The Weekly Pill

10/23/23-10/29/23

Hi everyone,

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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

• Large Catalysts

• Reminder

• Some October-December Catalysts to Prepare in Advance

• Conference for the Rest of the Year

• PDUFA Dates

• Most Shorted Biotech Stock as of This Week

• Market

• Notes : FDMT,KRYS,RCKT,BBIO,CABA

• 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

• Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)

  • Event Phase: NDA/BLA

  • Drug: Camzyos

  • Indication: Cardiomyopathy - Hypertrophic

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Myosin

  • LOA : 82%

  • Partner Companies: LianBio (LIAN)

  • Source Link: LianBio Enters into Agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb for Mavacamten in China and Other Asian Markets

• Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)

  • Event Phase: NDA/BLA

  • Drug: Camzyos

  • Indication: Chronic Heart Failure - Preserved Ejection Fraction (Chronic HFpEF)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Myosin

  • LOA : 82%

  • Partner Companies: LianBio (LIAN)

  • Source Link: LianBio Enters into Agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb for Mavacamten in China and Other Asian Markets

• Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: RVT-3101

  • Indication: Crohn's Disease

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Not Specified

  • Target: TNF superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15)

  • LOA : 19%

  • Partner Companies: Roivant Sciences Ltd. (ROIV), Telavant Holdings, Inc.

  • Source Link: Roche Enters Into a Definitive Agreement to Acquire Telavant, Including Rights to Novel TL1A-Directed Antibody RVT-3101 for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease From Roivant

• Cybin Inc. (CYBN)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: SPL026

  • Indication: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • Source Link: Cybin Reports Positive Phase 2 Study Results of SPL026 in Major Depressive Disorder

• Cybin Inc. (CYBN)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: SPL028

  • Indication: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • Source Link: Cybin Reports Positive Phase 2 Study Results of SPL028 in Major Depressive Disorder

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: EryDex

  • Indication: Ataxia Telangiectasia

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR)

  • LOA : 52%

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Reports Positive Phase 3 Results of EryDex in Ataxia Telangiectasia

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: EryDex

  • Indication: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR)

  • LOA : 15%

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1 Study of EryDex in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: EE-TP

  • Indication: Metabolic - General

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • LOA : 25%

  • Partner Companies: Orphan Technologies Ltd.

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Initiates Phase 2 Study of EE-TP in Metabolic - General

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: Ery-PAL

  • Indication: Phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Advances Preclinical Development of Ery-PAL for Phenylketonuria

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: Ery-uricase

  • Indication: Gout

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Advances Preclinical Development of Ery-uricase for Gout

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: Ery-GAMT

  • Indication: Metabolic - General

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Advances Preclinical Development of Ery-GAMT for Metabolic - General

• Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (QNCX)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: Ery-CoCe

  • Indication: Substance Use Disorder

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • Source Link: Quince Therapeutics Advances Preclinical Development of Ery-CoCe for Substance Use Disorder

Clinical trials (LOA=likelihood of approval)

• INmune Bio, Inc. (INMB)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: XPro-1595

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Protein

  • Target: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)

  • LOA : 12%

  • Partner Companies: FPRT Bio, Xencor, Inc. (XNCR)

  • Source Link: INmune Bio, Inc. Presents New Biomarker and Feasibility Data from Phase 1b Study Supporting the Use of XPro to Treat Alzheimer's Disease at Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTA)

• Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ABOS)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: ACU-193

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Amyloid Beta/Amyloid Plaques

  • LOA : 6%

  • Source Link: Acumen Pharmaceuticals Presents Late-Breaker Phase 1 Updates Exploring Novel Target Engagement, Dosing Regimen, and Safety Findings for ACU193 in Early Alzheimer's Disease

• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: Onpattro

  • Indication: Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM, Wild Type Or Hereditary)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: siRNA/RNAi

  • Target: Transthyretin (TTR)

  • Partner Companies: Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS), GENESIS Pharma S.A., Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IONS), Medison Pharma Ltd., Sanofi (SNY), taiba-ME

  • Source Link: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.

• Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)

  • Event Phase: Suspended

  • Drug: Sotyktu

  • Indication: Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: JAK/STAT, Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2)

  • Source Link: Bristol Myers Squibb Company

• NKGen Biotech, Inc. (NKGNW)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: SNK01

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Cellular

  • Target: Immune System, Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells)

  • LOA : 6%

  • Source Link: NKGen Biotech Presented Phase I Clinical Trial Data at the 16th Annual Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) Conference

• BioNTech SE (BNTX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: BNT162b2+BNT161

  • Indication: Influenza (including vaccines)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: mRNA (messenger RNA)

  • Target: Immune System, Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2

  • LOA : 23%

  • Partner Companies: Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

  • Source Link: BioNTech SE

• Sernova Corp (SVA)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Sernova Cell Pouch System

  • Indication: Diabetes Mellitus, Type I

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Cellular

  • Target: Insulin Receptor

  • LOA : 15%

  • Partner Companies: Evotec SE (EVT)

  • Source Link: Sernova Announces Positive Ongoing Interim Phase 1/2 Clinical Data for the Cell Pouch System for Type 1 Diabetes Trial at the 2023 IPITA-IXA and CTRMS Joint Congress

• Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SANN)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Agamree

  • Indication: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Steroid

  • Target: Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR)

  • LOA : 100%

  • Partner Companies: Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CPRX), Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd (IDIA), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Reveragen BioPharma, Inc., Sperogenix Therapeutics Limited

  • Source Link: Santhera Receives U.S. FDA Approval of AGAMREE (vamorolone) for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: DB-OTO

  • Indication: Otoferlin Gene-Mediated Hearing Loss

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Otoferlin

  • LOA : 24%

  • Source Link: Regeneron Shares Preliminary Results Showing Gene Therapy

• ESSA Pharma Inc. (EPIX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Masofaniten

  • Indication: Prostate Cancer

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Androgen receptors

  • LOA : 11%

  • Source Link: ESSA Pharma Presents Updated Phase 1 Masofaniten (EPI-7386) Clinical Data at the 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat

• TransCode Therapeutics Inc (RNAZ)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: TTX-MC138

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

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: microRNA (miRNA)

  • LOA : 5%

  • Source Link: TransCode Therapeutics Announces Prolonged Survival in Murine Models with Glioblastoma Treated with Its Lead Candidate TTX-MC138

• Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (TNXP)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: TNX-1900

  • Indication: Migraine and Other Headaches

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Oxytocin Receptor

  • LOA : 12%

  • Source Link: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Completes Clinical Stage of Phase 2 PREVENTION Study of TNX-1900 for the Prevention of Migraine Headaches in Chronic Migraineurs

• Orchard Therapeutics Limited (ORTX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: OTL-203

  • Indication: Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I; Hurler Syndrome)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Non-Viral Gene Therapy

  • LOA : 25%

  • Partner Companies: Fondazione Telethon

  • Source Link: Orchard Therapeutics Announces Presentation of Additional Positive Data from Proof-of-Concept Study of OTL-203 in MPS IH at ESGCT 2023

• Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Mirikizumab

  • Indication: Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: IL-23 (Interleukin-23)

  • LOA (Level of Advancement): 105%

  • Source Link: FDA Approves Lilly's OMBT (Mirikizumab, MRKZ) - a First-in-Class Treatment for Adults with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

• GSK plc (GSK)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Arexvy

  • Indication: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Vaccine

  • Target: Immune System, RSV, Respiratory Syncytial Virus

  • LOA : 100%

  • Partner Companies: Agenus Inc. (AGEN)

  • Source Link: Agenus Inc. Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Balstilimab and Zalifrelimab in Cervical Cancer

• Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc (CNTA)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: ORX750

  • Indication: Narcolepsy

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Hypocretin/orexin receptor

  • Partner Companies: Sosei Heptares (4565)

  • Source Link: Centessa Pharmaceuticals Announces Preclinical Data Supporting ORX750's Potential as a Best-in-Class Oral OX2R Agonist for the Treatment of Narcolepsy and Other Sleep-Wake Disorder

• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: ALN-APP

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: siRNA/RNAi

  • Target: Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)

  • Partner Companies: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)

  • Source Link: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.

• BioVie, Inc. (BIVI)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: NE3107

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)

  • LOA : 46%

  • Source Link: Blinded Data Presented at CTAD Suggest that NE3107 is Biologically Active and May Have Impact on Cognitive Biomarker and Imaging Endpoints Among Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

• Freeline Therapeutics Holdings PLC (FRLN)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: FLT201

  • Indication: Gaucher's Disease

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)

  • LOA : 27%

  • Source Link: Freeline Presents Positive New Data from Phase 1/2 GALILEO-1 Trial of FLT201, Its Novel Gene Therapy Candidate in Gaucher Disease at ESGCT 30th Annual Congress

• Skye Bioscience, Inc. (SKYE)

  • Event Phase: IND

  • Drug: SBI-100

  • Indication: Glaucoma / Ocular Hypertension (Ophthalmology)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor, Cannabinoid-2 (CB2) receptor

  • Partner Companies: Nanomerics, Ltd.

