EuroBiotech Report—Sanofi culls 38 R&D projects, GenSight's phase 3 miss, Galapagos and anti-aging VC

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly EuroBiotech Report. This week was a big one for Sanofi's R&D group. The French pharma both jettisoned 38 projects from its pipeline and reported phase 3 data on one of the top prospects to survive the cull, Darzalex rival isatuximab. The anti-CD38 antibody prolonged progression-free survival, causing the late-pharma multiple myeloma trial to hit its primary endpoint. GenSight Biologics, one of Sanofi's compatriots, had a more troubled week. Having seen its Leber hereditary optic neuropathy gene therapy miss the primary endpoint in one phase 3 trial last year, GenSight repeated the trick with the failure of a second study this week. Elsewhere, Galapagos struck a deal with Evotec for a preclinical fibrosis candidate and a $100 million longevity fund was unveiled in London. And more. — Nick Taylor
 
1. Sanofi punts 38 R&D projects to narrow pipeline focus

Sanofi has punted 38 R&D projects from its pipeline. The cull comes as Sanofi continues to increase its focus on oncology and other specialty care areas under the R&D leadership of John Reed.
 
2. Sanofi’s Darzalex rival hits primary endpoint in phase 3
 

A phase 3 trial of Sanofi’s Darzalex rival isatuximab in multiple myeloma has hit its primary endpoint. The anti-CD38 antibody prolonged progression-free survival over standard of care, providing a boost for Sanofi’s shift toward in-house programs. 

3. GenSight’s vision loss gene therapy again fails in phase 3

A phase 3 trial of GenSight Biologics’ Leber hereditary optic neuropathy gene therapy has missed its primary endpoint. The AAV gene therapy was no better than placebo at improving vision at 48 weeks, leading GenSight to look to future updates to salvage the study.
 
4. Galapagos continues fibrosis pipeline buildout with Evotec deal
 

Galapagos has secured the global rights to a preclinical fibrotic disease program from Evotec. The small molecule will slot into the growing fibrosis pipeline Galapagos is building through internal R&D and deals.

5. XPrize board member raises $100M fund to tackle aging

Longevity Vision Fund has exited stealth with plans to invest $100 million in startups with aspirations to extend healthy life spans. The fund, which is linked to the founder of XPrize, will pump the money into biotechs and other longevity startups based around the world in seed to series B rounds.
 
And more articles of note>>