Kyle LaHucik
@kylelahucik.bsky.social
reporting on the $, people & startups in the biotech world for Endpoints News | klahucik@endpointsnews.com | also coach high school XC + Track & Field team | askin Qs, joggin 26.2 | 🌎🏳️🌈🏃🏻♂️🗞️💨
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com looks at the heartbreaking, harmful gutting of LGBTQ health-related research, which our analysis found was acutely targeted in the massive NIH cuts.
April 10, 2025 at 2:51 PM
My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com looks at the heartbreaking, harmful gutting of LGBTQ health-related research, which our analysis found was acutely targeted in the massive NIH cuts.
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
NEW: Google’s bet on AI in drug discovery just got a lot bigger.
My latest with @kylelahucik.bsky.social on Isomorphic's $600 million round — the largest in biotech so far in 2025:
endpts.com/isomorphic-l...
My latest with @kylelahucik.bsky.social on Isomorphic's $600 million round — the largest in biotech so far in 2025:
endpts.com/isomorphic-l...
Alphabet’s Isomorphic Labs raises $600M in biotech’s largest round of 2025
Isomorphic Labs, one of the leading AI-driven drug discovery companies within Alphabet, has reeled in $600 million in external financing as it nears the clinic.
endpts.com
March 31, 2025 at 2:54 PM
NEW: Google’s bet on AI in drug discovery just got a lot bigger.
My latest with @kylelahucik.bsky.social on Isomorphic's $600 million round — the largest in biotech so far in 2025:
endpts.com/isomorphic-l...
My latest with @kylelahucik.bsky.social on Isomorphic's $600 million round — the largest in biotech so far in 2025:
endpts.com/isomorphic-l...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
New: Peter Marks' ouster at the FDA has rattled biotech stocks and comes as the market was already wobbly. w/@drewsnews.bsky.social and @kylelahucik.bsky.social
endpts.com/biotech-mark...
endpts.com/biotech-mark...
Marks’ exit at FDA rattles an already teetering biotech industry
FDA biologics chief Peter Marks resigns over vaccine dispute with HHS Secretary RFK Jr., causing biotech stocks to drop. Moderna down 11%, Sarepta down 7.5%, uniQure down 20%.
endpts.com
March 31, 2025 at 3:54 PM
New: Peter Marks' ouster at the FDA has rattled biotech stocks and comes as the market was already wobbly. w/@drewsnews.bsky.social and @kylelahucik.bsky.social
endpts.com/biotech-mark...
endpts.com/biotech-mark...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
NEW: The NIH has begun terminating grants for active projects studying gender identity, DEI, environmental justice, climate change, among other topics.
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Exclusive: NIH to terminate hundreds of active research grants
Studies that touch on LGBT+ health, gender identity and DEI in the biomedical workforce could be terminated, according to documents obtained by Nature.
www.nature.com
March 6, 2025 at 2:17 AM
NEW: The NIH has begun terminating grants for active projects studying gender identity, DEI, environmental justice, climate change, among other topics.
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
At least 16 termination letters have already been sent — and hundreds more are coming, people inside NIH tell me.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
Kudos to the @endpts.com team for not running away from this issue like everyone else.
🏳️🌈 It's time to celebrate and recognize the trailblazers in biopharma. We're now accepting nominations for our annual LGBTQ+ Leaders report, let's honor those who are paving the way for inclusivity and innovation. #LGBTQinBiopharma
endpts.com/endpoints-lg...
endpts.com/endpoints-lg...
Who’s leading LGBTQ+ inclusion in biopharma? Nominate them for Endpoints’ annual report
For the fourth year running, Endpoints News will highlight the biotech leaders who are paving the way for the LGBTQ+ community. Nominations are now open via this form for the 2025 LGBTQ+ Leaders in Bi...
endpts.com
February 27, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Kudos to the @endpts.com team for not running away from this issue like everyone else.
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
Scoop with @kylelahucik.bsky.social and @andrewedunn.bsky.social: Bay Area biotech VC Bioluminescence Ventures is closing 15 months after launching with almost $500M across two funds. endpts.com/bay-area-bio...
