Reposted by Paul Bonanos
Great news for Halda Therapeutics and for prostate cancer patients! HLD-0915 has great potential to help those with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, who have failed prior therapies. #Halda #prostatecancer
www.jnj.com/media-center...
www.jnj.com/media-center...
Johnson & Johnson set to revolutionize the treatment of cancer with the acquisition of Halda Therapeutics
Acquisition provides highly differentiated clinical-stage treatment for prostate cancer, building on Johnson & Johnson’s nearly two decades of innovation in the disease area Lead asset shows potential...
www.jnj.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Great news for Halda Therapeutics and for prostate cancer patients! HLD-0915 has great potential to help those with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, who have failed prior therapies. #Halda #prostatecancer
www.jnj.com/media-center...
www.jnj.com/media-center...
Biogen is in-licensing Vanqua's C5aR1 program for $70m up front, plus $990m in potential milestones. It's an oral small molecule that complements a mAb in BIIB's pipeline, obtained via its HI-Bio acquisition. Two shots at a pipeline-in-a-product to treat inflammatory diseases.
Biogen Licenses Oral C5aR1 Antagonist from Vanqua Bio to Expand Immunology Portfolio
The oral C5aR1 antagonist is designed to modulate neutrophil-driven inflammation, a central mechanism underlying many inflammatory diseases CAMBRIDGE,...
www.globenewswire.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Biogen is in-licensing Vanqua's C5aR1 program for $70m up front, plus $990m in potential milestones. It's an oral small molecule that complements a mAb in BIIB's pipeline, obtained via its HI-Bio acquisition. Two shots at a pipeline-in-a-product to treat inflammatory diseases.
Ventyx Biosciences' shares are set to double (+100% premarket) following a readout for its CNS-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor in patients with obesity and CV risk factors: www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
My colleague @stephenhansen.bsky.social wrote about the mechanism last year. Story below.
My colleague @stephenhansen.bsky.social wrote about the mechanism last year. Story below.
Treating obesity by quelling inflammation in the brain
Preclinical data suggest NLRP3 could be an important new target for treating obesity. Among the benefits could be oral dosing with fewer side effects than ...
www.biocentury.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Ventyx Biosciences' shares are set to double (+100% premarket) following a readout for its CNS-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor in patients with obesity and CV risk factors: www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
My colleague @stephenhansen.bsky.social wrote about the mechanism last year. Story below.
My colleague @stephenhansen.bsky.social wrote about the mechanism last year. Story below.
A deal with Takeda could prove transformative for China-based Innovent Biologics as the partners seek to co-commercialize a bispecific oncology therapy in the U.S. Two other therapies are part of the deal as well; a $1.2 billion upfront component could turn into $11.4 billion in total payments.
With Takeda deal, Innovent takes giant step toward global innovation
Innovent has long sought to evolve from an oncology leader in China to a global innovator. A deal with Takeda on Wednesday around three products represents...
www.biocentury.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM
A deal with Takeda could prove transformative for China-based Innovent Biologics as the partners seek to co-commercialize a bispecific oncology therapy in the U.S. Two other therapies are part of the deal as well; a $1.2 billion upfront component could turn into $11.4 billion in total payments.
FGF21 agonist M&A:
May 2025: GSK pays $1.2b upfront for Boston Pharma's efimosferin; deal includes $800m in milestones
Sept. 2025: Roche buys 89bio for $2.4b upfront, gaining pegozafermin; $1b CVR
Today: Novo buys Akero for $4.7b upfront, adding efruxifermin; ~$500m CVR
May 2025: GSK pays $1.2b upfront for Boston Pharma's efimosferin; deal includes $800m in milestones
Sept. 2025: Roche buys 89bio for $2.4b upfront, gaining pegozafermin; $1b CVR
Today: Novo buys Akero for $4.7b upfront, adding efruxifermin; ~$500m CVR
Akero Therapeutics to be Acquired by Novo Nordisk for up to $5.2 Billion
Shareholders to Receive $54 Per Share in Cash and CVR of $6 Per Share Advances Akero’s Mission of Bringing Novel Therapies to Patients with High Unmet...
www.globenewswire.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:09 AM
FGF21 agonist M&A:
May 2025: GSK pays $1.2b upfront for Boston Pharma's efimosferin; deal includes $800m in milestones
Sept. 2025: Roche buys 89bio for $2.4b upfront, gaining pegozafermin; $1b CVR
Today: Novo buys Akero for $4.7b upfront, adding efruxifermin; ~$500m CVR
May 2025: GSK pays $1.2b upfront for Boston Pharma's efimosferin; deal includes $800m in milestones
Sept. 2025: Roche buys 89bio for $2.4b upfront, gaining pegozafermin; $1b CVR
Today: Novo buys Akero for $4.7b upfront, adding efruxifermin; ~$500m CVR
Months after RFK Jr and Marty Makary pushed Peter Marks out of FDA, the former CBER director has taken an SVP role at Lilly. @steveusdin.bsky.social has the scoop in @biocentury.bsky.social.
