Sirius has joined the race to develop China’s first homegrown RNAi therapy and is backing its assets’ potential in chronic cardiovascular disorders, including possible once-yearly dosing, the venture’s CEO tells Scrip in an interview.

Sintbilo (tafolecimab) is the first among four late-stage domestically developed PCSK9 Inhibitors to win the nod from China’s drug regulator. Despite lack of public reimbursement coverage, the drug could potentially unseat same-class rivals from Amgen and Sanofi/Regeneron.

CEO Shawn Singh discusses path forward for fasedienol (PH94B) using the classic LSAS primary endpoint in next clinical trial. Pherine nasal spray candidate failed to meet the primary endpoint (the patient-reported SUDS) in its first pivotal Phase III study, whose design was constrained by the Covid pandemic.

Mersana signs its third ADC partnership with big pharmas for the year with Merck agreement. Lilly expands its RNA editing partnership with ProQR, which now has the potential to earn an additional $2.5bn. Novartis continues its divestment efforts in deals with Harrow, Erasca.