The Weekly Pill

02/05/24-02/11/24

Hi everyone,

Welcome to all our new subscribers who joined us this week! We're thrilled to have you as part of The Weekly Pill community. Your readership means the world to us. If you could kindly share this newsletter with your friends or coworkers, we would greatly appreciate your support! This resource holds value for a wide range of individuals, including venture capitalists, students, professionals at all levels within pharmaceutical companies, and anyone with a curious mindset eager to learn. Your assistance in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading our newsletter and that it adds value to your understanding of the biotech world. Wishing each of you a blessed week ahead, and I look forward to connecting with you all again next week for another update.

If you really enjoy what we're doing here, consider becoming a paid subscriber to encourage us and gain access to the paid section, which includes insights on upcoming catalysts next week, the most shorted biotech stocks, earnings, market comments, notes and M&A comments. Now let’s dive into last week recap!

Table of contents

• How the market performed this week

• Licenses / Partnerships

• Clinical trials

• Financing

• RIF

• Disease of the week

• What I’ve read this week

Paid Content Section

• Upcoming Catalysts Next Week

• Reminders

• Biotech Valuation

• Most Shorted Biotech Stock as of This Week

• Market

• Notes from analysts

• Venture Capital Market

• M&A

How the market performed this week

ETFs

Gene Therapy

RNA Therapy

Big Pharma

Gainers / Decliners this week in biotech

News of the week

Licenses/Partnerships

• Vicore Pharma Holding AB (VICO)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: C21

  • Indication: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Angiotensin II Receptor Type 2 (AT2)

  • LOA: N/A

  • Partner Companies: Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (4516)

  • Source Link: AccessWire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Lextemy

  • Indication: Renal Cell Cancer (RCC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)

  • LOA: 44%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• Nicox S.A. (COX)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: NCX 470

  • Indication: Glaucoma / Ocular Hypertension (Ophthalmology)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Prostaglandin F receptor (FP)/PGF2 alpha receptor

  • LOA: 54%

  • Partner Companies: Kowa Company, Ltd., Ocumension Therapeutics (1477)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Ogivri

  • Indication: HER2+ Breast Cancer

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: HER2/neu or ErbB-2

  • LOA: 100%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Ogivri

  • Indication: Gastric Cancer

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: HER2/neu or ErbB-2

  • LOA: 100%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: NDA/BLA

  • Drug: Lextemy

  • Indication: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)

  • LOA: 92%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Lextemy

  • Indication: Cervical Cancer

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)

  • LOA: 44%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Lextemy

  • Indication: Brain Cancer (Malignant Glioma; AA and glioblastoma (GBM))

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)

  • LOA: 44%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• Biocon, Ltd. (BIOS)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: Lextemy

  • Indication: HER2+ Breast Cancer

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)

  • LOA: N/A

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (BBIO)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Truseltiq

  • Indication: Achondroplasia

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR)

  • LOA: 60%

  • Partner Companies: Juniper Biologics Pte Ltd, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (4151:JP), LianBio (LIAN), Novartis AG (NVS)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Immunome Inc. (IMNM)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: AL102

  • Indication: Desmoid Tumors

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Gamma-secretase, Notch Receptors

  • LOA: 45%

  • Partner Companies: Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

Clinical trials (LOA=likelihood of approval)

• Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals plc (HEMO)

  • Event Phase: IND

  • Drug: HEMO-CAR-T

  • Indication: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Cellular

  • Target: Allogeneic Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CAR-T), Immune System

  • LOA: N/A

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: Accesswire

• Roche Holding AG (RHHBY)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Lunsumio

  • Indication: Follicular Lymphoma (FL)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Cluster of Differentiation 20 (CD20), Cluster of Differentiation 3 (CD3)

  • LOA: 100%

  • Partner Companies: Biogen, Inc. (BIIB)

  • Source Link: Chugai Pharm

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Nipocalimab

  • Indication: Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Neonatal Fc Receptor

  • LOA: 19%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: PRNewswire

• BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Roctavian

  • Indication: Hemophilia A

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Coagulation Factor VIII, Coagulation Factor X

  • LOA: 100%

  • Partner Companies: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University College London