  • Source Link: Skye Bioscience Announces Positive Phase 1 Trial Results for SBI-100 Ophthalmic Emulsion, Its First-in-Class CB1 Agonist Being Developed for the Treatment of Glaucoma

• AlzeCure Pharma AB (ALZCUR)

  • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: ACD-856

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Trk (Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase) Receptors

  • Source Link: AlzeCure Pharma AB

• Beam Therapeutics Inc. (BEAM)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: BEAM-301

  • Indication: Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Non-Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Glucose 6-phosphatase

  • Source Link: Beam Therapeutics Presents Preclinical Data Highlighting Utility and Durability of BEAM-301 to Correct a Glycogen Storage Disease Type I Deficiency Disease-Causing Mutation at ESGCT

• Biogen, Inc. (BIIB)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: BIIB080

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Antisense

  • Target: RNA, Tau proteins

  • LOA : 13%

  • Partner Companies: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IONS)

  • Source Link: New Data from Biogen's Investigational Antisense Oligonucleotide (ASO) Targeting Tau Shows Promise for Potential New Generation of Treatments in Early Alzheimer's Disease

• CervoMed, Inc. (CRVO)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Neflamapimod

  • Indication: Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: p38 MAP kinase (MAPK)

  • LOA : 15%

  • Partner Companies: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

  • Source Link: CervoMed Announces Oral Presentation at CTAD 2023 Highlighting Learnings from Phase 2a, Which Optimized the Design of the Phase 2b Clinical Study of Neflamapimod in Dementia with Lewy Bodies

• Cassava Sciences, Inc. (SAVA)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Simufilam

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Filamin A (FLNA)

  • LOA : 41%

  • Source Link: MRI Data Suggest Simufilam is Not Associated with Amyloid-related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA)

• AbbVie Inc. (ABBV)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: AGN-151586

  • Indication: Wrinkles

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Natural Protein

  • Target: Botulinum toxin

  • LOA : 67%

  • Partner Companies: Bonti, Inc.

  • Source Link: Allergan Aesthetics Announces Positive Topline Results from Two Pivotal Phase 3 Studies of TrenibotulinumtoxinE (BONTI) for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines

• Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (AVDL)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Lumryz

  • Indication: Narcolepsy

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: GABA Receptors, GABA-B Receptor

  • LOA : 100%

  • Source Link: Avadel Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Topline Results from Two Pivotal Phase 3 Studies of TrenibotulinumtoxinE (BONTI) for the Treatment of Glabellar Lines

• Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: BMS-986278

  • Indication: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1)

  • LOA : 62%

  • Source Link: Bristol Myers Squibb Company

• TransCode Therapeutics Inc (RNAZ)

  • Event Phase: IND

  • Drug: TTX-MC138

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: microRNA (miRNA)

  • Source Link: TransCode Therapeutics Announces Preliminary Clinical Results in First Patient in Phase 0 Clinical Study with Lead Therapeutic Candidate TTX-MC138

• Quoin Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (QNRX)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: QRX003

  • Indication: Congenital Ichthyosis

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Not Specified

  • Partner Companies: AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (AFT), Endo International plc (ENDP), Er-Kim Ilac, Genpharm Services, Neopharm Medical Supplies & Commerce Ltd., OrphanDC, Orpharm LLC, Winhealth Pharma Group

  • Source Link: Quoin Pharmaceuticals Announces Additional Positive Clinical Data from Open-Label Single-Arm Clinical Trial in Netherton Syndrome

• Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd (IDIA)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Quviviq

  • Indication: Insomnia

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Hypocretin/orexin receptor

  • LOA : 100%

  • Partner Companies: Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (4534), Simcere Pharmaceutical Group (2096), Sosei Heptares (4565)

  • Source Link: Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (AXSM)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: AUVELITY

  • Indication: Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Dopamine Reuptake, Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors (nAChR), NMDA Glutamate Receptor, Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) Reuptake/Transporter, Serotonin Receptors - Unspecified, Sigma-1 Receptor

  • LOA : 59%

  • Source Link: Axsome Therapeutics Presents Results of the ACCORD trial of AXS-05 in Alzheimer's Disease Agitation at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) 2023 Conference

• Landos Biopharma, Inc. (LABP)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: NX-13

  • Indication: Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Mitochondria

  • LOA : 19%

  • Partner Companies: LianBio (LIAN)

