AstraZeneca PLC - AZN STOCK NEWS

Honeywell has launched its first large-scale facility in Baton Rouge for manufacturing Solstice Air, a near-zero global-warming-potential (GWP) medical propellant for inhalers. AstraZeneca plans to use this technology in respiratory medications, starting with their triple-combination therapy, pending regulatory approval. This collaboration emphasizes both healthcare innovation and sustainability. Honeywell has invested over $1 billion in this technology, which has already prevented the release of 295 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, aligning with its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035.

Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, has announced its definitive agreement to acquire LogicBio Therapeutics (NASDAQ: LOGC) for $2.07 per share. This acquisition aims to enhance Alexion's capabilities in genomic medicine by leveraging LogicBio's unique gene delivery and editing technologies, as well as its experienced R&D team. The deal, approved by both boards, is expected to close within four to six weeks, pending shareholder approval. This strategic move underscores Alexion's commitment to advancing treatments for rare genetic diseases.

A prespecified interim analysis of the ALPHA Phase III trial shows that danicopan (ALXN2040), in combination with ULTOMIRIS or SOLIRIS, significantly improves hemoglobin levels in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) experiencing clinically significant extravascular hemolysis. The trial met its primary endpoint at 12 weeks, allowing for improved transfusion avoidance and fatigue scores. Danicopan was well tolerated with no significant safety concerns. Alexion plans to submit regulatory filings soon, aiming to enhance treatment options for PNH patients.

AstraZeneca has launched the Up The Antibodies campaign to support the immunocompromised community in preventing COVID-19. The campaign, featuring Jeff Bridges, aims to raise awareness about long-acting monoclonal antibodies as a protective option. A CDC study revealed that 12.2% of COVID-19 hospitalizations involved immunocompromised adults, who face severe outcomes. AstraZeneca collaborates with the Immune Deficiency Foundation to ensure the campaign addresses urgent needs and provides resources for patients and healthcare discussions about treatment options.

AstraZeneca has announced updated results from the TOPAZ-1 Phase III trial, demonstrating that its drug IMFINZI, in combination with standard chemotherapy, improves overall survival (OS) for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). The combination showed a 24% reduction in mortality risk compared to chemotherapy alone, with a median OS of 12.9 months versus 11.3 months. Additionally, exploratory results from the HIMALAYA trial indicated potential OS benefits for patients with unresectable liver cancer. IMFINZI's safety profile remained consistent, with no new safety signals identified.

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo announced significant findings from the DESTINY-Lung02 Phase II trial, showing ENHERTU's efficacy in HER2-mutant lung cancer patients. The trial reported a confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 53.8% for the 5.4mg/kg dose and 42.9% for the 6.4mg/kg dose. The 5.4mg/kg dose exhibited a favorable safety profile with no new safety signals. Interim results from DESTINY-Lung01 also confirmed continued efficacy for previously treated patients. These promising outcomes reinforce ENHERTU's role in addressing unmet needs in HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.

Updated results from the POSEIDON Phase III trial reveal that adding a limited course of tremelimumab to IMFINZI and chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival (OS) for patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). After nearly four years of follow-up, the combination therapy led to a 25% reduction in the risk of death (HR 0.75) and a median OS of 14 months compared to 11.7 months for chemotherapy alone. Notably, patients with specific mutations such as STK11 and KRAS showed even greater OS improvements. These findings were presented at the ESMO Congress 2022.

AstraZeneca's TAGRISSO (osimertinib) has shown significant efficacy in a Phase III trial (ADAURA) for patients with early-stage EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Updated results indicate that nearly 75% of patients were alive and disease-free at four years, with TAGRISSO reducing the risk of disease recurrence by 77% and 76% for central nervous system (CNS) occurrences. The trial included 682 patients and demonstrated median disease-free survival of 65.8 months for TAGRISSO versus 21.9 months for placebo.

The DESTINY-Lung02 phase 2 trial results indicate that ENHERTU (trastuzumab deruxtecan) shows significant efficacy in treating HER2 mutant, unresectable, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The 5.4 mg/kg dose demonstrated a confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 53.8%, while the 6.4 mg/kg dose yielded an ORR of 42.9%. The safety profile was favorable, with higher grade 3 adverse events in the 6.4 mg/kg group. Updated results from DESTINY-Lung01 reaffirm ENHERTU's sustained efficacy, with a median overall survival of 18.6 months for patients with HER2 mutant NSCLC.