The nerve growth factor inhibitor for osteoarthritis pain is one of the last still in development after safety largely sidetracked the class of drugs.

Deal Snapshot: The nearly $700m deal gives Vertex, already with a major foothold in CRISPR, access to Mammoth’s ultra-compact gene-editing technology in two diseases.

Biocon management signals the potential of its partnered entry with Serum Institute and Adagio Therapeutics into the communicable diseases segment. Continuing large supply opportunities for COVID-19 vaccines and prospects for boosters, alongside the promising profile of the neutralizing antibody being developed by its US-based partner, also bode well.

The companies announced positive Phase III data for the drug in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis and plan to take the results to regulators in 2022.