Former CBER Director Marks joins Lilly
Peter Marks has joined Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) as SVP for molecule discovery and head of infectious diseases, marking his return to industry after ne...
www.biocentury.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Months after RFK Jr and Marty Makary pushed Peter Marks out of FDA, the former CBER director has taken an SVP role at Lilly. @steveusdin.bsky.social has the scoop in @biocentury.bsky.social.
TCG X's Chen Yu has reasons to be optimistic during a difficult cycle for biotech investors. I spoke with him about the firm's newly disclosed $1.3 billion third fund, its largest yet. Story: www.biocentury.com/article/6571...
Seeing opportunities among headwinds, TCG X closes $1.3B third fund
Despite headwinds facing the biotech industry, TCG Crossover’s Chen Yu believes the firm will deploy its new $1.3 billion fund during “a...
www.biocentury.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
TCG X's Chen Yu has reasons to be optimistic during a difficult cycle for biotech investors. I spoke with him about the firm's newly disclosed $1.3 billion third fund, its largest yet. Story: www.biocentury.com/article/6571...
Lazard's annual biopharma survey is out this morning. I spoke with the firm's David Gluckman about the risks and challenges the industry faces -- and some reasons to be optimistic. Story (no paywall): www.biocentury.com/article/6570...
Lazard survey: Large caps could consolidate as biopharmas face variety of pressures
Executives and investors surveyed by Lazard increasingly believe consolidation among large-cap biopharmas is likely, while industry leaders see U.S. admini...
www.biocentury.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Lazard's annual biopharma survey is out this morning. I spoke with the firm's David Gluckman about the risks and challenges the industry faces -- and some reasons to be optimistic. Story (no paywall): www.biocentury.com/article/6570...
Our story in @biocentury.bsky.social, by @steveusdin.bsky.social.
Vinay Prasad, a former adult oncologist, has moved to disrupt the childhood vaccine schedule by asserting - against all evidence - that administering multiple vaccines at the same time “could blunt their efficacy.” The added burden/delay of separating shots would sharply reduce US vaccination rates.
FDA quietly positions itself to disrupt childhood vaccine schedule
While CDC turmoil grabbed the media spotlight, a quieter but potentially more consequential drama unfolded last week at FDA. The agency has positioned itse...
www.biocentury.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Our story in @biocentury.bsky.social, by @steveusdin.bsky.social.
I spoke with @jmaraganore.bsky.social and Clive Meanwell about their new company, Corsera Health. They're seeking to apply the disease interception model to CV health -- identifying risk at an early age and stopping disease from developing in at-risk people. My story:
Corsera: Maraganore, Meanwell bring the disease interception model to CV risk
Rooted in the belief that some cases of cardiovascular disease can be forestalled by identifying risk at an early age, a start-up led by biotech veterans J...
www.biocentury.com
September 2, 2025 at 11:23 AM
I spoke with @jmaraganore.bsky.social and Clive Meanwell about their new company, Corsera Health. They're seeking to apply the disease interception model to CV health -- identifying risk at an early age and stopping disease from developing in at-risk people. My story:
What to make of FDA's about-face on Stealth BioTherapeutics' therapy for Barth syndrome? Denied CRL appeal, then signaled it would conduct an unusually quick review -- with a decision due just five weeks after resubmission. Pressure from patient advocates seems to be a factor. Story:
FDA’s about-face on Stealth a positive sign for rare disease therapies?
Following FDA’s denial of a request to reconsider a complete response letter, the agency is now promising an unusually quick review for St...
www.biocentury.com
August 22, 2025 at 11:36 AM
What to make of FDA's about-face on Stealth BioTherapeutics' therapy for Barth syndrome? Denied CRL appeal, then signaled it would conduct an unusually quick review -- with a decision due just five weeks after resubmission. Pressure from patient advocates seems to be a factor. Story:
FDA granted full approval to a treatment for a rare disease based on a single-arm study of 35 evaluable patients, even though its sponsor was seeking accelerated approval. No confirmatory trial needed. And this, from CBER director Vinay Prasad, seems like a signal: www.fda.gov/news-events/...