Bay Area biotech VC to shut down 15 months after launch, sources say
The life science investment firm Bioluminescence Ventures will close its doors less than two years after its founding, despite raising nearly half a billion dollars to put into new companies, Endpoint...
endpts.com
February 7, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Scoop with @kylelahucik.bsky.social and @andrewedunn.bsky.social: Bay Area biotech VC Bioluminescence Ventures is closing 15 months after launching with almost $500M across two funds. endpts.com/bay-area-bio...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
The PEPFAR program, which distributes HIV drugs, is estimated to have saved 25 million lives. The Trump administration has stopped it and taken its computer system offline, raising fears the program is done for good. Story by @apoorvanyt.bsky.social [Gift link] nyti.ms/4aCJHSx 2/12
Trump Administration Halts H.I.V. Drug Distribution in Poor Countries (Gift Article)
PEPFAR’s computer systems also are being taken offline, a sign that the program may not return, as Republican critics had hoped.
nyti.ms
January 28, 2025 at 3:58 AM
The PEPFAR program, which distributes HIV drugs, is estimated to have saved 25 million lives. The Trump administration has stopped it and taken its computer system offline, raising fears the program is done for good. Story by @apoorvanyt.bsky.social [Gift link] nyti.ms/4aCJHSx 2/12
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
A pre-JPM Friday firehose of news:
Four biotechs emerge with $800M: endpts.com/four-biotech...
Former top Moderna scientist's new startup: endpts.com/modernas-for...
Obesity drug startup Metsera files IPO: endpts.com/obesity-drug...
Biogen offers to buy partner Sage: endpts.com/biogen-offer...
Four biotechs emerge with $800M: endpts.com/four-biotech...
Former top Moderna scientist's new startup: endpts.com/modernas-for...
Obesity drug startup Metsera files IPO: endpts.com/obesity-drug...
Biogen offers to buy partner Sage: endpts.com/biogen-offer...
Biogen offers to buy out struggling neuro partner Sage Therapeutics
Biogen has made an offer to acquire its partner Sage Therapeutics, according to a Friday evening regulatory disclosure, following months of setbacks by the smaller company that have led to a long slid...
endpts.com
January 11, 2025 at 12:15 AM
A pre-JPM Friday firehose of news:
Four biotechs emerge with $800M: endpts.com/four-biotech...
Former top Moderna scientist's new startup: endpts.com/modernas-for...
Obesity drug startup Metsera files IPO: endpts.com/obesity-drug...
Biogen offers to buy partner Sage: endpts.com/biogen-offer...
Four biotechs emerge with $800M: endpts.com/four-biotech...
Former top Moderna scientist's new startup: endpts.com/modernas-for...
Obesity drug startup Metsera files IPO: endpts.com/obesity-drug...
Biogen offers to buy partner Sage: endpts.com/biogen-offer...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
The head of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research will be stepping down ahead of Trump's return
A huge White Oak scoop from @zacharybrennan.bsky.social
endpts.com/cder-directo...
A huge White Oak scoop from @zacharybrennan.bsky.social
endpts.com/cder-directo...
CDER Director Patrizia Cavazzoni to step down ahead of Trump presidency
Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, will step down, the agency confirmed Friday. An email was sent to employees announcing the departure.
endpts.com
January 10, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The head of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research will be stepping down ahead of Trump's return
A huge White Oak scoop from @zacharybrennan.bsky.social
endpts.com/cder-directo...
A huge White Oak scoop from @zacharybrennan.bsky.social
endpts.com/cder-directo...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
AbbVie wrote off $3.5 billion on the schizophrenia treatment from its Cerevel buyout, after the drug failed two Phase 2 studies. The drug was expected to be a major competitor with Bristol Myers' Cobenfy
endpts.com/abbvie-write...
endpts.com/abbvie-write...
AbbVie writes off $3.5B on Cerevel drug after Phase 2 failures
AbbVie is taking a major loss in the wake of its Cerevel buyout. AbbVie said it will write off $3.5 billion following two mid-stage failures for emraclidine,
endpts.com
January 10, 2025 at 4:17 PM
AbbVie wrote off $3.5 billion on the schizophrenia treatment from its Cerevel buyout, after the drug failed two Phase 2 studies. The drug was expected to be a major competitor with Bristol Myers' Cobenfy
endpts.com/abbvie-write...
endpts.com/abbvie-write...
