Here are the latest stories being discussed in biopharma today:

1. In its Q1 update, Moderna has remained committed to its long-term strategy and concluded its agreement with Metagenomi. CEO Stéphane Bancel refrained from making bold promises, emphasizing planned growth by 2026.

2. Novartis is expanding its investment in radiopharmaceuticals by acquiring Mariana Oncology for $1 billion. This development follows the firm’s expanded deal with PeptiDream and further solidifies its footing in the radiopharmaceuticals market.

3. The FDA has requested more data before deciding on the approval of Dupixent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. The request, made by Regeneron and Sanofi, could lead to a three-month delay in decision-making.

4. Bristol Myers is handing a preclinical cancer drug back to Schrödinger as part of its cost-cutting and pipeline trimming initiative.

5. Context Therapeutics has secured $100 million in private placement led by Nextech, with Ally Bridge Group among other investors. On the other hand, Blueprint Medicines has raised its guidance on Ayvakit sales by $20 million to $410 million, following increased Q1 revenue.

6. Spark’s co-founder, Jang-Ho Cha, has launched a new CNS gene therapy biotech with a $54 million investment, leaving his post at Novartis.

7. Epigenetic editing startup Chroma has laid off staff to focus on reaching the clinic, despite initially becoming public.

8. Novel psychedelic biotech emerged with $103M raised from MPM and Novo Holdings.

9. The FDA’s decision on Sarepta’s Duchenne gene therapy is expected to arrive earlier than anticipated.

10. Amidst a supply squeeze that stunted its total potential, Novo’s GLP-1 sales boosted profits.

11. BridgeBio is spinning out its oncology unit, securing $200M for RAS assets.

12. Experienced biotech figures have raised $67M to develop targeted activators for cancer.

13. GSK is riding the wave of increased vaccine sales, raising its forecast for 2024.