All articles by Robert Barrie

Robert Barrie

Robert Barrie is a trainee reporter for Medical Device Network, covering developments in the healthcare sector. Coming from a scientific and medical background, Robert has reported across various topics with expertise in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology. Previously, he worked on a freelance basis with New Scientist.

CVS to remove Humira from reimbursement lists in biosimilar push

In a move to drive down customer costs, AbbVie’s blockbuster therapy will be replaced by cheaper biosimilars.

Inside the world of priority review vouchers where ‘time is money’ – Part I

The first of a two-part series on therapies that receive an FDA priority review designation dives into how these vouchers incentivise innovation for low-commercial value-diseases.

Diakonos’ brain tumour vaccine wins FDA’s orphan drug designation

The immuno-oncology company has also completed enrolment in a Phase I trial investigating its dendritic cell vaccine DOC1021.

Valneva adjusts 2023 financial guidance after priority voucher sale delay

Valneva’s CFO said the company is waiting to sell the voucher, which it received upon approval of its chikungunya vaccine, for €90m-€110m.

Long-lasting oral therapy developer Lyndra secures a $101m Series E

Lyndra will use the funds to complete a Phase III trial in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder for its risperidone candidate.

FDA rejects MSD’s gefapixant for chronic cough

Despite approvals in Europe and Japan, the FDA rejected the oral drug, citing a lack of substantial evidence for treatment effectiveness.

Roche and Novartis’ Xolair set for FDA priority review in food allergies

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the filing based on NIH-funded Phase III trial interim results, with an approval decision expected in Q1 2024.

Sanofi licenses fourth NK cell engager from Innate Pharma

Sanofi and Innate’s cancer collaboration agreement stretches back to 2016, with two of Sanofi’s NK cell engagers in clinical studies.

Vertex secures CHMP nod for Casgevy approval in Europe

Following US and UK approvals, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended conditional approval for Casgevy, with a decision expected in Q1 2024.

MSD’s Welireg secures FDA approval for renal cell carcinoma

This is the second FDA approval for MSD’s HIF-2α inhibitor following a 2021 approval to treat von Hippel-Lindau disease.