  • Source Link: Wiley Online Library

• Athira Pharma, Inc. (ATHA)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: ATH-1105

  • Indication: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • LOA: N/A

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Disc Medicine, Inc. (IRON)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: DISC-3405

  • Indication: Polycythemia Vera (PV)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Transmembrane protease, serine 6 (Tmprss6)

  • LOA: 5%

  • Partner Companies: Mabwell Biotechnology

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• AIM Immunotech Inc. (AIM)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Ampligen

  • Indication: COVID-19 Treatment

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: dsRNA

  • Target: Immune System, Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)

  • LOA: 23%

  • Partner Companies: Bioclones (Pty) Ltd, Emerge Health Pty Ltd., Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL)

  • Event Phase: NDA/BLA

  • Drug: Resmetirom

  • Indication: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs)

  • LOA: 96%

  • Partner Companies: Roche Holding AG (RHHBY)

  • Source Link: NEJM

• Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. (ADVM)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Ixo-vec

  • Indication: Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) (Ophthalmology)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

  • LOA: 25%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CRVS)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: Soquelitinib

  • Indication: Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL) - NHL

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK)

  • LOA: 5%

  • Partner Companies: Angel Pharmaceuticals

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: DNL126

  • Indication: Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS IIIA; Sanfilippo A Syndrome)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Protein

  • Target: Sulfated alpha-L-iduronic acid

  • LOA: 25%

  • Partner Companies: N/A

  • Source Link: [Not provided]

• Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)

  • Event Phase: Suspended

  • Drug: Magrolimab

  • Indications: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) - NHL, Multiple Myeloma (MM)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47), Immune System

  • LOA: AML - 4%, DLBCL - 1%, MM - Not specified

  • Partner Companies: Ono Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. (4528:JP)

  • Source Link: Gilead Sciences, Inc. statement

• Regenxbio Inc. (RGNX)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: RGX-121

  • Indication: Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II; Hunter Syndrome)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Iduronate-2-Sulfatase, Sulfated alpha-L-iduronic acid

  • LOA: 58%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: PR Newswire

• BerGenBio ASA (BGBIO)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: Bemcentinib

  • Indication: Acute Respiratory Failure, Acute Lung Injury (ALI), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

  • LOA: Not specified

  • Partner Companies: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL)

  • Source Link: PR Newswire

• BioNxt Solutions Inc. (BNXT)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: Cladribine (BioNxt)

  • Indication: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Ribonucleotide Reductase (RNR)

  • LOA: Not specified

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: Accesswire

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: JNJ-2113

  • Indication: Psoriasis

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Peptide

  • Target: Interleukin-23 (IL-23)

  • LOA: 64%

  • Partner Companies: Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. (PTGX)

  • Source Link: NEJM

• Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)

  • Event Phase: Suspended

  • Drug: Magrolimab

  • Indication: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD47), Immune System

  • LOA: 4%

  • Partner Companies: Ono Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. (4528:JP)

  • Source Link: Gilead Sciences Statement

• Regenxbio Inc. (RGNX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: RGX-202 (Regenxbio)

  • Indication: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Dystrophin gene (DMD)

  • LOA: 25%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: PR Newswire

• Denali Therapeutics Inc. (DNLI)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: DNL310

  • Indication: Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II; Hunter Syndrome)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Protein

  • Target: Sulfated alpha-L-iduronic acid

  • LOA: 58%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: PR Newswire

• Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Obeldesivir

  • Indication: COVID-19 Treatment

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: RNA polymerase

  • LOA: 59%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: Business Wire

• Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (RARE)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: UX111

  • Indication: Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS IIIA; Sanfilippo A Syndrome)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Heparan-N-sulfatase (N-sulphoglucosamine sulphohydrolase, sulfamidase), N-sulfo-D-glucosamine

  • LOA: 27%

  • Partner Companies: Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (ABEO)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• UNITY Biotechnology, Inc. (UBX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: UBX1325

  • Indication: Diabetic Macular Edema (Ophthalmology)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 Family

  • LOA: 33%

  • Partner Companies: Ascentage Pharma Group Corporation (6855)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Agenus Inc. (AGEN)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: agenT-797