  • Source Link: Landos Biopharma Presents Clinical Trial Data for Ulcerative Colitis Candidate NX-13

• Roche Holding AG (RHHBY)

  • Event Phase: Approved

  • Drug: Tecentriq

  • Indication: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)

  • LOA : 100%

  • Partner Companies: Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (4519), Ono Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. (4528:JP)

  • Source Link: Roche's Tecentriq Approved for Small Cell Lung Cancer

• KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (KALV)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Sebetralstat

  • Indication: Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Kinin-Kallikrein System

  • LOA : 66%

  • Source Link: KalVista Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Sebetralstat in Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

• Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. (CGTX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Elayta

  • Indication: Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Amyloid Beta/Amyloid Plaques

  • LOA : 13%

  • Source Link: Cognition Therapeutics Presents Complete EEG Findings from SEQUEL Study of CT1812 in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease at CTAD

• MeiraGTx Holdings plc (MGTX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: AAV-AQP1

  • Indication: Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

  • Target: Aquaporins

  • LOA : 20%

  • Partner Companies: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

  • Source Link: MeiraGTx Announces Oral Presentation and Eight Posters at European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy 30th Anniversary Congress

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Event Phase: I

  • Drug: NBTXR3 (Drug)

  • Indication: Pancreatic Cancer

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Immune System, Tumor Cells

  • LOA : 5%

  • Partner Companies: LianBio (LIAN), Nanobiotix SA (NBTX)

  • Source Link: NANOBIOTIX Announces Updated Preliminary Results From Phase 1 Pancreatic Cancer Trial and New Exploratory Analysis From Completed Phase 1 Head and Neck Cancer Trial at ESMO 2023

• IO Biotech Inc. (IOBT)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: IO102-IO103

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Peptide

  • Target: IDO (Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase), Immune System, Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)

  • LOA : 11%

  • Source Link: Encouraging Preliminary Data from a Phase 2 Trial Evaluating IO102-IO103 in Combination with Pembrolizumab for First-line Treatment of Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

• BerGenBio ASA (BGBIO)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: Bemcentinib

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

  • LOA: 14%

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

  • Source Link: New Data on BerGenBio's Selective Axl Inhibitor Bemcentinib Released at 2023 ESMO Meeting

• BioNTech SE (BNTX)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: DB-1305

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Unknown

  • LOA : 11%

  • Partner Companies: Duality Biologics

  • Source Link: BioNTech SE

• Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)

  • Event Phase: III

  • Drug: Bemarituzumab

  • Indication: Gastric Cancer

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2

  • LOA : 49%

  • Partner Companies: Zai Lab Ltd. (ZLAB)

  • Source Link: Amgen's Bemarituzumab for Gastric Cancer

• Apollomics, Inc. (APLM)

  • Event Phase: Preclinical

  • Drug: APL-101

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • Lead Indication: N

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met, HGFR)

  • Partner Companies: Hengkang Medical Group Co Ltd (002219), Zhejiang Bossan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

  • Source Link: Apollomics Announces Efficacy of Vebreltinib in NSCLC Patients with MetEx14 Skipping Mutation Achieving an Overall Response Rate (ORR) of 75%

• IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (IDYA)

  • Event Phase: II

  • Drug: IDE196

  • Indication: Uveal Melanoma

  • Lead Indication: Y

  • Molecule: Small Molecule

  • Target: Protein Kinase C (PKC)

  • LOA : 13%

  • Partner Companies: Novartis AG (NVS), Roche Holding AG (RHHBY)

  • Source Link: IDEAYA Announces Top-Line Phase 2 Results at ESMO 2023 of Darovasertib and Crizotinib Combo in Uveal Melanoma (MUM) and Clinical Efficacy Updates for Neoadjuvant UM GNAQ11 Cutaneous Melanoma and Synthetic Lethality Pipeline

• AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

  • Status: Suspended

  • Drug: Monalizumab

  • Indication: Head and Neck Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Natural Killer Cells (NK Cells), Natural Killer Group 2A (NKG2A)

  • Collaborators: Innate Pharma S.A. (IPHA), Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO)

  • Link: Monalizumab Presentation

• Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (AVDL)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Lumryz

  • Indication: Narcolepsy

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: GABA Receptors, GABA-B Receptor

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Link: Lumryz Presentation

• Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Verzenio

  • Indication: HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

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

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Link: Verzenio Presentation

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Rybrevant

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met, HGFR)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborator: Genmab A/S (GMAB)

  • Link: Rybrevant Presentation

• BioNTech SE (BNTX)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: BNT211

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Cellular

  • Target: Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CAR-T), CLDN6, Immune System, T lymphocytes

  • Collaboration: 11%

  • Link: BNT211 Presentation

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Rybrevant

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met, HGFR)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborator: Genmab A/S (GMAB)

  • Link: Rybrevant Presentation

• Merck KGaA (MKKGY)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Tepmetko

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met, HGFR)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Link: Tepmetko Presentation

• Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (AVDL)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Lumryz

  • Indication: Narcolepsy

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: GABA Receptors, GABA-B Receptor

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Link: Lumryz Presentation

• Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Keytruda

  • Indication: Esophageal Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborator: DRI Capital Inc.

