All articles by Justine Ra

Justine Ra

Justine Ra is a healthcare reporter for Clinical Trials Arena and Pharmaceutical Technology, focusing coverage on neurology and neurodegenerative diseases. Justine holds a degree in English from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

AmyriAD leaves no leaf unturned with upcoming Phase III Alzheimer’s trials

The company aims to drive a small molecule resurgence with its lead Alzheimer’s symptom relief agent AD-101.

ImmunityBio inks $320m deal to advance bladder cancer drug and boost pipeline

The deal will see ImmunityBio receiving an upfront $210m combination of equity and royalty financing from Oberland.

AstraZeneca and Ionis challenge Alnylam’s share with Wainua approval

Wainua will enter the US market in January 2024 after positive Phase III data landed it an FDA approval for ATTRv-PN.

Aclaris chops workforce and shifts lead drug’s focus to cancer indications

By cutting programs and 46% of staff, Aclaris becomes the latest company to implement restructuring measures in a bid to free capital.

Pivotal bioVenture raises the stakes in biotech and pharmaceutical support

The latest $389m pledge follows an initial investment of $300m in 2017 that was raised to fund early-stage life-science startups.

Acadia victorious in court for Parkinson’s drug Nuplazid patent litigation

Acadia received two patent rulings that strengthen Nuplazid’s patent position and protect the drug into 2038.

Sanofi bows to FTC demands and ends Maze licensing deal

The license of Maze’s GYS1 program, including MZE001, was the subject of FTC opposition, leading to Sanofi terminating the agreement

Vittoria’s CAR-T therapy secures clinical approval amid FDA scrutiny on sector

VIPER-101 has received FDA clearance to begin clinical studies in the midst of a broader investigation on CAR-T cell therapies.

IGM jettisons workforce and blood cancer programme to refocus pipeline

IGM will lay off 22% of its staff and suspend four clinical activities to advance autoimmune diseases and colorectal cancer programmes.

Everest inches towards clinical studies for renal disease drug in China

Everest’s clinical trial in China will contribute to Kezar’s global PALIZADE study of zetomipzomib for lupus nephritis