Even with the ever-changing situation, technological innovation is still the most critical component for biopharmaceutical companies' long-term development. This continuous innovation keeps companies up to date and promotes the evolution of R&D and the success of commercialization. Recently, Viva's portfolio companies have new updates. Keep reading for more details.

Phenomic Enters Strategic Collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to Discover Novel Targets for Stroma-Rich Cancer Therapies, and Enters into Strategic Research Collaboration with Astellas for Solid Tumor Cell Therapies

TORONTO & WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Nov. 29th, Phenomic AI (“Phenomic”), invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), announced that they have entered into a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim to discover targets important in stroma-rich cancers. The partners will leverage Phenomic’s expertise in target identification and stromal biology based on its scTx® single-cell transcriptomics platform which will greatly enhance Boehringer’s efforts to develop first-in-class medicines to transform the lives of people with cancer by delivering meaningful advances with the ultimate goal to cure a range of cancers. Phenomic will receive upfront and near-term payments of approximately $9 million including research funding and collaboration milestones. Phenomic is also eligible to receive more than USD $500 million in licensing fees as well as clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones in addition to royalties on future product sales.

On Nov. 30th, Phenomic has entered into a strategic research collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc., “Astellas” through Xyphos Biosciences, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Astellas). For this collaboration, Phenomic and Astellas will explore the ability of antibodies, developed by Phenomic and directed at a novel target of the tumor stroma identified with Phenomic’s scTx platform, to enhance cell therapy approaches for the treatment of solid tumors. Under the terms of the agreement, Phenomic will receive an upfront payment, full research funding, and a milestone payment. Astellas will receive a first right to negotiate a license to these antibodies during the term of the agreement.

AmacaThera Closes Series A Extension to Advance Clinical Development of Long Acting, Localized, Non-Opioid Therapeutics to Improve Post-Surgery Patient Care

Toronto, ON — AmacaThera, invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a leader in the development of novel injectable, localized therapeutics based upon its AmacaGel delivery platform. Recently they announced the closing of a CAD$4.0 million financing round, with a new lead investor, supported by existing investors; BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Venture Fund, Inveready, Lumira Ventures, StandUp Ventures, and MaRS IAF. The proceeds will be used to accelerate the clinical development of the lead clinical candidate, AMT-143, and also to advance multiple pipeline programs targeting the local, injectable, sustained release market.

The Phase II clinical trial application of VVN461 for the treatment of postoperative inflammation in cataract was approved by the U.S. FDA

Recently, VivaVision, an innovative ophthalmic drug company, which is invested and incubated by Viva bioInnovator (VBI), announced that the FDA approved the Phase II clinical trial application (IND) of VVN461, the company's self-developed drug, for the treatment of postoperative inflammation after cataract. VVN461 is a potent JAK1 immunomodulator independently developed by VivaVision, and there is increasing evidence showing that the JAK-STAT signaling pathway is essential for inflammation and immune response. VVN461 can inhibit multiple inflammatory cytokine pathways with high activity to treat postoperative inflammation of cataracts. The results of human pharmacokinetic studies showed that VVN461 ophthalmic solution had low exposure in plasma, indicating that VVN461 ophthalmic solution had a high safety profile due to low systemic toxicity while exerting local anti-inflammatory effects.

Genhouse Bio’s SHP2 Inhibitor GH21 Combined with EGFR Inhibitor Osimertinib Approved for Clinical Trial

On November 20, 2023, in Suzhou, China – VBI portfolio company Genhouse Bio announced that its novel protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 allosteric inhibitor GH21, in combination with the orally administered epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib, has received NMPA approval for clinical trial in China. Genhouse Bio is dedicated to developing the next generation of global anti-tumor small molecule drugs using a combination technology platform. Based on in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical studies, GH21, when used as a monotherapy and/or in combination with other anti-tumor drugs, is effective against various solid tumors with EGFR mutations. Currently, GH21 is undergoing Phase I/II clinical trials in both China and the United States, with the clinical trials in the U.S. led by strategic partner HuYa Bio-International. GH21 has demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetics and safety profiles, and has shown efficacy even at low doses.

Arthrosi to Present Positive Phase 2 Data for its Novel Selective Urat1 Inhibitor AR882 in Patients with Tophaceous Gout at ACR Convergence 2023

Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc. (Arthrosi), invested and incubated by Viva BioInnovator (VBI), is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. Recently, they announced new clinical data from its phase 2 AR882-203 study in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2023 meeting, the world's largest and most prestigious rheumatology conference, including a presentation, named “AR882, an Efficacious and Selective URAT1 Inhibitor for Patients with Chronic Gouty Arthritis and Subcutaneous Tophi: Results from a Global, Prospective, Proof-of-Concept Trial Using Dual Energy Computed Tomography” and three additional posters.

In the forthcoming late-breaking oral presentation, Dr. Robert Keenan MD, MPH, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of Arthrosi, will unveil compelling new clinical findings from the phase 2 trial. The data showcases the strong efficacy of AR882, demonstrating significant reduction of tophi, crystal burden, flare rates, in addition to lowering sUA among patients suffering from tophaceous gout.

About Phenomic AI

Phenomic AI (“Phenomic”) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to overcoming the tumor stroma, a complex barrier that drives poor outcomes in the majority of solid tumors. The company is applying its proprietary single-cell transcriptomics platform, known as scTx®, to advance a first-of-its-kind approach to solid cancer drug discovery and development. scTx identifies novel drug targets and provides new insights into previously inaccessible tumor biology. Through its unique platform, Phenomic is developing a robust portfolio of potential first-in-class drug candidates to treat challenging stroma-rich solid cancers. The company was founded by pioneering artificial intelligence experts and experienced drug developers and is led by a world-class team with deep expertise in immuno-oncology, cancer, stromal biology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Learn more about the Phenomic team, platform and pipeline at www.phenomic.ai.

About AmacaThera

AmacaThera Inc., a resident company of Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS @ Toronto is a clinical-stage company transforming therapeutics to make a difference in patient health. AmacaGel, our unique, injectable hydrogel platform, provides localized sustained drug delivery for improved patient outcomes across multiple therapeutic areas, including post-surgical pain management, cancer and other hard-to-reach, unmet medical needs. For more information, visit www.amacathera.ca.

About VivaVision Biotech

VivaVision is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on best-in-class and first-in-class therapies for ocular diseases. VivaVision's current pipeline includes VVN001 for treating dry eye syndrome, VVN539 for the treatment for Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension, and VVN461 for the treatment of non-infectious ocular inflammation of Uveitis. VivaVision is also engaged in discovery and development of novel therapies for the treatment of other anterior and posterior eye diseases. For more info., visit www.vivavisionbio.com.

About Genhouse Bio

Genhouse Bio is a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on the development of global next-generation anti-cancer therapeutics, headquartered in the Suzhou Industry Park . The senior management team of Genhouse has multiple years of experience in new drug development, clinical research and corporate management. Genhouse has a clear focus on original innovation and overcoming those “undruggable” targets. Genhouse has established intergrated in-house drug development platforms. With these platforms, Genhouse has started to build a highly innovative anti-cancer pipeline and out-licensed the ex-China rights of its SHP2 inhibitor GH21 to HUYABIO , an international biotech company. Genhouse will continue to advance more innovative pipeline programs into global development.

About Arthrosi

Arthrosi Therapeutics, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, was established in 2018. The company's goal is to develop potential treatments aimed at uric acid levels and minimizing joint damage for gout patients. Arthrosi's research and development have produced end of phase 2b data. For more information about Arthrosi, please visit www.arthrosi.com.