  • Link: Keytruda Presentation

• Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)

  • Status: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: Xgeva

  • Indication: Renal Cell Cancer (RCC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: RANK Ligand (RANKL)

  • Collaboration: AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), BeiGene, Ltd. (BGNE), Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (4568), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (RDY)

  • Link: Xgeva Presentation

• Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (CHRS)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: Toripalimab

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)

  • Collaboration: 11%

  • Collaborators: AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), Excellmab Pte. Ltd., Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc (HIK), Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (1877)

  • Link: Toripalimab Presentation

• BioNTech SE (BNTX)

  • Status: Preclinical

  • Drug: BNT314

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Unknown

  • Link: BNT314 Presentation

• Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. (BOLT)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: BDC-1001

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: HER2/neu or ErbB-2, Immune System, Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8)

  • Collaboration: 11%

  • Link: BDC-1001 Presentation

• Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ADXS)

  • Status: III

  • Drug: AL102

  • Indication: Desmoid Tumors

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Gamma-secretase, Notch Receptors

  • Collaboration: 45%

  • Link: Ayala Pharmaceuticals Presents Updated AL102 Results

• CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc. (CBAY)

  • Status: III

  • Drug: Seladelpar

  • Indication: Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: PPAR delta

  • Collaboration: 81%

  • Link: Seladelpar Granted Revised Breakthrough Therapy Designation

• Novartis AG (NVS)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Pluvicto

  • Indication: Prostate Cancer

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Link: Novartis Pluvicto Shows Clinically Meaningful and Highly Statistically Significant RPFS Benefit

• Exscientia plc (EXAI)

  • Status: Preclinical

  • Drug: EXS-73565

  • Indication: Hematologic Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: MALT1

  • Link: EXS-73565 Presentation

• AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Imfinzi

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborators: Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Link: Imfinzi Presentation

• MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (MAIA)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: THIO

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: DNA synthesis, Telomeres

  • Collaboration: 11%

  • Link: THIO Presentation

• BioNTech SE (BNTX)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: BNT211

  • Indication: Testicular Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Cellular

  • Target: Autologous Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (CAR-T), CLDN6, Immune System, T lymphocytes

  • Collaboration: 11%

  • Link: BNT211 Presentation

• BioNTech SE (BNTX)

  • Status: I

  • Drug: BNT-221

  • Indication: Melanoma

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Cellular

  • Target: Stem Cells/Other Cell Therapies, T-Cell Receptor (TCR)

  • Collaboration: 5%

  • Link: BNT-221 Presentation

• AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Imfinzi

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborators: Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Link: Imfinzi Presentation

• Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Keytruda

  • Indication: Melanoma

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborator: DRI Capital Inc.

  • Link: Keytruda Presentation

• Novartis AG (NVS)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Tabrecta

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met, HGFR)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborator: Incyte Corporation (INCY)

  • Link: Tabrecta Presentation

• BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (BBIO)

  • Status: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: Truseltiq

  • Indication: Gastric Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR)

  • Collaborators: Helsinn Healthcare SA, Juniper Biologics Pte Ltd, LianBio (LIAN), Novartis AG (NVS)

  • Link: LianBio Announces Presentation of Data from Phase 2a Study of Infigratinib

• Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (ADAP)

  • Status: I

  • Drug: ADP-A2M4CD8

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Cellular

  • Target: Cluster of Differentiation 107a (CD107a) / LAMP-1, Cluster of Differentiation 8 (CD8), Melanoma antigen-encoding gene (MAGE), Stem Cells/Other Cell Therapies, T-Cell Receptor (TCR)

  • Collaboration: 5%

  • Link: Adaptimmune Presents Data for ADP-A2M4CD8

• Alkermes plc (ALKS)

  • Status: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: ALKS 2680

  • Indication: Narcolepsy

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Hypocretin/orexin receptor

  • Link: Alkermes Presents First Clinical Data for Orexin-2 Receptor Agonist ALKS 2680

• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

  • Status: III

  • Drug: Tremfya

  • Indication: Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: IL-23 (Interleukin-23)

  • Collaboration: 72%

  • Collaborators: MorphoSys AG (MOR), Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. (4578)

  • Link: ACG2023 Event Scribe - Search Global

• Theriva Biologics, Inc. (TOVX)

  • Status: I

  • Drug: VCN-01

  • Indication: Head and Neck Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Viral

  • Target: Hyaluronic acid, Oncolytic Virus Therapy

  • Collaboration: 5%

  • Collaborator: Grifols, S.A. (GRFS)

  • Link: Theriva Biologics Presents Survival Outcomes Data from Phase 1 Study

• Ryvu Therapeutics (RVU)

  • Status: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: SEL120

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Cyclin Dependent Kinase 8 (CDK-8), Immune System

  • Link: Ryvu Therapeutics Provides an Update on the Progress of RVU120

• Oncolytics Biotech, Inc. (ONC)

  • Status: III

  • Drug: Pelareorep

  • Indication: Pancreatic Cancer

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Viral

  • Target: Immune System, Oncolytic Virus Therapy, Ras

  • Collaboration: 43%

  • Collaborator: Adlai Nortye Biopharma Co., Ltd. (ANL)

  • Link: Oncolytics Presents Positive Updated Pancreatic Cancer Data from Goblet Phase 1/2 Study at ESMO

• Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: DS-7300

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: B7-H3

  • Collaboration: 12%

  • Collaborator: Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. (4568)

  • Link: DS-7300 Presentation

• Amgen, Inc. (AMGN)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Vectibix

  • Indication: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborators: Beta Pharma, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (TAK)

  • Link: Vectibix Presentation

• Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Keytruda

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborator: DRI Capital Inc.

  • Link: Encouraging Preliminary Data from a Phase 2 Trial Evaluating IO102-IO103 in Combination with Pembrolizumab

• AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)

  • Status: Approved

  • Drug: Imfinzi

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Monoclonal Antibody

  • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)

  • Collaboration: 100%

  • Collaborators: Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

  • Link: DUART Presentation

• Galecto Inc. (GLTO)

  • Status: Development Outside U.S.

  • Drug: GB1211

  • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • New Drug: N

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: Galectin-3

  • Link: GB1211 Presentation

• Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

  • Status: I

  • Drug: MK-1084

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: Y

  • Target: Not Specified

  • Collaboration: 5%

  • Link: MK-1084 Presentation

• Ascendis Pharma A/S (ASND)

  • Status: II

  • Drug: TransCon IL-2

  • Indication: Solid Tumors

  • New Drug: Y

  • Drug Type: Small Molecule

  • Target: IL-2 (Interleukin-2)

  • Collaboration: 11%

  • Link: Ascendis Presents Updated and New TransCon IL-2 β γ Monotherapy and Combination Therapy Data

Financing events

IDEAYA Biosciences (NAS: IDYA)

• Description: Oncology-focused precision medicine company

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 26-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Deal Size: $117.50 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $117.5 million in a second public offering on Nasdaq.

Loop Dee Science

• Description: Developer of molecular biology diagnostics kits

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 26-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Deal Size: EUR 1.90 million

• Investors: Crédit Agricole Aquitaine, GO Capital (France), Normandie Business Angels, Normandie Participations

• Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 1.8 million in venture funding for molecular biology diagnostics kits.

Paion (ETR: PA8)

• Description: Medical innovations for procedural sedation, anesthesia, and critical care services

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 26-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Bankruptcy: Liquidation

• Deal Size: Not specified

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: In talks to get liquidated as of October 26, 2023.

RAYDIAX

• Description: Developer of a therapeutic imaging system for minimally invasive tumor interventions

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 26-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Seed Round

• Deal Size: EUR 2.54 million

• Investors: bmp Ventures (Philipp Kopp), High-Tech Gründerfonds, IBG Beteiligungsgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt

• Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 2.4 million in seed funding for a therapeutic imaging system.

Triveni Bio

• Description: Developer of a drug discovery platform for I&I disorders

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 26-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Deal Size: $92.00 million

• Investors: Alexandria Venture Investments, Atlas Venture, Cormorant Asset Management, OrbiMed, Polaris Partners, The Invus Group, Viking Global Investors

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $92 million in Series A venture funding for drug discovery platform.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals (NYS: AMRX)

• Description: Generic pharmaceutical manufacturer

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Manufacturing

• Deal Date: 25-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Debt Refinancing

• Deal Size: Not specified

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Entered into a debt refinancing round on October 25, 2023.

