M2Gen said Merck has joined the Oncology Research Information Exchange Network (ORIEN) Avatar Research Program.
The Scripps Research Institute announced a research collaboration and license agreement with Pfizer Inc. to pioneer new DNA-encoded library technology, including new synthetic chemistry for the creation of next-generation DELs, a potentially transformative technology for early stage drug discovery research.
AbbVie announced four collaborations and investments with leading healthcare innovators to advance early-stage research in key therapeutic areas such as oncology and immunology.
Eli Lilly and Co. announced the expansion of an existing immuno-oncology collaboration with to add a new study of Lilly's Lartruvo (olaratumab) with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in patients with previously treated advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.
Amgen and Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH announced a research collaboration and exclusive license agreement to develop next-generation, T-cell engaging bispecific immunotherapies targeting multiple cancers.
Royal Philips and Illumin Inc. announced a strategic collaboration that aims to integrate Illumina's sequencing systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function and Philips' IntelliSpace Genomics clinical informatics platform, and to coordinate marketing and sales of the resulting solutions. Philips and Illumina will also seek to engage in clinical research collaborations with health systems in the U.S. that want to develop precision medicine programs in oncology.
Genentech said FDA accepted the company's supplemental Biologics License Application and granted Priority Review for Tecentriq (atezolizumab) for the treatment of people with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who are ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy, and are either previously untreated or have disease progression at least 12 months after receiving chemotherapy before surgery or after surgery.
EMD Serono, the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and MD Anderson Cancer Center announced a three-year strategic collaboration, with the aim of more quickly advancing the development of investigational cancer therapies in four cancers--breast, colorectal, glioblastoma and leukemia.
Vescor LLC, a new company focused on discovery and development of autophagy targeted therapeutics for cancer treatment, was formed by MD Anderson Cancer Center, Deerfield Management and two autophagy experts, Eileen White, deputy director and associate director for Basic Science, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and Alec Kimmelman, chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology at NYU Langone Medical Center and a member of the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone.
Exact Sciences Corp. announced that the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's Center for Clinical Effectiveness "Evidence Street" recently released a positive review of Cologuard to its members.


