While full data are not yet available, JNJ-2113 would be the first oral drug against IL-23R, setting up for potential competition against oral TYK2 and IL-17-targeting drugs.

Merck’s latest pneumococcal vaccine and Pfizer’s RSV vaccine notched new BTDs, along with Zambon’s inhaled antibiotic for non-CF bronchiectasis, Acer’s vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome drug and Dizal’s targeted lung cancer candidate.

The company is pushing ahead into Phase III development with the lower dose of an oral drug for ulcerative colitis, even though a Phase II study missed the primary endpoint.

Public Company Edition: Eight drug developers launched initial public offerings in the US that grossed $1.46bn combined during the week of 14 to 18 June as biotechnology stock values increased. Also, C4 Therapeutics led recent follow-on offerings, raising $180.8m.