fb-pixel Skip to main content

FDA delays decision on Sarepta’s controversial gene therapy for muscular dystrophy

The agency was scheduled to rule on the Cambridge company’s medicine by Monday, but will now wait until June 22.

Billionaire Tim Springer donates $210 million to protein research nonprofit
The early investor in Moderna has made one of the largest donations in local life sciences to the Boston-based Institute for Protein Innovation.

Blueprint Medicines says its newly approved drug for a rare life-threatening disorder could be a blockbuster
The Cambridge biotech’s treatment combats an immune and blood condition that causes severe allergic reactions to ordinary things, like a whiff of perfume or an elevated heart rate.

Under pressure from patients, FDA faces tough choices on experimental gene therapy
The prospect of “accelerated approval” for a single-dose treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy has drawn criticism from some experts who say the FDA is loosening its standards.

Ironwood to buy Swiss biotech for $1 billion
The Boston company’s acquisition of VectivBio Holding AG is intended to strengthen its focus on gastrointestinal conditions.

Could Rhode Island become New England’s next life sciences hub?
R.I. Speaker Shekarchi introduced legislation this week to create a quasi-public corporate body and agency of the state for the life sciences. R.I. biotech leaders say the building out the infrastructure to grow the industry is much needed.

More Life Sciences Headlines

Ironwood to buy Swiss biotech for $1 billion

The Boston company’s acquisition of VectivBio Holding AG is intended to strengthen its focus on gastrointestinal conditions.

RI BUSINESS

Could Rhode Island become New England’s next life sciences hub?

R.I. Speaker Shekarchi introduced legislation this week to create a quasi-public corporate body and agency of the state for the life sciences. R.I. biotech leaders say the building out the infrastructure to grow the industry is much needed.

US sues to block Amgen’s $27.8 billion takeover of Horizon Therapeutics

The commission’s move is its most aggressive yet after years of signaling that it would be tougher in scrutinizing pharmaceutical mergers.

Flagship Pioneering launches Cambridge startup to unlock potential of ‘biomimicry’

Metaphore Biotechnologies is looking to imitate nature in an effort to fight diseases.

FDA advisers recommend accelerated approval of a Sarepta gene therapy

The vote followed a daylong hearing, convened virtually, marked by debate over the company’s clinical trial data and impassioned pleas from the parents of boys with Duchenne, a deadly muscle-wasting disease.

Drug maker Takeda to eliminate up to 180 jobs in Massachusetts

The layoffs are planned at seven sites starting this summer.

Cambridge biotech raises $90 million for drug that uses radioactive atoms to fight prostate cancer

Convergent Therapeutics says its treatment precisely targets tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Innovation economy

For this Kendall Square startup, a synthetic scent smells like success

Osmo is using machine learning algorithms to create fragrances that are better for the environment and sensitive skin.