The Latest
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The top biopharma conferences in 2026
Medical meetings often feature important clinical trial results, making them barometers of biotech and pharma companies’ research progress. Here’s a list of conferences to watch next year.
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Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 misses goal in closely watched Alzheimer’s studies
The studies offer perhaps the most concrete rebuttal yet to an idea that GLP-1 drugs, which have profound benefits on weight loss and heart health, might also help combat neurodegeneration.
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Novartis wins approval to use SMA gene therapy in older patients
Itvisma, an intrathecal version of Zolgensma, can be used in children, teens and adults to stabilize or improve motor function.
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Deep Dive
Biotech’s M&A outlook is uncertain. Track the deals that are happening here.
Including J&J’s buyout of Halda Therapeutics, 13 company acquisitions have been announced since the start of October, the most active dealmaking stretch in several years.
Updated Nov. 17, 2025 -
Pharma faces a critical ‘turning point’ in 2026, years in the making
While Trump’s manufacturing and pricing deals with pharma shape the industry’s future, COVID’s impact still ripples throughout the health landscape.
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Gilead scoops up a preclinical cancer program
The company, which invested heavily in oncology in recent years, has now put more than $400 million on the table to access a Sprint Bioscience drug targeting “TREX1.”
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Bayer’s experimental blood-thinner notches trial win in stroke prevention
Asundexian's Phase 3 study results raise hopes for a new class of cardiovascular drugs that has seen clinical setbacks.
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Deep Dive // Emerging biotech
Biotech IPOs are the industry’s lifeblood. Track how they’re performing.
Including Evommune’s IPO Wednesday, only 10 biotechs have gone public in 2025, less than half the nearly two dozen that had priced offerings by this time last year.
Updated Nov. 6, 2025 -
Emerging biotech
Biogen strikes deal with Versant-backed biotech to expand immune portfolio
Newly launched Dayra Therapeutics has agreed to identify for Biogen "oral macrocycle candidates" that go after "high-priority immunological targets."
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FDA probes effects of Takeda rare disease drug after patient death
The agency is evaluating whether further regulatory action is warranted after receiving reports of neutralizing antibodies.
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GSK, Anaptysbio sue each other over Jemperli revenue
As Anaptysbio seeks to split off a royalty business, both companies claim the other breached contracts surrounding development of the cancer immunotherapy.
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Deep Dive // Emerging biotech
Biotech startups are built on venture capital. Track funding rounds here.
Sofinnova Partners, which just closed a new fund, has been involved in five funding rounds since the start of October, two of which were announced over the last week.
Updated Nov. 19, 2025 -
News roundup
FDA tests new program to speed drugmaker talks; Bezos-linked AI startup raises $106M
The FDA will now allow biotechs to ask agency staff for “quick clarifications” via email. Elsewhere, Novartis hiked guidance for two top drugs and a startup nearing “unicorn” status secured a megaround.
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A brain biotech’s top drug fails against MS
Shares of Contineum Therapeutics dipped by the double-digits late Thursday after investors learned of a clinical setback for a drug that’s also piqued Johnson & Johnson’s interest.
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Moderna secures $1.5B lifeline as it looks to break even in 2028
At an analyst day event, Moderna said it wants to invest revenue from a hopefully expanded seasonal vaccine franchise into oncology and rare disease programs, to “set the stage for additional growth in 2027 and 2028.”
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Abbott to acquire Exact Sciences for about $21B
The purchase would give Abbott access to cancer screening tests including Cologuard and blood tests for multi-cancer early detection.
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Brain drug revival
Aspen raises $115M for a Parkinson’s stem cell treatment
The cell therapy maker said Thursday the raise will support an ongoing trial of its experimental treatment for the neurodegenerative condition, as well as plans for building its manufacturing capabilities.
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Roche inks deal for rights to Freenome cancer tests outside US
Roche is investing $75 million in Freenome as part of the deal, which comes a year after the Swiss company led a $254 million financing round.
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With new approvals, Regeneron’s higher-dose Eylea gets more competitive
Analysts say the two new indications should help Eylea HD as Regeneron battles for market share with Roche’s Vabysmo.
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RNAi biotech Arrowhead wins first FDA approval
The clearance of Redemplo for a rare genetic disorder marks Arrowhead’s transition, after two decades, into a commercial-stage company and sets up a turf war with Ionis Pharmaceuticals.
Updated Nov. 18, 2025 -
Agios shares fall on mixed sickle cell results for blood disease drug
Pyrukynd, which Agios sells for a rare type of anemia, missed one of its main objectives in a study seen as crucial for its commercial outlook and the company’s reinvention as a rare disease specialist.
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Zymeworks to change course, pursue ‘royalty-driven’ biotech model
On the heels of a data readout suggesting one of its cancer drugs could become a future blockbuster, Zymeworks is adopting a new strategy its CEO says will create “more consistent value for shareholders.”
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News roundup
Alkermes escalates bidding war; US biotech risks ‘falling behind’ China
A bipartisan report warned Congress about China’s growing control over the pharmaceutical supply chain. Elsewhere, Alkermes sweetened its bid for Avadel and Moderna is investing $140 million in U.S. drug production.
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Merck’s blockbuster-to-be cardiovascular drug scores in another heart study
Winrevair, which Merck has identified as a “growth driver,” significantly improved blood flow through the lungs to the heart in a study of adults with a common form of heart failure.
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UnitedHealth adds former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb to board
The company declined to comment on Gottlieb’s appointment, which comes as it works to improve its relationship with federal regulators.