Sanofi invests in MeiraGTx and its gene-regulating technology

In addition to Sanofi’s investment, the biotech signaled it’s weighing deals with “multiple” other companies that have expressed interest in its work.

By Delilah Alvarado • Oct. 30, 2023

A brain-focused biotech raises $225M to develop drugs for schizophrenia, Parkinson’s

MapLight Therapeutics’ Series C round saw participation from existing backers as well as new ones like Novo Holdings, 5AM Ventures and Cowen Healthcare Investments.

By Jacob Bell • Updated Oct. 30, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Cell therapy

The continued emergence of CAR-T therapy has fueled research into next-generation approaches and new applications, such as its use in autoimmune diseases or in reprogramming cells inside the body.

By BioPharma Dive staff

Abingworth raises $356M to invest in late-stage drug development

The venture firm has supported a number of approved medicines with its co-development strategy, including Pfizer’s Besponsa and Apellis’ Empaveli.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Oct. 30, 2023

Vertex gearing up for launch as sickle cell therapy review advances

Executives at the biotech say they’re trying to get ahead of the payer and production challenges that will face their gene editing treatment exa-cel, which is now under FDA review. 

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 26, 2023

Lessons from a biotech downturn: Funding challenges, an IPO dry spell and what to expect in 2024

“Data is king and it’s something that is really standing true in this market,” said William Blair’s Kevin Eisele in a recent BioPharma Dive panel.

By Delilah Alvarado • Oct. 26, 2023

Triveni emerges from biotech merger with $92M for immune disease drugs

Backed by investors like Atlas and Cormorant, Triveni is developing an antibody drug for eczema and asthma that takes aim at a different kind of target.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Oct. 26, 2023

Eisai says new data could support more convenient form of Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi

An under-the-skin injection of Leqembi performed about the same as the already marketed intravenous form, according to trial results presented Wednesday. A new approval application is expected by the end of March.

By Jacob Bell • Updated Oct. 26, 2023

[Podcast] Secure Innovation: How Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Companies Can Safely Seize Opportunity

This podcast series explores how life sciences companies can bolster their cybersecurity while growing their business.

Updated Dec. 19, 2023

OrbiMed raises $4.3B in new funds for startup investing

The money will be spread across three investment funds and comes at a time when investment into biotech remains shakier than in years past.

By Delilah Alvarado • Oct. 24, 2023

Aiolos Bio raises $245M on prospect of better asthma drug

The startup is taking aim at an inflammation-linked protein known as TSLP, which is the target of an approved asthma medicine.

By Kristin Jensen • Oct. 24, 2023

An OrbiMed-backed biotech launches with $85M and plans for a new kind of DNA medicine

Rampart Biosciences closed a Series A round that will fund its goal to develop more potent DNA-based medicines that avoid immune responses.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Updated Oct. 24, 2023

Verve gets FDA green light to run base editing study in US

The trial, which is ongoing in the U.K. and New Zealand, has been on hold in the U.S. since late last year as the FDA sought more details on Verve’s in vivo treatment for heart disease.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 23, 2023

Laronde, Senda Biosciences merge to create new Flagship company

The troubled RNA biotech is merging with Senda, another Flagship company that has drawn hundreds of millions of dollars in investment.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Oct. 19, 2023

PTC to sell spinal muscular atrophy drug royalties for $1B

A second deal with Royalty Pharma around the Roche therapy Evrysdi will allow PTC to retire Blackstone debt and keep more cash for future operations.

By Kristin Jensen • Oct. 19, 2023

Beam to lay off 100 employees, seek partners in research restructuring

The base editing specialist will prioritize medicines for sickle cell and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, while trimming its plans for other programs.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 19, 2023

After long journey, Ardelyx gets FDA OK for kidney disease drug

The biotech plans to hire additional sales staff to support the U.S. launch of Xphozah, which had been rejected by the FDA two years ago.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 18, 2023

BrainStorm, after setbacks, withdraws approval application for ALS drug

A panel of FDA advisers last month found BrainStorm’s data unconvincing. The company now says a Phase 3b study will be needed for its NurOwn cell therapy to have a shot at an approval.

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 18, 2023

Ultragenyx to spin out new company around Alzheimer’s gene therapy

CEO Emil Kakkis says the company's findings are too exciting to ignore, but the “high-risk, high-return” venture needs to be pursued outside the organization.

By Kristin Jensen • Oct. 18, 2023

Novo’s Uli Stilz on biotech innovation and the future of diabetes drugs

The Danish drugmaker's innovation hub in Boston has teamed up with the Broad Institute, Mass General Brigham, Harvard and Yale, expanding its research into cardiometabolic diseases.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Oct. 17, 2023

Concentra makes bid for struggling biotech Rain

The takeout offer, from Concentra owner Tang Capital, comes after a difficult year for Rain, which has cut back its spending and trimmed staff.

By Delilah Alvarado • Oct. 16, 2023

Cell therapy developer Sana turns again to layoffs

The once high-flying biotech is cutting staff for the second time in a year and delaying some research to save cash.

By Kristin Jensen • Oct. 11, 2023

A decade later, biotech’s CRISPR revolution is still going strong

Once the specialty of a few select drugmakers, CRISPR gene editing is now an essential technology for a growing group of biotechs, many led by former students of the field's pioneering scientists.

By Gwendolyn Wu , Shaun Lucas , Julia Himmel • Oct. 11, 2023

FDA denies expanded approval for Alnylam RNA drug

The agency rejected Alnylam’s application for approval of its medicine patisiran in people with a rare heart condition, setting back the company’s plans.

By Jonathan Gardner • Updated Oct. 9, 2023

UniQure lays off 20% of staff, cuts research to ‘significantly’ lower costs

All told, the biotech said it will discontinue more than half of its research and technology projects, including a Parkinson’s disease treatment.

By Gwendolyn Wu • Oct. 5, 2023

Dana-Farber spinout Precede exits stealth with blood test technology and $57M

Precede has used the money to develop a platform that reveals the activity of genes and pathways.

By Nick Paul Taylor • Oct. 5, 2023