ImmuONE

• Description: Provider of in vitro cell culture services for safety assessment

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 25-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Deal Size: GBP 2.44 million

• Investors: Mercia Asset Management (LON: MERC), Midlands Engine Investment Fund, Pioneer Group (London)

• Deal Synopsis: Raised GBP 2 million in venture funding for in vitro cell culture services.

Triplebar

• Description: Biotechnology firm focusing on food sustainability

• Verticals: CleanTech, HealthTech, Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 25-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Deal Size: $19.76 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $19.76 million in Series A venture funding for food sustainability.

Adial Pharmaceuticals (NAS: ADIL)

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company for addiction and related disorders

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Deal Size: $4.00 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Received $4 million of development capital through a private placement.

Aiolos Bio

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company for respiratory and inflammatory conditions

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Deal Size: $245.00 million

• Investors: Atlas Venture, Bain Capital Life Sciences, Forbion, RA Capital Management, Sofinnova Investments

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $245 million in Series A venture funding.

DermBiont

• Description: Developer of microbial and targeted topical therapeutics for skin diseases

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Deal Size: $35.20 million

• Investors: Civilization Ventures, Double Point Ventures (Daniel Yadegar), Olive Tree Capital, Viking Global Investors

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $35.2 million in Series B venture funding.

Infirst Healthcare

• Description: Producer of medicines for common cough, inflammatory pain, and chronic wounds

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Buyout/LBO

• Deal Size: Not specified

• Investors: Carlin Consumer Health (Scott Chapman)

• Deal Synopsis: Acquired by Carlin Consumer Health through an LBO.

LyGenesis

• Description: Developer of cell therapy technology for organ regeneration and transplant

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Later Stage VC

• Deal Size: $19.00 million

• Investors: Juvenescence (Richard Marshall), Prime Movers Lab (Justin Briggs)

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $19 million in Series A2 venture funding.

Nykode (OSL: NYKD)

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company for immunotherapies

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Deal Size: NOK 46.01 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Received NOK 505 million of development capital through a private placement.

Palatin Technologies (ASE: PTN)

• Description: Developer of receptor-specific peptide therapeutics

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Deal Size: $2.12 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Received $2.12 million of development capital through a private placement.

Switchback Systems

• Description: Developer of DNA synthesis platform

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 24-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Deal Size: $6.72 million

• Investors: OMX Ventures (Craig Asher), Vertical Venture Partners (Paul Conley), Ahren Innovation Capital

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $6.72 million in venture funding.

Aligos Therapeutics (NAS: ALGS)

• Description: Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company for viral and liver diseases

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Deal Size: $92.00 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: In talks to receive $92 million of development capital through a private placement.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics (NAS: ARQT)

• Description: Medical dermatology company

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

• Deal Size: $81.25 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $81.25 million in its second public offering on Nasdaq.

Califia Pharma

• Description: Developer of drugs for TCR-deficient solid tumors

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Seed Round

• Deal Size: $1.20 million

• Investors: Ulu Ventures, SeedFolio

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $1.20 million in seed funding.

ENSEM Therapeutics

• Description: Developer of precision drugs for oncology therapies

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

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Early Stage VC

• Deal Size: $10.00 million

• Investors: Not specified

• Deal Synopsis: Raised $10 million in Series A+ venture funding.

Harpoon Therapeutics (NAS: HARP)

• Description: Clinical-stage immunotherapy company

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: PIPE

• Deal Size: $150.00 million

• Investors: The Invus Group, Ally Bridge Group, Soleus Capital, K2 HealthVentures, RA Capital Management, Commodore Capital, New Leaf Venture, Cormorant Asset Management, Lion Point Capital, Surveyor Capital

• Deal Synopsis: In talks to receive $150 million of development capital through a private placement.

NAYA Biosciences

• Description: Biotechnology company for oncology, fertility, and regenerative medicine

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

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Reverse Merger

• Deal Size: Not specified

• Investors: Invo Bioscience (NAS: INVO) (Steven Shum)

• Deal Synopsis: Reached a definitive agreement to acquire Invo Bioscience through a reverse merger.

Small Pharma

• Description: Neuropharmaceutical company for mental health disorders

• Verticals: Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition

• Deal Size: Not specified

• Investors: Cybin (NEOE: CYBN) (Douglas Drysdale)

• Deal Synopsis: Acquired by Cybin (NEOE: CYBN) for an undisclosed amount.

