▎WuXiEdited by Kant Content Team

Continuous innovation, R&D pipeline expansion, and in-depth development are crucial for the sustainable growth of biopharmaceutical companies, as well as the driving force behind the industry’s ongoing progress and the ultimate benefit to patients. Today,Industry media Endpoints News announced the list of the top 15 global biopharmaceutical companies with the highest R&D expenditure in 2023.The content team of WuXi AppTec will organize for our readers the strategies these pharmaceutical companies have implemented to expand their R&D pipelines in 2023, to further understand the potential development directions of these companies and even the entire industry. Click on "Read more"，you can access the original ranking page."

▲Top 15 Biopharmaceutical Companies with the Highest R&D Investment in 2023 (Source: Table created by the WuXi AppTec content team based on Reference [1])

Merck & Co.

Through multiple acquisitions and licensing deals, Merck & Co. actively expanded its R&D pipeline in 2023, with a significant increase in the proportion of R&D expenditure.For example, in October last year, Merck and Daiichi Sankyo reached global development and commercialization agreements for three of Daiichi Sankyo's antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidates: patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd), ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd), and raludotatug deruxtecan (R-DXd).AgreementIn January this year, Merck spent nearly 700 million yuanAcquisitionHarpoon Therapeutics, and acquire a series of T-cell engagers under research to expand its oncology R&D pipeline. Additionally, Merck completed the acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences in June of last year.Acquisition, thereby obtaining new candidate drugs for ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and other autoimmune diseases to strengthen its immunology pipeline. In November 2022, Merck & Co. proceeded throughAcquisitionImago BioSciences Expands Its Hematology Portfolio.

Roche

Roche reached a final agreement with Carmot Therapeutics last December to acquire its multiple GLP-1 class R&D pipelines for the development of treatments for obesity and diabetes patients. In October last year, Roche also acquired Telavant, obtaining its innovative TL1A-targeted antibody RVT-3101 for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Roche's senior management mentioned in the investor report this February that the company is currently conducting a total of 146 clinical projects, including 82 new molecular entities (NMEs), with oncology being the core area of its R&D efforts, particularly in cancer immunotherapy.In addition, the company also focuses on the development of pipelines in the fields of neuroscience, ophthalmology, and immunology.

Reference Reading:Roche's 2023 Annual Report Released: Which Innovative Therapies Will Reach Milestones in 2024?

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson focuses on oncology, immunology, cardiovascular and retinal-related diseases. In January this year, Johnson & JohnsonAcquisitionAmbrx Biopharma Acquires Multiple Clinical-Stage ADCs.The company pointed out in a recent report that its 20 R&D pipelines will drive its overall growth of 5-7% in the future.Several therapies under Johnson & Johnson have shown positive potential, such as JNJ-2113, an IL-23 receptor-targeting oral peptide co-developed with Protagonist Therapeutics.PublishJNJ-2113 Demonstrates Positive Efficacy in Phase 2b Trial. JNJ-2113 Maintains High Skin Lesion Clearance Rate for up to 52 Weeks in Adult Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis (PsO).

Novartis

Novartis announced in February this year that it willAcquisitionMorphoSys.This acquisition will further expand and complement Novartis' product pipeline in the field of oncology, while also strengthening Novartis' global presence in hematology.Through this deal, Novartis acquired two clinical-stage therapies: pelabresib (CPI-0610), a small-molecule BET protein inhibitor, and tulmimetostat (CPI-0209), a dual inhibitor of EZH1 and EZH2 proteins. In addition, in June of last year, Novartis also reached an agreement with Chinook Therapeutics, a company focused on the development of precision medicines for kidney diseases.Merger PlanThrough this transaction, Novartis gains access to the company’s lead project, atrasentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist currently in Phase 3 clinical trials intended for the treatment of IgA nephropathy and proteinuric glomerular diseases.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca actively develops a diversified R&D pipeline. In December last year, the company announcedAcquisitionIcosavax Acquires Its Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Platform Technology and Lead Program IVX-A12.This is a potential "first-in-class" VLP combination candidate vaccine targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).AstraZeneca is also making a move in the GLP-1 therapy field.The company reached an agreement with Eccogene in November last year.Exclusive Agreement, with a potential total of $1.825 billion, to acquire the small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist ECC5004 (also known as AZD5004) for the potential treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other comorbidities.In the field of oncology, AstraZeneca's PD-1 and CTLA-4 targeted bispecific antibody volrustomig has also entered phase 3 clinical trials., for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cervical cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), etc.

