Novartis to acquire Regulus Therapeutics and with it farabursen. - Regulus Therapeutics/Novartis
Novartis announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Regulus Therapeutics, a San Diego-based, publicly traded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing microRNA therapeutics. Regulus’ lead asset, farabursen, is a potential first-in-class, next-generation oligonucleotide targeting miR-17 for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The agreed deal is fully in line with the therapeutic area focus of Novartis and leverages our strength and expertise in renal disease.
“With limited treatment options currently available for patients suffering from ADPKD, farabursen represents a potential first-in-class medicine with a profile that may provide enhanced efficacy, tolerability and safety versus standard of care,” said Shreeram Aradhye, President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. “ADPKD is the most common genetic cause of renal failure worldwide. The team at Regulus has done meaningful foundational work with farabursen, and we look forward to investigating its potential further as we aim to bring a better treatment option to patients in need.” Farabursen is an investigational microRNA inhibitor designed to target miR-17 with preferential kidney exposure, aiming to reduce the growth of cysts and kidney size, as well as delay progression of disease severity in ADPKD. In March 2025, Regulus announced the successful completion of its Phase 1b multiple-ascending dose clinical trial for farabursen. The Phase 1b trial data showed promising clinical efficacy and safety, including consistent impact on urinary polycystin (PC), a biomarker of mechanistic response, and height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV), a measure of progressive disease.
Merck KGaA and biopharmaceutical company SpringWorks Therapeutics, have entered into a definitive agreement for Merck to acquire SpringWorks - Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA and SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. announced the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Merck to acquire SpringWorks. The purchase price of $47 per share in cash represents an equity value of approximately $3.9 billion, or an enterprise value of $3.4 billion (€3.0 billion) based on SpringWorks’ cash balance as of December 31, 2024, and a premium of 26% to SpringWorks’ unaffected 20-day volume-weighted average price of $37.38 on February 7, 2025, the day prior to the first market speculation of a potential transaction between Merck KGaA and SpringWorks.
Upon closing, the business combination will immediately contribute to Merck’s revenues and is expected to be accretive to Merck’s earnings per share pre (EPS pre) in 2027. The acquisition will be funded with available cash and new debt. Beyond this planned transaction, Merck will retain the ability to pursue larger transactions and continue to evaluate opportunities across its three sectors, with Life Science a priority. Merck is committed to preserving its strong investment grade credit rating.
SpringWorks’ rare tumor portfolio, including a marketed first-in-class, systemic standard-of-care therapy for adults with desmoid tumors and the first and only approved therapy for adults and children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas (PN) not amenable to complete resection, will accelerate immediate and sustainable revenue growth for Merck. SpringWorks’ portfolio complements Merck’s progress in rare tumors, with Merck recently exercising an option for worldwide commercialization rights for pimicotinib, an investigational therapy developed by Abbisko Therapeutics Co., Ltd. for patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT).
The agreed acquisition provides SpringWorks with an opportunity to expand its reach into markets beyond the U.S. and leverage the breadth of resources of Merck’s global Healthcare organization.
The transaction has been unanimously approved, by all those in attendance, by both the Merck and SpringWorks Boards of Directors and is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval of SpringWorks’ shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals.
Astellas and Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research announce collaboration to accelerate translational and clinical oncology research
- Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc. and Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research announced they have entered into a strategic collaboration to accelerate translational and clinical oncology research. The collaboration leverages Astellas’ unique scientific, translational and clinical expertise and JFCR’s strength as a world-class comprehensive cancer research center to quickly advance the development of novel treatments for patients with cancers that are resistant to current therapies.
