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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Roche pill notches win in early breast cancer

Roche claimed the results make its drug giredestrant the first of its kind, a so-called oral SERD, to show a benefit in the “adjuvant” setting after surgery. 

J&J adds to pharma’s M&A spree with $3B buyout of startup Halda

The deal gives J&J access to a pipeline of drugs designed to “hold and kill” tumors, led by a prostate cancer medicine that’s shown promise in early-stage testing. 

A ‘DNA damage repair’ drugmaker raises $115M for cancer treatments

Artios Pharma, which looking for newer targets that, like PARP inhibitors, affect the way tumors fix themselves, said its Series D round will help advance ongoing mid-stage studies.

Sofinnova Partners raises another $750M to back biotech, medtech startups

The new fund will mostly support biotechs making new drugs, with investments spanning from initial financings to follow-on rounds.