Biopharma sector still growing despite layoff wave, Stifel report finds

The investment bank estimates that, while many smaller biotechs are laying off staff, larger companies are still growing from early 2021 levels.

By Ben Fidler • Aug. 7, 2023

Sage considers cuts after FDA’s split decision on depression drug

Analysts are now questioning whether Sage’s partner Biogen will hand back rights to the drug, which was approved for postpartum depression but not major depressive disorder.

By Jacob Bell • Aug. 7, 2023

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The expanding world of RNA therapies

Medicines from Alnylam, Ionis, Moderna and others have proven the power of RNA in medicine. A growing field of startups is advancing alongside them.

By BioPharma Dive staff

Ikena acquires cancer startup Pionyr after Gilead passes on buyout

The all-stock deal comes months after Gilead waived an option to buy Pionyr, and gives Ikena some needed breathing room in a tough market.

By Delilah Alvarado • Aug. 7, 2023

Claudin 6 (CLDN6) T Cell engagers for CLDN6-positive solid tumors

As research evolves for new oncology treatments, companies including Context Therapeutics are developing potential therapies focused on the emerging novel oncology target Claudin 6 (CLDN6). 

Aug. 7, 2023

FDA approves Sage, Biogen drug for postpartum depression, but rejects wider use

The agency turned back the companies' attempt to also win clearance for major depressive disorder, limiting its market potential.

By Jacob Bell • Aug. 4, 2023

Regeneron gets ‘clarity’ in plan to defend top-selling eye drug, but is set back elsewhere

The surprise rejection of a high-dose form of Eylea could be resolved earlier than anticipated. But some of the company’s pipeline projects have stumbled.

By Ben Fidler • Aug. 4, 2023

Agios turns to Alnylam for help with rare disease push

The biotech is acquiring rights to an RNA interference medicine Alnylam invented for a rare blood disorder, continuing a corporate makeover that began in 2020. 

By Kristin Jensen • Aug. 3, 2023

Gilead-backed cell therapy startup Kyverna adds fresh funds for new strategy

A treatment licensed from the NIH and in clinical testing for lupus is the startup’s lead program, while its founding “Treg” cell therapy research matures, according to CEO Peter Maag.

By Ben Fidler • Aug. 3, 2023

Karyopharm cuts staff amid push to broaden use of blood cancer drug

The biotech, which has struggled to grow sales of its medicine Xpovio, is laying off 20% of its staff and focusing on late-stage studies in endometrial cancer and myelofibrosis.

By Delilah Alvarado • Aug. 2, 2023

Steve Jobs’ son raises $200M for cancer-focused venture fund

Yosemite is one of a new class of biotech venture funds that also includes the recently launched Dimension and Cure Ventures.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Aug. 2, 2023

A once buzzy gene therapy startup lays off staff and shuts down

Intergalactic, a developer of non-viral gene therapies built by ex-Biogen executive Michael Ehlers, is folding less than two years after its launch. 

By Kristin Jensen • Aug. 2, 2023

TG shares tumble following licensing deal for MS drug

Some on Wall Street believe the New York-based biotechnology company is now less likely to get acquired after agreeing to sell partial rights to its only marketed product.

By Jacob Bell • Aug. 1, 2023

BridgeBio explores path forward for muscular disease drug

According to the company, FDA officials have signaled openness to using a surrogate endpoint for assessing accelerated approval of a treatment for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.

By Ned Pagliarulo • July 31, 2023

Apellis faces safety doubts for fast-selling eye drug

At a medical meeting, the company confirmed seven cases of a rare, but severe, side effect have been reported following treatment with its geographic atrophy drug Syfovre.

By Ben Fidler • Updated July 31, 2023

Early-stage biotech funding on pace to drop 40% in 2023, HSBC report shows

Investment in drugmaking “platforms” is declining as venture firms turn to safer bets, according to a study from the new startup-focused division of HSBC.

By Gwendolyn Wu • July 28, 2023

Biogen to acquire rare disease drugmaker Reata for $7.3B

The deal is a major bet by Biogen and its new CEO Chris Viehbacher, who’s reorganized R&D, cut costs and laid off staff since becoming company head last year.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Updated July 28, 2023

Gene editing biotech Homology hits reset and seeks a sale

The company will lay off 87% of its workforce and halt further research, including for a gene editing therapy to treat the rare disease PKU.

By Ned Pagliarulo • July 28, 2023

European VC Medicxi raises $400M for ‘asset-centric’ biotech investing

Several biotech investors have announced new investment funds in 2023 despite a turbulent market that's challenged startups.

By Gwendolyn Wu • July 27, 2023

FDA declines to review Biohaven’s latest drug in setback to pipeline

While the FDA doesn’t think the brain disease treatment merits an evaluation, Biohaven is still pushing for one and has requested a further meeting.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 27, 2023

Kincell spins out of cell therapy biotech, joining wave of manufacturing startups

The company is the latest to emerge with plans to make production of cell-based medicines easier for researchers and biotechs.

By Ben Fidler • July 26, 2023

Infinity to lay off staff, offload cancer drug after merger falls apart

The cost cuts at the nearly 30-year-old biotech are part of plans to seek a “strategic transaction” for the company’s only remaining drug prospect.

By Ben Fidler • July 26, 2023

Nexo allies with MD Anderson in pursuit of covalent cancer drugs

The startup raised $60 million, joining other covalent drug developers like Matchpoint, Terremoto and Enlaza in drawing investor interest.

By Gwendolyn Wu • July 26, 2023

Biogen to eliminate 1,000 jobs in further cost cuts

CEO Chris Viehbacher described the restructuring, which will trim $1 billion in operating expenses, as a “complete redesign of Biogen.”

By Ned Pagliarulo • Updated July 25, 2023

FibroGen CEO resigns amid latest round of layoffs

The biotech’s leader Enrique Conterno is stepping down for personal reasons after a string of clinical setbacks that led to a restructuring. Eli Lilly veteran Thane Wettig will replace him in the interim.

By Delilah Alvarado • July 25, 2023

Editas names Biogen veteran as top scientist in latest executive change

Linda Burkly’s appointment follows the exit of CSO Mark Shearman, whose departure Editas announced alongside layoffs earlier this year.

By Gwendolyn Wu • July 24, 2023