  • Indication: Acute Respiratory Failure, Acute Lung Injury (ALI), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Cellular

  • Target: Allogeneic Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CAR-T), Immune System, T lymphocytes

  • LOA: 13%

  • Partner Companies: MiNK Therapeutics, Inc. (INKT)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Mounjaro

  • Indication: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Peptide

  • Target: GIP Receptor (GIPR)/Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor, GLP-1 Receptor

  • LOA: 20%

  • Partner Companies: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

  • Source Link: Lilly Investor Relations

• Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Verzenio

  • Indication: Prostate Cancer

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Cyclin Dependent Kinase 4 (CDK-4), Cyclin Dependent Kinase 6 (CDK-6)

  • LOA: 44%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: Lilly Investor Relations

• Gain Therapeutics, Inc. (GANX)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: GT-02287

  • Indication: Parkinson's Disease (PD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: GBA2 (extralysosomal glucocerebrosidase)

  • LOA: Not specified

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• GeoVax Labs, Inc. (GOVX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: GEO-CM04S1

  • Indication: COVID-19 Prevention

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Vaccine

  • Target: Immune System, SARS-CoV-2

  • LOA: 23%

  • Partner Companies: City of Hope

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

• Arcturus Therapeutics Ltd. (ARCT)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: ARCT-154

  • Indication: COVID-19 Prevention

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Vaccine

  • Target: SARS-CoV-2

  • LOA: 23%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: BusinessWire

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Nipocalimab

  • Indication: Sjogren's Syndrome

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Neonatal Fc Receptor

  • LOA: 19%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: PR Newswire

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Nipocalimab

  • Indication: Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Neonatal Fc Receptor

  • LOA: 64%

  • Partner Companies: Not specified

  • Source Link: PR Newswire

• Rani Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (RANI)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: RT-111

  • Indication: Psoriasis

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Not Specified

  • Target: Unknown

  • LOA: Not specified

  • Partner Companies: Celltrion, Inc. (068270)

  • Source Link: GlobeNewswire

Financing events

Immix Biopharma (NAS: IMMX)

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for hematologic malignancies.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Size: $15.00 million

Jasper Therapeutics (NAS: JSPR)

• Description: Clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on enabling cures through hematopoietic stem cell therapy.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 07-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Size: $50.51 million

Kyverna (NAS: KYTX)

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for autoimmune diseases.

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: IPO

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Size: $319.00 million

Mineralys (NAS: MLYS)

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing medicines targeting diseases driven by elevated aldosterone.

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Investors: Venrock, OrbiMed, TCG Crossover Management, Samsara BioCapital, RA Capital Management, and others

• Deal Size: $120.00 million

Model Medicines

• Description: Developer of an AI-driven drug discovery platform using artificial intelligence to accelerate drug creation.

• Verticals: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, HealthTech, Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 06-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Investors: Undisclosed

• Deal Size: $0.95 million

myBIOS

• Description: Producer of protein-based biological molecules for recombinant production of natural biomaterials and enzymes.

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Investors: Sparkalis

• Deal Size: Undisclosed

Neurona Therapeutics

• Description: Operator of a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company developing regenerative neural cell therapies for chronic neurological disorders.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Investors: Viking Global Investors, Cormorant Asset Management, and others

• Deal Size: $120.00 million

NexImmune (NAS: NEXI)

• Description: Clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapy for cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Nanotechnology, Oncology, TMT

• Deal Date: 06-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Size: $1.41 million

PepGen (NAS: PEPG)

• Description: Clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing oligonucleotide therapeutics for severe neuromuscular and neurologic diseases.

• Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 07-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Size: $80.08 million

Procyrion

• Description: Operator of a medical device company developing catheter-based circulatory support technologies for heart failure and kidney disease patients.

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 05-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Investors: Fannin Innovation Studio, Bluebird Ventures, and others

• Deal Size: $57.70 million

Redx Pharma (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus Inhibitor Program in Macclesfield, United Kingdom)

• Description: Developer of inhibitors for colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancer patients.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 07-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition

• Acquirer: Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NAS: JAZZ)

• Deal Size: Undisclosed

Revelation BioSciences (NAS: REVB)

• Description: Clinical-stage life sciences company focused on developing immunologic-based therapies for disease prevention and treatment.

