Two European pharmaceutical companies, UCB and Merck KGaA, are exploring artificial intelligence in different ways, the first for drug discovery and the second on a fundamental level.

Italy’s Italfarmaco expects top-line data from its pivotal Phase III study of givinostat in Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the middle of next year, as the HDAC inhibitor continues to accrue data from the extension of its Phase II study.

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

Sobi is extending its reach in international markets including Russia and China and expects its late-stage R&D pipeline to drive growth.

Switzerland’s Basilea Pharmaceutica is progressing its lead oncology candidates and a second late-stage US clinical trial of ceftobiprole in difficult-to-treat infections.

Finland’s Orion Corporation is highlighting its prostate cancer and other oncology candidates in its reorganized R&D.