Moderna, after losing US funding, rebounds to start mRNA bird flu vaccine trial
BioPharma Dive
A program that got caught up in HHS decision to abandon mRNA research was revived by a public-private coalition and is now beginning a large, late-stage test that could support a future approval.
Trump’s psychedelics push a mixed blessing for neuropsychiatric companies, patients
BioSpace
With a greenlight for ibogaine to enter clinical testing and three unnamed products set to receive Commissioner’s National Priority Vouchers this week, it’s full speed ahead for psychedelics.
Neurology, biomanufacturing start-ups bag UK AI funding
Pharmaphorum
The first recipients of the UK government’s 500 million Sovereign AI fund have been announced, including two life sciences-focused start-ups.
Ionis’ antisense drug stabilizes ultra-rare disease ahead of FDA decision
BioSpace
The pivotal study of zilganersen in Alexander disease missed a secondary endpoint, but analysts expect the FDA to approve the asset given the unmet need and overall data.
Lilly exits Rigel alliance, adding to RIPK1 scrap heap
BioSpace
Eli Lilly and Rigel Pharmaceuticals partnered in February 2021 to advance a pair of RIPK1 blockers, but the pharma in October last year pulled the plug on one of these programs for central nervous sys
FDA delays decision on Sanofi’s subcutaneous Sarclisa
Pharmaphorum
The FDA has extended its review of a new version of Sanofi’s multiple myeloma Sarclisa that could help narrow the gap with arch-rival Darzalex.
MSD-backed Ray locks in $125m to back eye drug pipeline
Pharmaceutical Technology
Ray’s MSD and Novo Holdings-backed Series B will shed light on the potential of the company’s vision restoration gene therapy pipeline.
New data build case for Roche’s oral BTK drug for MS
Pharmaphorum
Roche remains confident in the prospects for its soon-to-be-filed oral BTK drug fenebrutinib for multiple sclerosis, despite safety concerns.
Pivotal trial of Moderna’s H5N1 bird flu jab gets underway
Pharmaphorum
The first volunteers in a large-scale trial of Moderna’s mRNA-based vaccine against bird flu have received shots in the UK and US.
BioAegis and Prenosis partner for inflammatory disease therapies
Pharmaceutical Business Review
The collaboration will evaluate biomarkers and patient subgroups with improved responses to BioAegis’ gelsolin therapy, a critical immune regulatory protein that aims to rebalance inflammation without
BioAegis and Prenosis partner for inflammatory disease therapies
Pharmaceutical Technology
BioAegis Therapeutics has entered a strategic partnership with Prenosis to advance AI-driven precision medicine for inflammatory diseases.
Medicare obesity drug pilot extended after insurer pushback
Pharmaphorum
Medicare will cover the cost of a pilot of weight-loss drug coverage, after health insurers refuse to take part.
Health Canada approves Biocon’s two denosumab biosimilars
Pharmaceutical Technology
Biocon has received a Notice of Compliance from Health Canada for Bosaya and Vevzuo, both biosimilars referencing Prolia and Xgeva, respectively.
Tortugas debuts with $106M and brain drugs from Hansoh, Eisai
BioPharma Dive
Led by former Sage Therapeutics executives Jeff Jonas and Al Robichaud, the company is starting out with a portfolio of neurological medicines in clinical testing.
Merck’s fast-ascending kidney cancer drug hits a setback
BioPharma Dive
Welireg s failure in first-line kidney cancer removes a blockbuster opportunity and could leave an opening for a rival drug from Arcus Biosciences, analysts said.
BioAge says early data suggest ‘best-in-class’ potential for inflammation drug
BioPharma Dive
The company has rallied from an earlier setback in obesity thanks to early progress for a drug targeting NLRP3, an inflammasome linked to a variety of health conditions.
Tortugas takes neuro deep dive with $106M to develop Eisai, Hansoh programs
BioSpace
With programs from Eisai and Hansoh Pharmaceutical in hand, Tortugas Neuroscience has emerged with hopes of delivering daily oral treatments to patients with central nervous system conditions.
Merck, Eisai’s Keytruda triplet fails to improve survival in kidney cancer
BioSpace
A triplet regimen comprising Merck’s Welireg and PD-1 blockbuster Keytruda and Eisai’s Lenvima flopped in a Phase 3 renal cell carcinoma trial.
Novo Nordisk preps filings for sickle cell drug etavopivat
Pharmaphorum
Novo Nordisk has claimed a key win in its head-to-head race with Agios to bring an oral PKR activator to the market for sickle cell disease.
AACR 2026: Moderna, Revolution, Zymeworks and BeOne showcase new data
BioSpace
Moderna, Revolution Medicines and Zymeworks record wins in melanoma, lung and breast cancers, while BeOne swings and misses at head and neck cancer.