Pfizer

Pfizer spent approximately $43 billion in March last year.AcquisitionSeagen, Obtain Its Multiple Oncology ADC Drugs, including the one approved by the FDA in December last yearFull ApprovalNectin-4-targeted ADC therapy Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) for first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Additionally,Pfizer is also invested in the development of weight-loss therapies.The results of the Phase 2b clinical trial of Pfizer's oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist danuglipron showed that, in patients with type 2 diabetes, danuglipron significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose levels, and body weight. In patients receiving the highest dose of danuglipron, HbA1c decreased by 1.16 percentage points and body weight was reduced by 4.17 kilograms.

Reference Reading:More Than 8 Potential Blockbuster Therapies! Pfizer's Oncology R&D Pipeline Focuses on 3 Major Treatment Modalities (PDF Download Included)

Eli Lilly

The successful development of Eli Lilly's重磅药物GIP/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist tirzepatide has made it one of the most notable companies in the industry in recent years.In November last year, tirzepatide (brand name: Mounjaro) received another approval from the U.S. FDA for improving blood sugar control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.Approval(Trade name: Zepbound) for weight loss and weight maintenance in obese or overweight adult patients. Eli Lilly's potential blockbuster Alzheimer's treatment, donanemab, is currently under FDA review and is expected to be approved soon. Additionally,Eli Lilly is also actively expanding its pipeline through acquisitions.For example, the company announced in June last year that it had reached an agreement with DICE TherapeuticsAcquisition Agreement, acquiring its DELSCAPE small molecule drug technology platform, as well as its oral IL-17 inhibitors DC-806 and DC-853 for the treatment of immunological chronic diseases such as psoriasis.

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb actively expands its existing pipeline scope. In October last year, the companyAcquisitionMirati Therapeutics, including its KRAS G12C inhibitor Krazati (adagrasib) and several oncology clinical pipelines.Bristol-Myers Squibb reached an agreement with Karuna Therapeutics in December last year.Acquisition Agreement, acquiring its potential "first-in-class" therapy KarXT (xanomeline-trospium). The new drug application for this medication, intended to treat adult schizophrenia, has been accepted by the U.S. FDA. Additionally, the company also reached an agreement with SystImmune in the same month.Research and Development Cooperation AgreementThey will jointly develop a potential "first-in-class" bispecific ADC therapy targeting epidermal growth factor receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (EGFR x HER3), named BL-B01D1, for the treatment of lung cancer, breast cancer, and potentially other types of cancers.

GSK

GSK's Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine has received regulatory approval in the United States, the European Union, and Japan, becoming the first approved RSV vaccine to reach the market.GSK Continues to Actively Expand Its Respiratory Disease Pipeline,The company acquired in April last year through an acquisitionBELLUSAcquired the investigational therapy camlipixant, a highly selective P2X3 antagonist and a potential "best-in-class" treatment currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for first-line treatment of adult patients with refractory chronic cough (RCC). In January this year, GSK further expanded its respiratory disease pipeline through the acquisition of Aiolos Bio, which includes AIO-001, a long-acting anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) monoclonal antibody for the treatment of adult asthma, set to enter Phase 2 clinical trials.In addition, GSK is also actively expanding its presence in the oncology field.In December last year, GSK obtained the rights to HS-20093, a B7-H3-targeted ADC therapy for the treatment of ovarian/endometrial tumors outside of China, through a collaboration with Hansoh Pharma.

AbbVie

In May 2023, the bispecific antibody therapy Epkinly (epcoritamab), jointly developed by AbbVie and Genmab, received approval from the U.S. FDA.Accelerated ApprovalLaunched for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).This is the first bispecific antibody therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with DLBCL.In November last year, AbbVie acquired for a total amount of approximately US$10.1 billion.ImmunoGenCompany, acquiring its folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting ADC therapy Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine). AbbVie's acquisition in the following monthCerevel TherapeuticsTo capture its extensive neuroscience pipeline. Cerevel's pipeline consists of multiple clinical-stage and preclinical candidate drugs, which are being developed to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and mood disorders. This acquisition strengthens AbbVie's position in the neuroscience field.

Sanofi

One of Sanofi's key R&D focuses is further expanding the indications for its blockbuster drug Dupixent.Dupixent has been approved for the treatment of nine different indications. Recently, Dupixent met the primary endpoints in two Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is expected to add a new indication for this blockbuster drug.Besides Dupixent, Sanofi's R&D pipeline includes 12 new molecular entities with blockbuster drug potential.In January this year, Sanofi andInhibrxReach a final acquisition agreement to obtain INBRX-101, a potential "best-in-class" investigational therapy for the treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), further strengthening its R&D deployment in the field of immune-mediated respiratory diseases.

Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences' strategic transformation is gradually taking shape, with an 88% increase in the number of clinical pipelines from 2019 to 2023, and five new drugs launched.Oncology has also become a key component in the company’s pipeline. Trodelvy, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Trop-2, has been approved for the treatment of three different cancer types and is currently involved in over 30 active clinical trials, demonstrating potential for treating a wide range of cancers. Gilead Sciences anticipates updates from at least five Phase 3 clinical trials in 2024. In the oncology sector, there are three Phase 3 clinical trials for Trodelvy, while in the HIV field, a Phase 3 clinical trial for the long-acting HIV drug lenacapavir as post-exposure prophylaxis is ongoing.

Takeda

Fruzaqla (fruquintinib), a drug co-developed by Takeda and its partner Hutchison MediPharma, received approval from the U.S. FDA in November of last year.Approved for Marketing, for the treatment of specific patients with colorectal cancer. Earlier this month, the U.S. FDA approved Eohilia (budesonide oral suspension) for marketing to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in patients aged 11 years and older. The press release noted that this is the first oral therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of EoE, which is expected to address a significant unmet need for patients. In December 2022, Takeda acquired Nimbus' wholly-owned subsidiary.Nimbus Lakshmi, and acquired its Tyrosine Kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor NDI-034858 for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. Takeda stated early last year,The company's 10 late-stage development projects are expected to submit new drug marketing applications or expand indications in the coming years.

Amgen

Amgen's key achievements in 2023 include growth through mergers and acquisitions.HorizonAndChemoCentryxBuild a pipeline in the direction of rare diseases.Moreover, its potential "first-in-class" investigational weight-loss therapy, MariTide (AMG133), is an antibody-peptide conjugate. It links two GLP-1 analogs to specific sites on a monoclonal antibody targeting the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR), activating GLP-1 receptors while inhibiting GIPR. Phase 1 clinical trial results of this therapy showed that obese patients receiving high-dose MariTide treatment for 85 days with just one injection per month experienced a 14.5% reduction in body weight (approximately 26 pounds). Notably,These patients were still able to maintain a 11.2% weight loss after 150 days of discontinuation.

Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk's重磅drug semaglutide was approved by the U.S. FDA for marketing in 2017 and 2021, respectively, for blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes (brand name: Ozempic) and for the treatment of general obesity (brand name: Wegovy). The successful launch of this drug has driven the overall growth of Novo Nordisk. At the recently held Capital Markets Day 2024, the company also stated,Will continue to focus on the development in the fields of diabetes and weight loss.In addition to developing the next generation of insulin and GLP-1 therapies, there will also be a focus on improving the quality of life for these patients and reducing their risk of death from related comorbidities. Besides these two areas,Novo Nordisk will also focus on the development of therapies in the following different fields, including cardiovascular diseases, rare blood disorders, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), rare endocrine disorders, chronic kidney disease, as well as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Reference Reading:Weight Loss Exceeds 13% in 12 Weeks! Latest Results and Development Strategy of Novo Nordisk's Next-Generation Weight Loss Therapy Released

Everyone is watching

▲To learn more about the application of cutting-edge technologies in the biopharmaceutical industry, please long press and scan the QR code above to access "WuXi Live Studio" and watch live discussions and exciting replays on related topics.

References:

[1] The R&D 15: Top pharma players shell out record $153B for research, and M&A is a prime focus for all. Retrieved March 12, 2024 from https://endpts.com/pharma-and-biotechs-top-rd-spenders-in-2023-a-153b-total-with-ma-as-a-focus/

[2] Roche Enters Into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Telavant Including Rights to Novel TL1A Directed Antibody (RVT-3101) for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease From Roivant. Retrieved March 12, 2024 fromhttps://investor.roivant.com/news-releases/news-release-details/roche-enters-definitive-agreement-acquire-telavant-including

[3] Investor Update. Retrieved March 12, 2024 from https://assets.roche.com/f/176343/x/5a5b5d48d1/240201_ir_fy23_en.pdf

[4] GSK enters exclusive license agreement with Hansoh for HS-20093. Retrieved March 12, 2024 fromhttps://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-enters-exclusive-license-agreement-with-hansoh-for-hs-20093/

Disclaimer: The content team of WuXi AppTec focuses on introducing the progress of global biopharmaceutical health research. This article is for the purpose of information exchange only. The views expressed in the article do not represent the position of WuXi AppTec, nor does it imply that WuXi AppTec supports or opposes the views mentioned. This article is not a recommendation for treatment plans. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a正规医院.

Copyright Statement: This article is from the content team of WuXi AppTec. Individuals are welcome to share it on their social media platforms, but unauthorized reproduction by media or institutions in any form to other platforms is strictly prohibited. For authorization to reproduce, please reply with "reprint" on the WeChat Official Account of "WuXi AppTec" to obtain the reprint guidelines.