In the week leading up to #JPM25, eight biotechs raised megarounds for a whopping total of $1.73 billion (likely heavily tranched)
Four disclosed Friday
Verdiva $411M
Kardigan $300M
Aviceda $207M
Tenvie $200M
Windward $200M
Timberlyne $180M
Ouro Medicines $120M
Aspect Biosystems $115M
@endpts.com
Four disclosed Friday
Verdiva $411M
Kardigan $300M
Aviceda $207M
Tenvie $200M
Windward $200M
Timberlyne $180M
Ouro Medicines $120M
Aspect Biosystems $115M
@endpts.com
Four biotechs emerge with $800M and in-licensed assets on Friday
Four biotechs launch with $800M total: Windward Bio, Kardigan, Ouro Medicines & Timberlyne Therapeutics. Three licensed drugs from Chinese firms, while Kardigan has undisclosed cardio assets.
endpts.com
January 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
In the week leading up to #JPM25, eight biotechs raised megarounds for a whopping total of $1.73 billion (likely heavily tranched)
Four disclosed Friday
Verdiva $411M
Kardigan $300M
Aviceda $207M
Tenvie $200M
Windward $200M
Timberlyne $180M
Ouro Medicines $120M
Aspect Biosystems $115M
@endpts.com
Four disclosed Friday
Verdiva $411M
Kardigan $300M
Aviceda $207M
Tenvie $200M
Windward $200M
Timberlyne $180M
Ouro Medicines $120M
Aspect Biosystems $115M
@endpts.com
Would love to hear from more biopharma startup founders, first-time entrepreneurs, early-stage VCs and others in drug development about their thoughts on this. DM me or reach out at klahucik@endpointsnews.com
With apologies to my friends in the investment community - I get why you do it - I'm just so freaking tired of stories like this.
Aiolos team reunites with $411M for new biotech with obesity drugs from China
There's a shopping bonanza for new obesity medicines going on among a marquee cohort of biopharma investors who are in-licensing treatment candidates from Chinese and European drug developers. Joining...
endpts.com
January 9, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Would love to hear from more biopharma startup founders, first-time entrepreneurs, early-stage VCs and others in drug development about their thoughts on this. DM me or reach out at klahucik@endpointsnews.com
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
About 400 incarcerated people are fighting California's wildfires for a few dollars a day in payment. "The conditions in California prisons are so terrible that fighting wildfires is a rational choice,” Matthew Hahn, a former incarcerated firefighter, said. www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
Live updates: At least 5 dead in Los Angeles wildfires; new blaze in Hollywood Hills
The Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills follows other blazes in the L.A. area, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, that have displaced tens of thousands.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 9, 2025 at 1:20 PM
About 400 incarcerated people are fighting California's wildfires for a few dollars a day in payment. "The conditions in California prisons are so terrible that fighting wildfires is a rational choice,” Matthew Hahn, a former incarcerated firefighter, said. www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025...
fascinating read on naming viruses from @jasonmast.bsky.social
“We have this joke,” he said. “When you go to a nice dinner, you shall not discuss sex, politics, religion and taxonomy.”
“We have this joke,” he said. “When you go to a nice dinner, you shall not discuss sex, politics, religion and taxonomy.”
Want to start a fight among virus experts? Ask about HIV’s new name
HIV is now "Lentivirus humimdef1" by another name. Virus researchers are not happy.
www.statnews.com
January 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM
fascinating read on naming viruses from @jasonmast.bsky.social
“We have this joke,” he said. “When you go to a nice dinner, you shall not discuss sex, politics, religion and taxonomy.”
“We have this joke,” he said. “When you go to a nice dinner, you shall not discuss sex, politics, religion and taxonomy.”
Following the likes of Kailera & Metsera last year, a new obesity biotech has emerged with clinical-stage assets. London & San Fran biotech Verdiva begins with $411 million, an oral GLP-1 set for Phase 2 this year and preclinical amylin prospects.
The team mainly derives from GSK-acquired Aiolos
The team mainly derives from GSK-acquired Aiolos
Aiolos team reunites with $411M for new biotech with obesity drugs from China
There's a shopping bonanza for new obesity medicines going on among a marquee cohort of biopharma investors who are in-licensing treatment candidates from Chinese and European drug developers. Joining...
endpts.com
January 9, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Following the likes of Kailera & Metsera last year, a new obesity biotech has emerged with clinical-stage assets. London & San Fran biotech Verdiva begins with $411 million, an oral GLP-1 set for Phase 2 this year and preclinical amylin prospects.