Under the agreement, projects will be selected jointly based on shared interest and expertise. Selected projects will generate new translational and clinical data for Astellas’ early-stage pipeline assets, which will be integrated with Astellas’ own data to accelerate and refine these programs. Through this collaboration, Astellas is committed to strengthening translational science and clinical research in order to deliver innovative new medicines. For JFCR, the collaboration provides early access to Astellas’ pipeline, along with additional resources and expertise to bring these therapies to patients.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma partner to develop next-generation treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases - Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim and Cue Biopharma, Inc. announced a strategic research collaboration and license agreement to develop and commercialize Cue Biopharma’s CUE 501 product candidate, a differentiated B cell depletion therapy for autoimmune diseases. Cue Biopharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel class of therapeutic biologics to selectively engage and modulate disease-specific T cells for the potential treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Cue Biopharma’s preclinical candidate molecule binds to a B cell specific membrane protein and in parallel selectively engages virus-specific memory killer T cells. This enables it to selectively deplete B cells and dampen autoimmune and inflammatory processes, potentially offering improved benefit and safety versus other therapeutic approaches targeting B cells.
Under the terms of the agreement, Cue Biopharma’s technology will be leveraged to further research and advance the development of the candidate molecule. The terms of the multi-year collaboration also include the ability of the parties to expand research and potential development into various B cell targeting bispecifics encompassing autoimmune diseases.
Pursuant to the terms of the collaboration, Cue Biopharma is entitled to receive an up-front payment of $12 million as well as research support payments. In addition, Cue Biopharma is also eligible to earn up to an aggregate of approximately $345 million in research, development and commercial milestone-based payments, beginning with two preclinical development milestones as well as royalty payments on net sales.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Tessellate Bio partner to develop first-in-class precision treatments for people with hard-to-treat cancers - Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim and Tessellate Bio, a precision oncology company with a focus on developing novel synthetic lethality approaches, have entered into a research collaboration and global license agreement. Jointly the partners will focus on the development of first-in-class, oral precision treatments for people living with cancer.
Cancer continues to be one of the leading challenges in medicine and treatment options for many cancers remain limited. Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to changing this. The new collaboration with Tessellate Bio aims to develop treatments targeting tumors dependent on alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) for their growth. This feature is present in 10-15% of all cancers and associated with poor prognosis and a lack of targeted therapies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Tessellate Bio is entitled to receive near term payments including an upfront license fee, research funding, and technical milestone payments, as well as downstream success-based milestones, with an overall deal value in excess of €500 million.
Tessellate Bio has developed inhibitors of an undisclosed target that plays a key role in enabling the uncontrolled growth of ALT positive cancer cells. Blocking this target has been shown to lead to increased DNA damage, replication stress and ultimately tumor cell death, specifically in ALT positive tumor cells. A clear benefit is that healthy cells are not affected because they have no dependency on this mechanism.
Allakos is acquired by Concentra Biosciences. - Allakos/Concentra Biosciences
Allakos Inc., a biotechnology company that has been developing antibodies for the treatment of allergic, inflammatory and proliferative diseases, announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby Concentra Biosciences, LLC will acquire Allakos for $0.33 in cash per share of Allakos common stock. Allakos’ Board of Directors has unanimously determined that the acquisition by Concentra is in the best interests of all Allakos shareholders and, following the unanimous recommendation of Allakos’ Transaction Committee, has approved the Merger Agreement and related transactions.
bluebird bio has an offer from Ayrmid Ltd to acquire the company - Bluebird Bio
bluebird bio, Inc. confirmed it has received an unsolicited non-binding written proposal from Ayrmid Ltd to acquire bluebird for an upfront cash payment of $4.50 per share and a one-time contingent value right of $6.84 per share payable upon achievement of a net sales milestone.The deal values Bluebird at a fraction of its worth several years ago, when it had a market capitalization in the billions of dollars. But it’s higher than the roughly $30 million bid submitted in February by private equity firms Carlyle Group and SK Capital. The two firms are similarly offering a $6.84 per share contingent value right payment for Bluebird, but only a $3 per share upfront cash payout.For now, bluebird’s board has not changed its mind, and the company remains bound by the original merger agreement. But it’s willing to look at the new unsolicited nonbinding written proposal.
Merck KGaA collaboration with Zebra Technologies - Merck KGaA
Merck KGaA, a leading science and technology company, and Zebra Technologies Corporation a global leader in digitising and automating frontline workflows, announced a new collaboration aimed at co-creating solutions to address challenges around product verification, authenticity, and trust. Through this collaboration, M-Trust will be the first cyber-physical trust platform with a mobile computer scanning solution for addressing the growing issues of product safety, traceability and counterfeiting. “By combining our expertise in identification and authentication, both companies will deliver essential solutions for reliable data access across value chains. This integration builds trust in AI systems regarding data authenticity and origin,” said Thomas Endress, Head of M-Trust™ at Merck. “Our collaboration with Zebra presents great potential for customers to enhance their operations for more accurate and compliant processes that businesses and consumers can trust.”
Stryker acquires Inari Medical, a company that provides solutions for venous thromboembolism clot removal - Inari Medical Inc/Stryker
Stryker, a global leader in medical technologies, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Inari Medical, Inc., a company that provides innovative solutions for venous thromboembolism (VTE) clot removal without the use of thrombolytic drugs. The addition of Inari brings an established peripheral vascular position to Stryker in the fast-growing VTE segment. “The acquisition of Inari Medical marks a significant milestone in expanding our interventional endovascular portfolio,” said Kevin Lobo, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Stryker. “We look forward to welcoming the talented Inari team to Stryker and working together to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.” Inari’s product portfolio is highly complementary to Stryker’s Neurovascular business and includes two novel mechanical thrombectomy solutions—the FlowTriever System for the treatment of pulmonary embolism and the ClotTriever System for thrombectomy in the peripheral vessels—as well as emerging therapies.
Eyenovia Inc.and Betaliq Inc.to merge to create a new ophthalmic company. - Betaliq
Eyenovia, Inc., an ophthalmic technology company developing and commercializing advanced products leveraging its proprietary Optejet topical ophthalmic medication dispensing platform, announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) contemplating a potential reverse merger transaction with Betaliq, Inc., a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with a therapeutic focus on glaucoma. The proposed merger would create a new ophthalmic company that combines two FDA-approved technologies: Betaliq’s EyeSol water-free drug delivery technology for use in glaucoma, and Eyenovia’s Optejet topical ophthalmic liquid dispensing platform. The proposed transaction assumes a value for Betaliq of approximately $77 million and a value for Eyenovia of approximately $15 million, assuming zero cash (net of liabilities) at merger closing. The exchange ratio is intended to result in Betaliq equity holders owning approximately 83.7% of the combined company, while Eyenovia equity holders would own approximately 16.3% at the closing of the merger, on a fully diluted basis.
Parateck to acquire Optinose and with it Xhance (fluticasone propionate). - OptiNose/Paratek
Paratek Pharmaceuticals and Optinose, Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Paratek will acquire Optinose, including its approved product Xhance (fluticasone propionate). The transaction value is up to $330 million, with consideration payable to shareholders of up to $14 per share, including the payment of contingent value rights (CVRs) tied to future commercial milestones. This acquisition expands Paratek's commercial portfolio beyond its flagship antibiotic, Nuzyra (omadacycline), and strengthens its position as a multi-product company focused on innovative specialty therapies for primary care providers and specialists, addressing important medical health threats.
Alvotech acquires the research operations of Xbrane Biopharma AB and with it XB 003 referencing Cimzia (certolizumab pegol). - Xbrane Biopharma/Alvotech
Alvotech ,a global biotech company specializing in the development and manufacture of biosimilar medicines for patients worldwide, announced the acquisition of Xbrane Biopharma AB’s R&D operations and a biosimilar candidate , further expanding Alvotech’s development capabilities, and establishing a footprint in the Swedish life science sector. The Acquisition includes Xbrane’s R&D operations based in Campus Solna, at the Karolinska Institute outside Stockholm, Sweden, as well as the biosimilar candidate XB 003, referencing Cimzia (certolizumab pegol). Xbrane retains other pre-clinical assets and will focus on the commercialization of this portfolio. Alvotech also announced that it intends to explore the possibility of a listing of Swedish Depository Receipts (SDR), equity share equivalents, on Nasdaq Stockholm, in the future
Mallinckrodt and Endo to merge into one company - Mallinckrodt
Mallinckrodt plc and Endo, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in a stock and cash transaction to create a global, scaled, diversified pharmaceuticals leader. Mallinckrodt and Endo plan to combine their generic pharmaceuticals businesses and Endo's sterile injectables business after the close of the transaction and intend to separate that business from the combined company at a later date. Such a separation would be subject to approval by the combined company's Board of Directors and other conditions.The combined company's brands portfolio will comprise leading pharmaceutical brands across a range of therapeutic areas, including Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum), Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection), Terlivaz (terlipressin), Supprelin LA (histrelin acetate) and Aveed (testosterone undecanoate). With this enhanced commercial portfolio, and a strong foundation in rare and orphan diseases, the combined brands business will be poised to deliver strong growth with an attractive cash flow profile.
Mallinckrodt will continue as the holding company for the combined business, and Endo will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mallinckrodt. Mallinckrodt's existing senior secured term loans and senior secured notes are expected to be refinanced in connection with the transaction, while Endo's debt is expected to remain outstanding. Mallinckrodt and Endo will finance the transaction, including the contemplated refinancing, with cash on hand and $900 million of committed financing provided to Endo by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC.
BMS acquires 2seventy bio and with it Abecma a treatment for multiple myeloma. - 2seventy bio Inc./BMS
2seventy bio, Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement under which Bristol Myers Squibb will acquire all of the outstanding shares of 2seventy bio at a price of $5.00 per share in an all-cash transaction for a total equity value of approximately $286 million, or $102 million net of estimated cash. The deal represents an 88% premium to the closing price of $2.66 on March 7, 2025. “A year ago, 2seventy decided to exclusively focus on unlocking the value of Abecma, with the goal of delivering more time for people living with multiple myeloma and maximizing value for all stakeholders,” said Chip Baird, chief executive officer, 2seventy bio. “The strategic rationale for this acquisition is clear and this announcement represents the culmination of the journey for 2seventy bio. We believe that Abecma will continue to benefit from BMS’ experience and resources to ensure this important therapy is delivered to patients who need it.
Jazz Pharma to acquire Chimerix ad with it dordaviprone for H3 K27M mutant Glioma - Chimerix/Jazz Pharma
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc and Chimerix announced the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Jazz to acquire Chimerix for $8.55 per share in cash, representing a total consideration of approximately $935 million. The transaction has been approved by both companies and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Chimerix’s lead clinical asset is dordaviprone, a novel first-in-class small molecule treatment in development for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, a rare, high-grade brain tumor that most commonly affects children and young adults. There are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies specifically for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma patients; radiation is the most common treatment approach. A New Drug Application (NDA) for accelerated approval of dordaviprone in recurrent H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma was recently accepted and granted Priority Review by FDA. FDA has set a target Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of August 18, 2025.
Boston Scientific Corporation to acquire SoniVie Ltd and with it the Tivus
Intravascular Ultrasound System. - SoniVie/Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SoniVie Ltd., a privately held medical device company that has developed the TIVUS Intravascular Ultrasound System. An investigational technology, the TIVUS system is designed to denervate nerves surrounding blood vessels to treat a variety of hypertensive disorders, including renal artery denervation (RDN) for hypertension.Closely associated with overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with treatment shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and the risk of serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack or heart failure. However, lifestyle modifications and anti-hypertensive medications designed to modulate the sympathetic nervous system – partly through renal nerve activity – are often inadequate in controlling high blood pressure (BP). The Tivus system is designed to perform RDN that can help reduce activity in the kidney's renal nerves and serve as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to these medications to help regulate BP. Compared to radiofrequency energy, ultrasound energy has the potential to penetrate the tissue more deeply, which may result in faster procedures with effective nerve ablation.
Novartis acquires Anthos Therapeutics - Anthos Therapeutics Inc/Novartis.
Novartis today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a Boston-based, privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with abelacimab, a late-stage medicine in development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is fully in line with Novartis’ growth strategy and therapeutic area focus, leveraging the company’s strength and expertise in the cardiovascular area.
