Adam Feuerstein, a seasoned writer and biotech columnist, dives into the world of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He wears many hats as a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and the author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. For those looking to connect with Adam, you can find him on Signal at stataf.54. The following story was initially featured in Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a newsletter exclusive to subscribers. STAT+ members can easily sign up to receive it directly in their inbox.
Summit Therapeutics is gearing up for a data showdown between China and the U.S., and let me tell you, it’s going to be a big one. The highly anticipated unveiling of the first clinical data from Summit Therapeutics and their PD-1-VEGF antibody ivonescimab, extracted from lung cancer patients in the U.S. and other Western nations, is on the horizon.
Valued at a whopping $17 billion, Summit stands as the most valuable development-stage biotech company in the U.S., despite the absence of their own clinical data. It’s a bit peculiar, isn’t it? But ivonescimab is no ordinary drug. Originating from the Chinese drugmaker Akeso, all the data available so far, which hints at the possibility of surpassing Merck’s Keytruda in the cancer immunotherapy realm, stems from studies conducted by Akeso in China.
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As the data faceoff between Summit Therapeutics and its groundbreaking ivonescimab unfolds, the biotech world is buzzing with excitement. With Summit’s impressive valuation and the unique origins of ivonescimab, all eyes are on this upcoming announcement. The impact of these clinical findings could potentially reshape the landscape of cancer immunotherapy, challenging the current heavyweight, Merck’s Keytruda.
While the specifics of the data showdown are yet to be revealed, the anticipation is palpable. The notion of a drug developed in China potentially rivaling a stalwart like Keytruda adds an intriguing layer to this narrative. The implications of this faceoff extend far beyond the realms of biotech, sparking curiosity and speculation among industry insiders and investors alike.
So, what will the data reveal? Will ivonescimab live up to the hype generated by its Chinese studies? Only time will tell. Stay tuned as Summit Therapeutics prepares to unveil its findings, setting the stage for a monumental clash between East and West in the realm of biotechnology.
