Why it matters: Tedopi has already shown signs of activity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have exhausted standard treatments, but its clinical benefit remains uncertain. The latest results reinforce the vaccine’s potential without clearly demonstrating that combining it with chemotherapy or another immunotherapy provides additional efficacy.

12 Nigerian agritech startups and agribusinesses can compete for ₦30 million in grants through SMEDAN’s Zero to 100 pitc…

US consumers increasingly prefer dermatologically and scientifically backed formulations over brand-based authority, according to an OnSkin survey. 

🇬🇧 AstraZeneca pulls prostate cancer filing: UK pharma AstraZeneca withdrew its application to expand Truqap (capivasertib) into PTEN-deficient metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Truqap blocks AKT, a protein involved in cancer-cell growth, and is already used in certain breast cancers. The proposed prostate cancer use was particularly notable because the FDA approved it in June after a Phase 3 trial showed that adding Truqap to hormone therapy reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 19%. EMA has confirmed the withdrawal, but a detailed explanation has not yet been published.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) will remove cosmetics companies from its Ultimate Cruelty-Free List if they use bemotrizinol (BEMT). 

Why it matters: The financing brings Nouscom closer to testing whether vaccination can prevent cancer in people with inherited genetic mutations that substantially increase their lifetime risk. Early clinical data show encouraging signals, although the approach has yet to demonstrate a preventive benefit in a controlled trial.

Beauty subscription box service Ipsy has entered the growing wellness category. The company says Ipsy Wellness was built on recognizing that beauty and wellness have converged into one connected routine. 

Why it matters: The results are a setback for Osivax’s ambition to develop a standalone influenza vaccine targeting a conserved viral protein rather than the rapidly changing surface proteins targeted by conventional vaccines. However, the company believes its technology could still improve seasonal flu protection when combined with established vaccines.

Evotec: Joanna Holbrook takes over as CSO. Holbrook will join the management board on Nov. 1, succeeding Cord Dohrmann, who stepped down Sept. 30 by mutual agreement after 16 years in the role. Holbrook joins from Novo Nordisk, where she led research in cardiovascular, renal and hepatic disease as well as in vitro discovery platforms. At Evotec, she will oversee scientific strategy across its discovery and development services and technology platforms. Go deeper.