August 15, 2025 at 12:20 PM
FDA granted full approval to a treatment for a rare disease based on a single-arm study of 35 evaluable patients, even though its sponsor was seeking accelerated approval. No confirmatory trial needed. And this, from CBER director Vinay Prasad, seems like a signal: www.fda.gov/news-events/...
VC-backed Expedition Therapeutics, set up to in-license assets from China and develop them in the West, has struck a deal with Fosun for a clinical DPP-1 inhibitor to treat inflammatory and respiratory indications. $17m up front, $628m in milestones. Read about it in BioCentury's Deals Report 👇
Expedition picks Fosun therapy for first China in-licensing agreement: Deals Report
A start-up hunting for in-licensing opportunities in China has closed its first deal, gaining most global rights to a program from Fosun.Backed by Venrock,...
www.biocentury.com
August 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
VC-backed Expedition Therapeutics, set up to in-license assets from China and develop them in the West, has struck a deal with Fosun for a clinical DPP-1 inhibitor to treat inflammatory and respiratory indications. $17m up front, $628m in milestones. Read about it in BioCentury's Deals Report 👇
ICYMI (overnight in many geographies) -- Sanofi is paying $1.15b up front to acquire venture-backed vaccine company Vicebio. Early clinical data were the deal's trigger, chairman Giovanni Mariggi of founding investor Medicxi tells me. Story: www.biocentury.com/article/6565...
First clinical evidence spurs Sanofi’s takeout of Vicebio for $1.15B up front
Early data emerging from a clinical study of the first product derived from Vicebio’s vaccine platform have spurred Sanofi’s decision to acqu...
www.biocentury.com
July 22, 2025 at 11:31 AM
ICYMI (overnight in many geographies) -- Sanofi is paying $1.15b up front to acquire venture-backed vaccine company Vicebio. Early clinical data were the deal's trigger, chairman Giovanni Mariggi of founding investor Medicxi tells me. Story: www.biocentury.com/article/6565...
Good morning #biosky! Merck/MSD is paying $10b to acquire Verona Pharma, obtaining an approved PDE3/PDE4 dual inhibitor for COPD. $107/share price is a 23% premium over Tuesday's close. www.merck.com/news/merck-t...
Merck to Acquire Verona Pharma, Expanding its Portfolio to Include Ohtuvayre® (ensifentrine), a First-In-Class COPD Maintenance Treatment for Adults and Expected to Drive Growth into the Next Decade -...
Acquisition aligns with Merck’s science-led business development strategy and expands pipeline and portfolio of treatments for cardio-pulmonary diseases Merck to hold investor call at 8 a.m. ET today ...
www.merck.com
July 9, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Good morning #biosky! Merck/MSD is paying $10b to acquire Verona Pharma, obtaining an approved PDE3/PDE4 dual inhibitor for COPD. $107/share price is a 23% premium over Tuesday's close. www.merck.com/news/merck-t...
Reposted by Paul Bonanos
READ THE COMPLAINT: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
July 7, 2025 at 4:44 PM
READ THE COMPLAINT: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
SpliceBio's new round is the largest ever -- by a lot -- for a Spain-based biotech, according to BioCentury's BCIQ database.
We've been watching the life sciences ecosystem grow in Spain for some time, and early SpliceBio investor Ysios has been a major driver: www.biocentury.com/article/6410...
We've been watching the life sciences ecosystem grow in Spain for some time, and early SpliceBio investor Ysios has been a major driver: www.biocentury.com/article/6410...
Big funding round for AAV gene therapy company targeing Stargardt disease #biotech www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/sano...
Sanofi-backed SpliceBio secures $135M series B for eye disease gene therapy trials
Spain’s SpliceBio will use $135 million from a series B round backed by Sanofi and Roche to advance its lead gene editing therapy for Stargardt disease through clinical studies. | Spain’s SpliceBio wi...
www.fiercebiotech.com
June 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
SpliceBio's new round is the largest ever -- by a lot -- for a Spain-based biotech, according to BioCentury's BCIQ database.
We've been watching the life sciences ecosystem grow in Spain for some time, and early SpliceBio investor Ysios has been a major driver: www.biocentury.com/article/6410...
We've been watching the life sciences ecosystem grow in Spain for some time, and early SpliceBio investor Ysios has been a major driver: www.biocentury.com/article/6410...
Intellia NTLA is -28% just after the morning bell. The biotech disclosed a case of liver toxicity in its Phase 3 amyloidosis study, here in an 8-K and apparently on a private call with analysts last evening: www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Arch...
May 29, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Intellia NTLA is -28% just after the morning bell. The biotech disclosed a case of liver toxicity in its Phase 3 amyloidosis study, here in an 8-K and apparently on a private call with analysts last evening: www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Arch...
