VIDEO - Life Science Update August 2018

With August behind us, the Investing News Network (INN) takes a look back at what some of the biggest highlights were in the various life science sectors, including clinical trials, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updates and lawsuits.

Bellerophon Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BLPH) announced in early August that its Phase 3 clinical trial for INOvation would be stopped due to futility. This was after an unsuccessful interim analysis from the Data Monitoring Committee (DMC), which found the primary endpoint was insufficient to support the continuation fo the study.

However, this may not be the end for Bellerophon’s program as the company was impressed by positive data in hemodynamics and the safety and tolerability profile of INOpulse. The company will continue to review the full data set from this trial.

In terms of FDA news, the agency approved the expansion of AVITA Medical’s (OTCQX:AVMXY; ASX:AVH) clinical trial for the Recell Autologous Cell Harvesting Device. The expansion will allow a significant increase in testing, which will include more patients and US burn centers for the trial.

The device has the potential to allow medical professionals to use a patient’s cell samples to create a suspension and use it to regenerate wounded skin. The company believes the device could replace the current standard of treatment from skin grafting technology.

Lastly, Bayer (OTCPINK:BAYRY, ETR:BAYN) was ordered to pay a US$289 million settlement in mid-August over Monsanto’s Roundup product, which allegedly linked the company’s pesticide and cancer. Bayer’s share price dipped 17 percent as a result of the announcement.

For more on what happened during the month of August for the life science sectors, watch the video above.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle Lakusta, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.