Astellas Pharma filed an application in Japan for fezolinetant, a treatment for menopause-related VMS. Chugai Pharmaceutical entered into a master research collaboration agreement with UCSF, while Ono Pharmaceutical announced a drug discovery partnership with Mediar Therapeutics focused on antibody discovery. MSD filed to expand Enflonsia's indication to infants entering their second RSV season. Stella Pharma began the process of adding a new contract manufacturing site for its BNCT formulation.
On 7 August, Astellas Pharma filed an application in Japan for fezolinetant, a treatment for menopause-related vasomotor symptoms (VMS). The drug, approved in 48 countries outside Japan under the brand name Veoza, could become Japan's first non-hormonal treatment option for the condition. The application is based on data including those from a Phase 3 clinical trial in Japanese women.
Chugai Pharmaceutical entered into a master research collaboration agreement with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to advance drug discovery research. The parties will work together to elucidate disease biology, identify novel drug discovery targets and conduct early-stage research, launching projects spanning multiple years.
Ono Pharmaceutical entered into a partnership and option agreement with US-based Mediar Therapeutics for antibody discovery targeting fibrotic inflammatory diseases. The companies will combine their expertise in antibody discovery and knowledge of fibrosis biology to jointly identify and create drug candidates. Ono will hold options on exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the candidates.
MSD filed an application to expand Enflonsia's (clesrovimab) indication to include prevention in infants entering their second RSV season after birth. The application is based on results from clinical trials evaluating the drug's safety and efficacy.
Stella Pharma filed a partial-change application to add a contract manufacturing site for Steboronin, a boron formulation for BNCT. Following management problems at its primary contract manufacturer, the company entered into a new agreement in October 2025 and is expected to seek approval for the partial change in early 2027.