NEKTAR Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) and Takeda Pharmaceutical (TKPYY) are collaborating to evaluate Nektar’s investigational medicine, NKTR-214, with Takeda’s investigational medicine, TAK-659, as a potential combination for multiple cancer settings.  NKTR-214 is an experimental immuno-stimulatory recognized to expand specific cancer-fighting T cells and natural killer (NK) cells directly into the cancer micro-environment. The drug also increases the expression of PD-1 on these immune cells. TAK-659 inhibits both spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), which is involved in . . . …

On Dec. 12, 2017, Denali Therapeutics (DNLI) announced the closing of its initial public offering of 15,972,221 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $18.00 per share. On January 5, 2018, less than one month since it closed the public offering, Denali and Takeda (TSE:4502) announced entering into a strategic option and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize up to three specified therapeutic product candidates for neurodegenerative …

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the supplemental Biologics License Application (BLA) for Seattle Genetics’ (SGEN) product Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) in combination with chemotherapy for the frontline treatment of patients with advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The Agency granted Priority Review for the application, and the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is May 1, 2018. The BLA is based on positive results from a phase 3 ECHELON-1 trial designed to determine if Adcetris …