Dec. 21-23 Quick Takes: readouts for Genentech, Rhythm, ChemoCentryx and BMS

Genentech’s faricimab meets in Phase III diabetic macular edema trials
The Genentech Inc. unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) said faricimab met its primary endpoint of non-inferior visual acuity gains versus aflibercept in the global Phase III YOSEMITE and RHINE trials to treat diabetic macular edema. Detailed data on the bispecific mAb against VEGF-A and ANG2 will be presented at the Angiogenesis, Exudation and Degeneration 2021 meeting in February. 

Rhythm’s MC4F agonist meets in Phase III for rare obesity condition
Imcivree setmelanotide from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) met the primary and secondary endpoints in a pivotal Phase III trial to treat insatiable hunger and severe obesity in 31 evaluable patients with either Bardet-Biedl or Alström syndrome. Eleven of 31 (34.5%) participants achieved at least a 10% reduction in body weight from baseline to ~52 weeks (p=0.0024), the primary endpoint. All of the 11 were Bardet-Biedl patients. Secondary endpoints were mean reduction in body weight and hunger rating. The study found no treatment-related serious adverse events; there were eight discontinuations. Imcivree is an agonist of the MC4R, a melanocortin receptor. ...