Here's a $60m series A for Vima, a newly launched company "with a singular focus: to change the lives of patients with dystonia." That's from co-founder/chairman David Grayzel of Atlas Venture, which led the round. Release here, management team in screenshot:
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
May 29, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Here's a $60m series A for Vima, a newly launched company "with a singular focus: to change the lives of patients with dystonia." That's from co-founder/chairman David Grayzel of Atlas Venture, which led the round. Release here, management team in screenshot:
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
We had noted the slowdown in follow-on activity amid high volatility this year, with no substantial NASDAQ offerings at all by biotechs during April. The overnight offering from Taysha ($200m last evening), looks like the biggest by a biotech since March. Story: www.biocentury.com/article/6558...
No follow-ons in April as drought crosses five-week threshold: Finance Report
For the first time in at least six years, public life sciences companies disclosed zero follow-on fundings of $25 million or more in a calendar month,...
www.biocentury.com
May 29, 2025 at 1:28 PM
We had noted the slowdown in follow-on activity amid high volatility this year, with no substantial NASDAQ offerings at all by biotechs during April. The overnight offering from Taysha ($200m last evening), looks like the biggest by a biotech since March. Story: www.biocentury.com/article/6558...
RBL, the venture studio formed last year with ties to Rice University and KdT Ventures, has just introduced its first biotech spinout. Sentinel BioTherapeutics will present Phase I data at ASCO for its IL-2 program for immuno-oncology. Our October story on RBL: www.biocentury.com/article/6539...
Why Rice is launching a venture studio in Houston’s emerging biotech ecosystem
The founders of Rice University’s new venture studio believe they can incubate and launch multiple new biotechs each year, capitalizing on a maturi...
www.biocentury.com
May 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
RBL, the venture studio formed last year with ties to Rice University and KdT Ventures, has just introduced its first biotech spinout. Sentinel BioTherapeutics will present Phase I data at ASCO for its IL-2 program for immuno-oncology. Our October story on RBL: www.biocentury.com/article/6539...
A patient has passed away in Rocket Pharma’s Phase II study of its gene therapy for Danon disease. The study is under clinical hold and Rocket is evaluating next steps. ir.rocketpharma.com/news-release...
May 27, 2025 at 12:22 PM
A patient has passed away in Rocket Pharma’s Phase II study of its gene therapy for Danon disease. The study is under clinical hold and Rocket is evaluating next steps. ir.rocketpharma.com/news-release...
Good morning #biosky! Today Biogen is paying City Therapeutics $46m up front, including a $30m equity investment, to develop RNAi medicines, starting with a CNS target. $1b biobucks + royalties. Release: www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
Biogen and City Therapeutics Announce Strategic Research Collaboration to Develop Select Novel RNAi-based Therapies
Collaboration leverages City Therapeutics’ next-generation RNAi engineering technologies and Biogen’s extensive drug development expertise...
www.globenewswire.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Good morning #biosky! Today Biogen is paying City Therapeutics $46m up front, including a $30m equity investment, to develop RNAi medicines, starting with a CNS target. $1b biobucks + royalties. Release: www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
Reposted by Paul Bonanos
That giant sucking sound you hear is 80 years of US investment in soft power going down the drain
China to donate $500 million to WHO, stepping into gap left by U.S.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
China to donate $500 million to WHO, stepping into gap left by U.S.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
China to donate $500 million to WHO, stepping into gap left by U.S.
Beijing will replace the United States as the organization’s top state donor, expanding its influence as the U.S. retreats from international cooperation.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 21, 2025 at 2:39 PM
That giant sucking sound you hear is 80 years of US investment in soft power going down the drain
China to donate $500 million to WHO, stepping into gap left by U.S.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
China to donate $500 million to WHO, stepping into gap left by U.S.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
BioMarin is buying Inozyme for $4/share, or $270m; it's a 182% premium over Thursday's close of $1.42. Data are due in early 2026 from a Phase III study of $INZY's enzyme replacement therapy for ENPP1 deficiency. Release:
BioMarin Strengthens Enzyme Therapy Business with Acquisition of Inozyme Pharma
Acquisition is Strong Strategic Fit for BioMarin, Adding INZ-701, a Phase 3 Enzyme Replacement Therapy Being Developed for Treatment of ENPP1 Deficiency First Pivotal Data Readout in Children Expected...
investors.biomarin.com
May 16, 2025 at 11:41 AM
BioMarin is buying Inozyme for $4/share, or $270m; it's a 182% premium over Thursday's close of $1.42. Data are due in early 2026 from a Phase III study of $INZY's enzyme replacement therapy for ENPP1 deficiency. Release: