Prescribed Reading: J&J sells off units; another Alzheimer's defeat

Big pharma extended its string of divestitures and portfolio streamlining this week. Meanwhile, manufacturers can't seem to beat Alzheimer's disease.

By Lisa LaMotta • June 15, 2018

Sage licenses out depression drug in Asia, adding to cash warchest

Inking a deal with Shionogi for rights to SAGE-217, the biotech will earn $90 million upfront just as it preps for a potential market launch of brexanolone. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • June 14, 2018

BridgeBio launches another biotech, focused on gene disorders

CoA Therapeutics, the second subsidiary BridgeBio has rolled out this month, aims to create drugs for diseases linked to coenzyme-A deficiencies.

By Suzanne Elvidge • June 14, 2018

BridgeBio launches new biotech to develop Alexion drug

The biotech parent company took a well-worn route in creating its latest subsidiary, back-stopping it with cash and building it around an acquired asset for an ultra-rare disease. 

By Suzanne Elvidge • June 12, 2018

Axovant stock rockets up on Oxford gene therapy deal

A new addition to its pipeline signals the biotech is still forging ahead despite a recent Alzheimer's trial blowup.

By Suzanne Elvidge • June 7, 2018

BIO18: Pfizer (sort of) inches back to neuro; Building ties with FDA

Day Three of the BIO International convention shined a light on the neuroscience space and its evolution.

By Lisa LaMotta • June 6, 2018

BIO18: Oncology surplus could drive down values

An annual report from Syneos Health shows 2018 could be the second strongest year for dealmaking in the last decade. 

By Lisa LaMotta • June 5, 2018

Versartis stock climbs on reverse merger with Aravive

The two plan to link up to create a publicly listed, clinical-stage oncology biopharma.

By Suzanne Elvidge • June 5, 2018

BIO18: Pfizer's Bourla on volume vs. value

Day One at the BIO International annual convention was dominated by talk of partnering and the changing model for valuing medicines. 

By Lisa LaMotta • June 4, 2018

Prescribed Reading: M&A slow ahead of BIO, ASCO

With two of the industry's biggest conferences coming up, the biopharma deal space took a breath. 

By Lisa LaMotta • June 1, 2018

GE Healthcare supports cell therapy scale-up

A partnership between DiscGenics, CCRM and GE Healthcare could help streamline manufacturing for the disc disease cell therapy.

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 31, 2018

Prescribed Reading: J&J seen with most M&A potential; Drug pricing plan ripples

The pharma giant has the greatest flexibility to ink a deal, according to a recent Leerink report. Elsewhere, drug pricing remained center stage in D.C. 

By Lisa LaMotta • May 25, 2018

AstraZeneca expands development deal with Bicycle

Aiming to bolster its respiratory and cardio-metabolic pipeline, the British pharma has broadened its collaboration with Bicycle to include more targets.

By Lisa LaMotta • May 24, 2018

Cleveland Clinic launches new biorepository

Increased access to tissue sample storage and improved patient consent could speed up translational research.

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 24, 2018

Bioasis signs manufacturing deal with WuXi Biologics

Partnering with the Chinese CDMO should help Bioasis move one of its preclinical drug programs into the clinic.

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 23, 2018

Celgene taps Evotec for oncology discovery

Looking to reduce dependence on Revlimid, the big biotech is working to expand its oncology capabilities.

By Lisa LaMotta • May 22, 2018

Takeda makes $280M divestiture amid Shire buy

While working to close its $62B deal for Shire, the Japanese pharma will sell its majority stake in Guangdong Techpool Bio-Pharma.

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 22, 2018

After a flurry, NASH deals put on pause

After several years of dealmaking in the liver disease space, the industry waits for the next wave of assets to mature. 

By Lisa LaMotta • May 21, 2018

Prescribed Reading: FDA, CMS take aim at drug pricing

Government agencies announced moves to bring down high drug prices, though the market doesn't seem worried just yet.

By Lisa LaMotta • May 18, 2018

Profectus and MediSun launch Asian joint venture

The new Hong Kong company will focus on preventive and therapeutic vaccines for Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia.

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 18, 2018

Merck, Eiger expand drug licensing deal to include rare disease indication

Eiger can now develop lonafarnib for the uncommon and fatal genetic disease Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. 

By Jacob Bell • May 16, 2018

TapImmune and Marker Therapeutics merge to create new I/O company

Set to be based in Texas, the combined company aims to develop a new approach in the red-hot field of immuno-oncology.

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 15, 2018

Lilly drops $110M to bring cancer compound back in house

Acquiring AurKa Pharma gives Lilly renewed access to a first-in-class oncology asset in early-stage testing against multiple solid tumor types.

By Jacob Bell • May 14, 2018

Macrogenics taps AGC Biologics for commercial manufacturing

The CDMO will prepare to commercially supply Macrogenics' cancer drug margetuximab, which is making its way through Phase 3 study. 

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 14, 2018

La Jolla inks royalty deal to support Giapreza launch

The biotech is tapping HealthCare Royalty Partners for $125 million in near-term cash in exchange for royalty payments later. 

By Suzanne Elvidge • May 14, 2018