SPARTA Biodiscovery

• Description: Provider of nanoparticle analytical testing services

• Verticals: Life Sciences, Nanotechnology

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Corporate

• Deal Size: GBP 3.5 million

• Investors: Sartorius (ETR: SRT) (Oscar-Werner Reif)

• Deal Synopsis: A minority stake acquired by Sartorius for GBP 3.5 million.

Telavant

• Description: Developer of innovative drugs and therapies for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases

• Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences

• Deal Date: 23-oct-2023

• Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition

• Deal Size: $7.25 billion

• Investors: Roche (SWX: ROG)

• Deal Synopsis: Reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by Roche for $7.25 billion.

Reduction in force (RIF)

October 26 - ElevateBio: Even with $401 million in the bank—thanks to one of the year’s largest biotech fundraisings—ElevateBio is shaving off some pre-clinical work resulting in layoffs that will affect 13% of the workforce. It’s unclear exactly how many employees will be headed out the door. The company is listed as having around 500 people on LinkedIn. Story

October 24 - Amgen: After a $27.8 billion buyout of Horizon, Amgen is laying off 350 former Horizon employees. The positions that are being eliminated are jobs that overlap with existing teams at Amgen. Story

October 24 - Idorsia: The insomnia-focused biotech is laying off 300 people, predominantly in R&D and associated functions. About 175 other positions were made redundant by either canceling open positions or not replacing people who had left. The workforce reduction follows Idorsia's warning in July that it may have to let go of up to 500 people to shave costs. Story

October 24 - BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics: After failing to win approval for its stem cell therapy candidate, NurOwn, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, BrainStorm is laying off 30% of its staff, including Chief Medical Officer Kirk Taylor, M.D. The move is part of a broader effort to eliminate activities outside of what it will need to try to overcome the FDA’s reservations regarding existing evidence on NurOwn. Story

Disease of the week

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes and can lead to significant disfigurement and disability if left untreated. Leprosy is one of the oldest known diseases in human history, and although it is curable, it has been associated with social stigma and discrimination throughout history.

Niche reference :

Here's a comprehensive overview of leprosy, covering its causes, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and historical and social aspects:

1. Causes: Leprosy is caused by the slow-growing bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. The exact mode of transmission is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur through prolonged close contact with an infected person, as the bacterium is not highly contagious. Leprosy primarily affects the skin and nerves.

2. Symptoms: Leprosy can manifest in various forms, but it is typically classified into two main types:

   • Tuberculoid Leprosy: Characterized by limited skin lesions and nerve involvement, which can lead to sensory loss in affected areas.

   • Lepromatous Leprosy: This form has widespread skin lesions, nodules, and pronounced nerve damage. It is more severe than the tuberculoid form.

   Common symptoms include skin lesions, numbness, and muscle weakness. Left untreated, it can lead to deformities, blindness, and other complications.

3. Transmission: Leprosy is thought to spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person, but it requires prolonged and close contact for transmission. It is not as highly contagious as some other infectious diseases.

4. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, skin biopsies, and the examination of skin smears for the presence of M. leprae. The disease is usually categorized into paucibacillary (few bacteria) and multibacillary (many bacteria) forms based on the number of skin lesions and bacteria present.

5. Treatment: Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT), which typically includes a combination of antibiotics like dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. The treatment duration can be several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the disease.

6. Prevention: There is no known vaccine to prevent leprosy. Early detection and treatment of cases, along with contact tracing and chemoprophylaxis for those in close contact with infected individuals, are key strategies for preventing the spread of the disease.

7. Historical and Social Aspects: Leprosy has been associated with social stigma and discrimination for centuries. In many cultures, individuals with leprosy were historically isolated or ostracized, contributing to the perception of the disease as "unclean." Efforts to combat this stigma have been ongoing for many years.

   Leprosy is mentioned in various historical and religious texts, and leper colonies were established in many countries to segregate those with the disease. However, advancements in treatment and a better understanding of the disease have led to the de-stigmatization of leprosy in many parts of the world.

8. Global Status: Leprosy remains a public health issue in some countries, with the highest burden in India, Brazil, and Indonesia. Efforts are ongoing to eliminate the disease as a public health problem, and many countries have made significant progress in reducing leprosy cases.

9. Research and Advocacy: Several organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Novartis Foundation, have been working to raise awareness, provide treatment, and reduce the stigma associated with leprosy. Research into better diagnostic tools and treatments also continues.

What I’ve read this week
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