The team mainly derives from GSK-acquired Aiolos
The team mainly derives from GSK-acquired Aiolos
Maze Therapeutics opens the biotech IPO window (maybe) with a Tuesday night S-1 filing
Follows a hectic 2024 for the Bay Area biotech: FTC hurdle, then a Shionogi deal to save its Pompe drug, offloading of an ALS drug candidate & finally a $115 million Series D during the holidays
@endpts.com
Follows a hectic 2024 for the Bay Area biotech: FTC hurdle, then a Shionogi deal to save its Pompe drug, offloading of an ALS drug candidate & finally a $115 million Series D during the holidays
@endpts.com
Maze files for first biotech IPO of 2025, following $115M funding boost
Maze Therapeutics has submitted its pitch for an initial public offering after disclosing a $115 million Series D, forging a neuroscience spinoff and running into a dealmaking hurdle with the FTC.
endpts.com
January 7, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Maze Therapeutics opens the biotech IPO window (maybe) with a Tuesday night S-1 filing
Follows a hectic 2024 for the Bay Area biotech: FTC hurdle, then a Shionogi deal to save its Pompe drug, offloading of an ALS drug candidate & finally a $115 million Series D during the holidays
@endpts.com
Follows a hectic 2024 for the Bay Area biotech: FTC hurdle, then a Shionogi deal to save its Pompe drug, offloading of an ALS drug candidate & finally a $115 million Series D during the holidays
@endpts.com
Exclusive: Regeneron bought a London ocular biotech called Oxular, backed by Forbion and others
Its delivery device could be used for Regeneron's "future ocular gene therapies, with the goal of accelerating the time it will take to reach clinical readiness," a spokesperson told @endpts.com
Its delivery device could be used for Regeneron's "future ocular gene therapies, with the goal of accelerating the time it will take to reach clinical readiness," a spokesperson told @endpts.com
Regeneron buys London-based ocular biotech
Regeneron, maker of the blockbuster ophthalmology medicine Eylea, has acquired an ocular biotech, the large biopharma confirmed to Endpoints News on Thursday.
endpts.com
January 2, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Exclusive: Regeneron bought a London ocular biotech called Oxular, backed by Forbion and others
Its delivery device could be used for Regeneron's "future ocular gene therapies, with the goal of accelerating the time it will take to reach clinical readiness," a spokesperson told @endpts.com
Its delivery device could be used for Regeneron's "future ocular gene therapies, with the goal of accelerating the time it will take to reach clinical readiness," a spokesperson told @endpts.com
Biotech startups landed 96 megarounds ($100m+) in 2024, according to an @endpts.com tally, nearing a 2021 peak.
I took a look behind the numbers and the 94 companies (Metsera and Seaport each did two rounds) that bagged the large financings
I took a look behind the numbers and the 94 companies (Metsera and Seaport each did two rounds) that bagged the large financings
A look at biotech's year of the megaround
2024 was the year of the private megaround. Nine-figure financings dominated biotech's venture funding landscape, with 96 such rounds tallied by Endpoints News. The bevy of megarounds drowned out smal...
endpts.com
January 2, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Biotech startups landed 96 megarounds ($100m+) in 2024, according to an @endpts.com tally, nearing a 2021 peak.
I took a look behind the numbers and the 94 companies (Metsera and Seaport each did two rounds) that bagged the large financings
I took a look behind the numbers and the 94 companies (Metsera and Seaport each did two rounds) that bagged the large financings
A new type of depression drug from Neumora has failed the first of three Phase 3 trials, marking a gloomy beginning to 2025 for the brain disease biotech
Navacaprant performed almost the exact same as placebo on the primary endpoint. J&J is testing a similar type of KOR antagonist dubbed aticaprant
Navacaprant performed almost the exact same as placebo on the primary endpoint. J&J is testing a similar type of KOR antagonist dubbed aticaprant
Neumora's major depression drug flunks first of three Phase 3 trials
Neuroscience drug developer Neumora Therapeutics released highly anticipated results from the first of three Phase 3 trials for its experimental major depression drug, saying Thursday that navacaprant...
endpts.com
January 2, 2025 at 12:26 PM
A new type of depression drug from Neumora has failed the first of three Phase 3 trials, marking a gloomy beginning to 2025 for the brain disease biotech
Navacaprant performed almost the exact same as placebo on the primary endpoint. J&J is testing a similar type of KOR antagonist dubbed aticaprant
Navacaprant performed almost the exact same as placebo on the primary endpoint. J&J is testing a similar type of KOR antagonist dubbed aticaprant
British slang is wild - "at the fag end of what has been a red-hot year for companies listing on the stock market."
cigarette butt ... but maybe they shouldn't use that?
cigarette butt ... but maybe they shouldn't use that?
