Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:
1. “Zavain Dar Discusses New VC and AI in Drug Industry”
Zavain Dar, formerly of Lux Capital, has started his own fund, Dimension, which has raised $350 million to invest in the convergence of tech and biotech. Drawing connections between basketball and the drug industry, Dar believes that data and AI will be game-changers in the healthcare sector.
2. “Exscientia CEO Dismissed Amidst Scandal”
Andrew Hopkins, CEO of Exscientia, has been fired following allegations of inappropriate employee relationships. Hopkins’ sudden departure and the resignation of Exscientia’s chairman have caused the company’s stock to decrease by nearly 20%.
3. “LianBio Ends Operations”
Biotech company LianBio plans to wind down and lay off half of its staff. The company, which had sought to license drugs for approval and sale in China, expects to complete its operational wind-down by 2027.
4. “EyeBio Moves Forward with Wnt Agonist”
After successful results in a Phase Ib/IIa trial of its tri-specific Wnt agonist antibody, EyeBio is planning potential registration trials in retinal diseases. The drug showed improvements in visual and anatomical measurements in patients with retinal diseases.
5. “Roivant Stops Cancer Drug Program”
Roivant has halted work on an experimental treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes, a variety of blood cancer, following an interim analysis of a Phase I/II trial.
6. “BioAge’s $170M Fund Ensures Focus on Obesity Solutions”
BioAge Labs has secured the largest biotech-industry private financing round of 2024, with a $170 million Series D. The funding will aid the company in developing its drug azeleprag, a promising player in the field of obesity drug development.
7. “G1 Therapeutics’ Stock Dips on PhIII Delay”
G1 Therapeutics’ stock has dropped nearly 40% due to a delay in the readout from their Phase III clinical trial.
8. “CRISPR to Raise $280M, Teams up with BMS, VantAI”
In other news, a recent briefing revealed that CRISPR therapeutics plans to raise $280 million to fund development and BMS is teaming up with biotech VantAI.
9. “Biotech Firm Raises $112M for Clinical Trials”
Seattle-based biotech, founded by former Seagen leaders, has raised $112 million to fund four clinical-stage ADCs.
10. “Roche Forgoes Repare Solid Tumor Deal”
Swiss healthcare company Roche has decided to walk away from a solid tumor deal with Repare Therapeutics, just weeks after a $40 million milestone payout.
11. “Otsuka’s Alzheimer’s Trial Disappoints”
Japanese pharmaceutical company, Otsuka, has reported disappointing results from its Phase III trial for Alzheimer’s agitation.
12. “KalVista Reports Success in PhIII Trial for Hereditary Anigeoedema Drug”
Biotech company KalVista has reported Phase III success for its oral hereditary angioedema drug, which could provide competition for current injectable treatments.
13. “Gilead Acquires Potential $1B Liver Disease Drug”
Gilead has acquired liver disease drug with a potential for $1 billion in peak sales.