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 05-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Size: $0.58 million

Sartorius Stedim Biotech (PAR: DIM)

• Description: Provider of bioprocessing solutions for manufacturing biologic drugs.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Manufacturing

• Deal Date: 07-févr-2024

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Investors: Sartorius

• Deal Size: EUR 3.5 billion

Seranova Bio

• Description: Developer of immunotherapies for cancer treatment.

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Investors: AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV)

• Deal Size: $69.00 million

Silence Therapeutics (PINX: SLNCF)

• Description: Developer of RNA interference therapeutics for rare diseases.

• Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 05-févr-2024

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Investors: Novo Holdings, RTW Investments

• Deal Size: $175.00 million

SwiftSync

• Description: Developer of cloud-based software for medical device companies.

• Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences, Software

• Deal Date: 06-févr-2024

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Investors: Edison Partners

• Deal Size: $15.00 million

Vaccinex (NAS: VCNX)

• Description: Clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapy treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 08-févr-2024

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Investors: Bain Capital Life Sciences, Perceptive Advisors, venBio Partners, BlackRock

• Deal Size: $20.00 million

Reduction in force (RIF)

February 9 - Roche: The Swiss drug developer plans to lay off a few hundred people in its product development team. Roche says it expects “the majority of the proposed headcount reduction to impact external contractors,” with less than 6% of the permanent product development team potentially impacted. Story

February 9 - Synlogic: The Massachusetts-based biotech is discontinuing a pivotal phase 3 trial, shuttering operations and laying off more than 90% of its workforce as it undergoes a strategic review.Story

February 8 - Sandoz: 20 years ago, Sandoz carved out a sizable generics foothold through dual mergers with Germany's Hexal and U.S.-based Eon Labs. Now, the Swiss manufacturing giant is permanently closing one of the latter company's main facilities in Wilson, North Carolina, with 213 employees set to be laid off by Oct. 4. Story

February 6 - Rallybio: The biotech is parting ways with 45% of its staff, or 19 employees, and focusing on its two phase 2-ready programs to extend its cash runway into the middle of 2026. Story

Disease of the week

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin, resulting in inflammation, damage to the myelin, and sometimes to the underlying nerves.

Here are some key points about multiple sclerosis:

1. Symptoms: The symptoms of MS can vary widely from person to person and depend on which nerves are affected and to what extent. Common symptoms include fatigue, numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tremors, problems with coordination and balance, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, and cognitive impairment.

2. Types of MS: There are several types of MS, including:

   • Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common form, characterized by periods of symptom exacerbation (relapses) followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions).

   • Primary progressive MS (PPMS): In this type, symptoms gradually worsen over time without distinct relapses or remissions.

   • Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): This follows an initial relapsing-remitting course, with later progression of disability.

   • Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS): This is characterized by a steadily worsening disease course with occasional acute relapses, without full recovery from the relapses.

3. Causes: The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Factors such as genetics, infections, vitamin D deficiency, and smoking have been implicated in increasing the risk of developing MS.

4. Diagnosis: There is no single test to diagnose MS. Diagnosis is based on medical history, neurological exams, MRI scans to detect lesions in the CNS, and sometimes other tests such as lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid.

5. Treatment: While there is currently no cure for MS, there are treatments aimed at managing symptoms, slowing disease progression, and reducing the frequency and severity of relapses. Medications such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and monoclonal antibodies may be prescribed depending on the type and severity of the disease. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation can also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

6. Prognosis: The course of MS varies greatly among individuals. Some people may experience relatively mild symptoms and periods of remission, while others may have severe disability and progressive decline in function. Life expectancy is generally shortened compared to the general population, but many people with MS live relatively normal lives with proper management and support.

7. Research and Future Directions: Research into MS continues to explore potential causes, risk factors, and treatments. Advances in understanding the immune system and the role of inflammation in MS have led to the development of new therapies, and ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel treatments aimed at stopping disease progression and promoting repair of damaged myelin.

What I’ve read this week
*Click on the pic to read*

Paid section