Indian drugmaker Anthem Biosciences files for $397 mln IPO
Indian contract drugmaker Anthem Biosciences filed for a 33.95-billion-rupee ($397 million) initial public offering, draft papers showed on Tuesday, at the fag end of what has been a red-hot year for companies listing on the stock market.
www.reuters.com
December 31, 2024 at 3:48 PM
British slang is wild - "at the fag end of what has been a red-hot year for companies listing on the stock market."
cigarette butt ... but maybe they shouldn't use that?
cigarette butt ... but maybe they shouldn't use that?
Opdivo gets the subQ (under the skin) approval from FDA
Keytruda subQ is next on deck
Bristol Myers Squibb exec told @endpts.com they expect ~30-40% of eligible patients will switch from IV version of the blockbuster cancer immunotherapy
Keytruda subQ is next on deck
Bristol Myers Squibb exec told @endpts.com they expect ~30-40% of eligible patients will switch from IV version of the blockbuster cancer immunotherapy
FDA approves subcutaneous version of Bristol Myers' Opdivo
A decade after Bristol Myers Squibb first won approval for its PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor Opdivo, the cancer drug has been approved in a subcutaneous form that's becoming a new area of competition for ...
endpts.com
December 27, 2024 at 5:06 PM
Opdivo gets the subQ (under the skin) approval from FDA
Keytruda subQ is next on deck
Bristol Myers Squibb exec told @endpts.com they expect ~30-40% of eligible patients will switch from IV version of the blockbuster cancer immunotherapy
Keytruda subQ is next on deck
Bristol Myers Squibb exec told @endpts.com they expect ~30-40% of eligible patients will switch from IV version of the blockbuster cancer immunotherapy
“pharma bros” on today’s Connections 👀
December 21, 2024 at 12:43 AM
“pharma bros” on today’s Connections 👀
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
BREAKING: Novo Nordisk's CagriSema fails to hit 25% weightloss benchmark in Phase 3 readout. Novo’s stock $NVO crashed by as much as 26% pre-market Friday.
endpts.com/novo-reveals...
endpts.com/novo-reveals...
Breaking: Novo reveals 23% weight loss with CagriSema, falling short of high expectations
Novo Nordisk's CagriSema achieves 22.7% weight loss in Phase 3 trial, missing 25% target. Stock drops 26% as results fall short of expectations.
endpts.com
December 20, 2024 at 11:50 AM
BREAKING: Novo Nordisk's CagriSema fails to hit 25% weightloss benchmark in Phase 3 readout. Novo’s stock $NVO crashed by as much as 26% pre-market Friday.
endpts.com/novo-reveals...
endpts.com/novo-reveals...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
Tirzepatide shortage is over, says FDA. That means compounding pharmacies making lots of copies of brand-name Zepbound and Mounjaro have to stop soon.
endpts.com/in-blow-to-c...
endpts.com/in-blow-to-c...
In blow to compounders, FDA reaffirms tirzepatide shortage is over
The FDA has reaffirmed that the shortage of Eli Lilly’s blockbuster obesity and diabetes medications is resolved, dealing a blow to pharmacies and telehealth services that have capitalized on providin...
endpts.com
December 19, 2024 at 3:48 PM
Tirzepatide shortage is over, says FDA. That means compounding pharmacies making lots of copies of brand-name Zepbound and Mounjaro have to stop soon.
endpts.com/in-blow-to-c...
endpts.com/in-blow-to-c...
Reposted by Kyle LaHucik
The 2024 winners and losers in the pharma world are in. Who's up and who's down? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
endpts.com/endpoints-wi...
endpts.com/endpoints-wi...
The Endpoints 2024 winners and losers list: Who was up and who was down in biopharma
Endpoints News reviews 2024's biopharma winners & losers: Eli Lilly dominates obesity market, megadeals decline, I&I sector thrives, and FDA's setback in misinformation fight.
endpts.com
December 19, 2024 at 3:56 PM
The 2024 winners and losers in the pharma world are in. Who's up and who's down? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.
endpts.com/endpoints-wi...
endpts.com/endpoints-wi...