The Latest
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Deep Dive
Biotech M&A is on the upswing. Track the latest deals here.
Incyte’s $750 million acquisition of Escient Pharmaceuticals is the sixth buyout of a privately-held startup this year and the fourth in the last two months.
Updated April 29, 2024 -
GSK raises forecasts on strong vaccine, HIV drug sales
Sales of the shingles vaccine Shingrix and the RSV shot Arexvy helped fuel quarterly revenue totals that surpassed analyst expectations, though the company warned momentum could slow in the months ahead.
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Astellas adds to ‘off-the-shelf’ cell therapy capabilities with Poseida deal
The partnership follows Astellas’ investment in the biotech last year and adds to its portfolio of donor-derived cellular medicines.
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FDA defends lab test rule, as critics fear industry upheaval
The new policy aims to ensure important diagnostics remain available to patients, but some experts caution the increased regulatory burden could slow access to testing.
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Obesity drugs
Lilly hikes revenue forecast by $2B as GLP-1 drug sales climb
Supply continues to be tight, however, and the company anticipates further sales growth will be limited by how quickly it can add production capacity.
Updated April 30, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Biotech IPOs are the industry’s lifeblood. Track how they’re performing.
Cancer drug startup Lirum Pharmaceuticals set terms for what could be the 11th IPO so far this year. But it would also be one of the smallest, with about $25 million in anticipated proceeds.
Updated April 19, 2024 -
AstraZeneca, Daiichi look to broaden Enhertu use again with new study data
The drug benefited people whose tumors have “ultralow” levels of HER2 protein, a result that could extend its reach in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Enlaza gets JP Morgan, Regeneron backing for covalent biologics
The funds will help the cancer-focused startup Enlaza bring several candidates toward human testing in the next few years, its CEO said.
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Deciphera to sell for $2.4B, adding to upswing in biopharma M&A
For Japan-based Ono Pharmaceutical, buying Deciphera offers a way to build out in cancer research as well as get a stronger foothold in the U.S. and European markets.
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Bristol Myers to cut 6% of workforce, trim drug pipeline
The layoffs will impact some 2,200 employees, the company said, as it repositions ahead of looming patent expirations for top-selling products.
Updated April 25, 2024 -
FDA finalizes lab developed test rule over industry opposition
Risks associated with the tests have increased, requiring greater oversight to protect patients, the agency contends.
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Prime gets FDA green light to begin first trial test of ‘prime editing’
The company will soon start a Phase 1/2 study of its treatment for chronic granulomatous disease, a milestone for the search-and-replace gene editing technology.
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Emerging biotech
Repertoire pivot pays dividends with Bristol Myers deal
The alliance validates the new direction pursued by Repertoire, a startup that cut staff and switched CEOs in 2022 after research on personalized cell therapies disappointed.
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Pfizer hemophilia gene therapy arrives in US to uncertain future
The Food and Drug Administration approval of Beqvez comes as other gene therapies for the bleeding condition struggle to gain traction.
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AbbVie tries to reassure investors on Humira biosimilar threat
Prescription volume erosion is tracking with company forecasts, executives claimed, even as more insurers could exclude the branded drug.
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BioMarin drops drug programs in pipeline cull
The cuts of four pipeline prospects come as BioMarin resets its priorities following the slow launch of its hemophilia gene therapy Roctavian.
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AstraZeneca’s earnings surprise investors as cancer drugs fuel growth
The British drugmaker has bolstered its business with nearly $5 billion in acquisitions as attention turns to its pipeline of experimental medicines.
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Gene editing
Regeneron expands in gene editing with Mammoth deal
“With each passing year, we're more committed to becoming a serious player in the genetic medicine space,” a Regeneron executive said.
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Biogen: Don’t expect any big acquisitions this year
While the company is eager to diversify, CEO Chris Viehbacher said any near-term dealmaking would likely focus on collaborations and early-stage assets.
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Moderna turns to AI to change how its employees work
An expanded partnership with OpenAI is helping Moderna embed custom-built AI chatbots in a wide range of research and business processes.
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Biogen sees ‘encouraging’ trends for postpartum depression drug
First quarter sales of Zurzuvae doubled consensus estimates, though analysts are skeptical whether the better-than-expected launch will continue.
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CureVac to cut costs in restructuring
The mRNA vaccine maker, which has lost most of its value since early 2021, is undergoing an “organizational redesign” that will eliminate 150 positions.
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Emerging biotech
Endeavor pulls in $132M to back cancer, lung disease drugs
Led by the founder of a biotech Celgene acquired for $7 billion, the startup is developing two prospects that originated in the labs of other drugmakers.
Updated April 24, 2024 -
New Alzheimer's drugs
Biogen to invest more in launch of Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi
Growing demand has convinced Biogen that it's worth expanding the sales force around Leqembi by 30%.
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Novartis raises forecasts as top drug sales beat Wall Street estimates
Sales of Entresto and Cosentyx grew faster in the first quarter than analysts anticipated, helping drive the quarterly beat and raise.