STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a setback for Eyepoint, a win for Amylyx, and more

Top of the morning to you. Gray skies are hovering over the Pharmalot campus right now, but our spirits remain sunny, nonetheless. Why? We will trot out a bit of insight from the Morning Mayor, who would say “Every new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” To celebrate the notion, we are brewing still more cups of stimulation and inviting you to join us. Our choice today is blueberry cobbler, a summer treat. Meanwhile, here is the latest menu of tidbits. Hope you have a smashing day, and of course, do stay in touch. …

Eyepoint disclosed that patients administered its experimental treatment for a common cause of age-related blindness failed to maintain vision with less frequent injections compared to a standard treatment — meaning a Phase 3 clinical trial had fallen short of its primary goal, STAT says. The setback imperiled plans to seek regulatory approval for the drug, Duravyu, and caused its stock price to plummet. Shares of Ocular Therapeutix, which plans later this year to seek regulatory approval for its competing treatment, rose in reaction. Both companies are developing drugs to maintain vision in people with wet age-related macular degeneration.

Novartis will not pursue reimbursement in Canada for Vanrafia, its newly approved treatment for a rare kidney disease, due to the current “access environment,” CityNews Toronto reports. Drug companies have to follow a complex process that can take years after getting Health Canada approval before making it into pharmacies and medicine cabinets. Data available through the Canada Drug Agency reveals that fewer than 50% of medicines approved by Health Canada proceed to the next stage, limiting its availability through hospitals, and private and public insurance.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…