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Today’s Big News

Jul 15, 2025

Sino Biopharm buys Merck's PD-1xVEGF bispecific partner LaNova for up to $951M

Hengrui’s GLP-1/GIP agonist reports 18% weight loss in phase 3 trial, readies China push

Acumen taps JCR’s blood-brain barrier tech for $555M Alzheimer’s deal

Sellas’ CDK9 inhibitor tied to 50% response rate in certain AML patients in phase 2 study

China biotechs ‘reshaping’ US biopharma as outlicensing deals rise 11%: Jefferies report

Merck wades deeper into HIV PrEP waters dominated by Gilead with 2 new late-stage trials

Veru survey highlights muscle loss concerns among GLP-1 users, as lean mass-preserving med plows ahead

Featured

Sino Biopharm buys Merck's PD-1xVEGF bispecific partner LaNova for up to $951M

By Angus Liu

Sino Biopharm said it will pay up to $951 million to acquire LaNova Medicines, which has ongoing oncology partnerships with Merck & Co. and AstraZeneca.

Hengrui’s GLP-1/GIP agonist reports 18% weight loss in phase 3 trial, readies China push

By James Waldron

Hengrui Pharma has tied its injectable GLP-1/GIP receptor dual agonist to a mean weight loss of almost 18% at 48 weeks, leading the biotech to push for approval in China “as soon as possible.”

Acumen taps JCR’s blood-brain barrier tech for $555M Alzheimer’s deal

By James Waldron

Days after JCR Pharmaceuticals signed a deal with AstraZeneca’s rare disease unit, the Japanese biopharma has secured a $555 million biobucks pact with Alzheimer’s-focused Acumen Pharmaceuticals.

How do you get pharmaceutical treatments where they’re needed most?

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Choosing the right specialty pharmacy partner is critical. Especially when you’re treating rare, chronic and complex conditions. You need a partner who delivers more than just logistics management, therapy fulfillment and generalized patient care.

Sellas’ CDK9 inhibitor tied to 50% response rate in certain AML patients in phase 2 study

By Gabrielle Masson

Sellas Life Sciences’ investigational CDK9 inhibitor has scored in a midstage acute myeloid leukemia (AML) study, demonstrating an overall response rate (ORR) more than double the 20% goal.

China biotechs ‘reshaping’ US biopharma as outlicensing deals rise 11%: Jefferies report

By Gabrielle Masson

International companies are increasingly inking licensing deals with Chinese biotechs as concerns regarding drug pricing and patent expirations continue to rise.

Merck wades deeper into HIV PrEP waters dominated by Gilead with 2 new late-stage trials

By Darren Incorvaia

Even with the HIV prevention waters now dominated by Gilead Science’s Yeztugo (lenacapavir), Merck & Co. is not afraid to swim deeper in. The New Jersey pharma is teaming up with the Gates Foundation to launch a pair of phase 3 trials of its once-monthly, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prospect.

Veru survey highlights muscle loss concerns among GLP-1 users, as lean mass-preserving med plows ahead

By Andrea Park

As Miami-based Veru continues development of its enobosarm to prevent muscle wasting in patients being treated for obesity, among other conditions, the biopharma has conducted a survey showing that the side effect looms large in the minds of GLP-1 users.

PCI, on CDMO growth journey, nets 'sizable' investment from private equity heavyweights

By Fraiser Kansteiner

With transatlantic expansions nearing completion and a new acquisition in the books, PCI Pharma Services has secured a confidence vote—and capital to go with it—from a slate of private equity heavy hitters, including new backer Bain Capital.

Blue KC wrongfully denied medical diagnoses, hospital alleges in AI-driven claims lawsuit

By Noah Tong

A new lawsuit puts the use of AI by third-party vendors in denying medical diagnoses under the spotlight.

DOJ drops criminal charges against doctor accused of falsifying COVID-19 vaccination cards, destroying shots

By Dave Muoio

Michael Kirk Moore, a certified plastic surgeon in Utah, and others were indicted by a federal grand jury in 2023 and faced up to 35 years in prison. His case had become a focal point for conservatives critical of the COVID-19 pandemic response under President Joe Biden and others more broadly skeptical of vaccination.

Fierce podcasts

Don’t miss an episode

Biopharma layoffs aren't letting up

Biopharma layoffs have held steady through mid-2025, and in this episode of "The Top Line," we dig into the numbers, closures and policy changes shaping the trend.

What employers want from specialty care

Rethinking the mental healthcare model

Resources

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Industry-backed, data-driven approaches to enhancing container closure integrity

This white paper outlines how we apply industry-backed practices and proprietary technologies to proactively safeguard sterility and performance.

How Will US Policy Impact the Growth of UK Biotech?

Presented by Blue Matter, strategic consultants in the life sciences

Specialized Support to Accelerate Biotech Success

Biotech innovation doesn’t slow down—and neither should your lab partner. This brief outlines how early scientific engagement, operational transparency, and integrated global lab services help reduce risk, stay on schedule, and deliver results. Whether you're navigating your first trial or scaling a growing pipeline, see how a purpose-built lab model can help you move smarter and faster.