loss; the rights will now rest with Chugai. Roche had already removed emugrobart from programs for SMA and FSHD in March. Chugai is preparing a possible Phase III study in SMA and is examining an out‑licensing to third parties; the Roche share was briefly up about 1.15%. » More on finanzen.net

Chugai has received approval in Japan for the cancer test FoundationOne CDx as a companion diagnostic for the drug Tovorafenib. The test detects genetic alterations in tumor tissue, extending its indication to a total of nine cancer types. Chugai is thus strengthening its position in personalized cancer treatment; the stock fell 0.83 percent in Tokyo to ¥6,446. » More on finanzen.net

Chugai has submitted an approval application in Japan for Vamikibart to treat uveitic macular edema (UME). If approved, Vamikibart would be the first anti-IL-6 antibody therapy for this form of UME in Japan. The drug received orphan drug designation at the end of June. » More on finanzen.net

Roche subsidiary Chugai has applied in Japan for approval of Tecentriq as adjuvant treatment for adults and children with a genetically defined form of colorectal cancer. The application is based on the international Phase III ATOMIC trial, which after three years showed a recurrence‑free rate of 86.3% in patients who received Tecentriq in addition to standard chemotherapy. Roche shares were slightly weaker in early trading. » More on finanzen.net

The Japanese government has become the first in the world to approve Avastin (bevacizumab) from Chugai Pharmaceutical for therapeutic use in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 is an incurable genetic disorder that causes bilateral tumors on the auditory nerves, leading to hearing loss and dizziness, and affects about 800 patients in Japan. Until now there was no effective drug for NF2; Avastin was developed by parent company Roche and has so far mainly been used as a cancer treatment. » More on finanzen.net