Anthos Therapeutics, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has advanced abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis. Abelacimab is a novel, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to induce effective hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation through Factor XI inhibition. Phase 2 data showed a significant reduction in bleeding events in patients taking abelacimab versus a standard of care direct-oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation (AZALEA1,2). Three Phase 3 clinical trials are ongoing for patients at risk of arterial and venous clots, one in patients with atrial fibrillation (LILAC-TIMI 763) and two in cancer associated thrombosis (ASTER4) and (MAGNOLIA5).
Teleflex will acquire substantially all of the Biotronik vascular intervention business. - Biotronik
Teleflex Incorporated , a leading global provider of medical technologies announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the Vascular Intervention business of Biotronik for an estimated cash payment on closing of approximately €760 million, less certain adjustments as provided in the purchase agreement including certain working capital not transferring and other customary adjustments. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2025. The acquired business will expand the Teleflex Interventional portfolio to include a broad suite of vascular intervention devices such as drug-coated balloons, drug-eluting stents, covered stents, balloon and self-expanding bare metal stents, and balloon catheters. In 2023, approximately 75% of the acquired revenues were generated by coronary interventions while the remaining approximately 25% were associated with peripheral interventional procedures. The acquired Vascular Intervention business consists of a comprehensive and differentiated portfolio for coronary and peripheral interventions performed in the cath lab and interventional radiology suites. In coronary vascular interventions, key products include the Pantera Lux Drug-Coated Balloon Catheter, the novel PK Papyrus Covered Coronary Stent for acute coronary artery perforations, and the Orsiro Mission Drug Eluting Stent, an ultrathin drug-eluting stent with differentiated clinical features. For peripheral interventions, the portfolio includes the Passeo 18 Lux Peripheral Drug-Coated Balloon Catheter, Dynetic 35 Balloon-Expandable Cobalt Chromium Stent, and the Pulsar 18 T3 Self-Expanding 4F Stent. The acquisition of the Vascular Intervention business will also allow Teleflex the opportunity to invest in and expand the clinical trial program for Biotronik's Freesolve a sirolimus-eluting Resorbable Metallic Scaffold (RMS) technology, including possible pursuit of the U.S. market.
bluebird bio is acquired by Carlyle Group and SK Capital.
- Bluebird Bio
Bluebird bio, a pioneering gene therapy developer that in recent years has struggled to stay afloat, has agreed to be acquired and taken private in a deal with investment firms Carlyle Group and SK Capital.
Under an agreement, Bluebird will sell to the two firms for $3 per share upfront. Bluebird shareholders could receive an additional $6.84 per share via a so-called contingent value right, should its currently marketed gene therapies reach $600 million in net yearly sales by the end of 2027.
AstraZeneca acquires FibroGen China - FibroGen China/AstraZeneca
FibroGen, Inc.announced the sale of its China subsidiary to AstraZeneca for approximately $160 million. “Today, we announced the sale of FibroGen China to AstraZeneca, our long-time strategic partner for roxadustat in China, bolstering our company on several fronts. It strengthens our financial position, meaningfully extending our cash runway into 2027, and enables us to continue progressing the clinical development program for FG-3246, our first-in-class, CD46 targeting antibody drug conjugate, and FG-3180, our companion PET imaging agent, in mCRPC,” said Thane Wettig, Chief Executive Officer of FibroGen. “After a thorough evaluation of alternatives, we believe selling our China operations and repaying our term loan is in the best interest of FibroGen’s stakeholders. We are grateful for our China colleagues, and in particular Christine Chung, our Head of China Operations, for their unwavering commitment to patients and successful commercialization of roxadustat in China. Now, we turn the page to the next exciting chapter for FibroGen.” Under the terms of the agreement, FibroGen will receive an enterprise value of $85 million plus FibroGen net cash held in China at closing, currently estimated to be approximately $75 million, totaling approximately $160 million.
Immedica completes acquisition of Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Marinus Pharma/Inmedica
11 February 2025 - Immedica Pharma AB (“Immedica”), a leading global rare disease company, announced the completion of the acquisition of Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Marinus”) (Nasdaq: MRNS) through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Matador Subsidiary, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Purchaser”).
Following the completion of Immedica’s successful tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock of Marinus for USD 0.55 per share, net to the seller thereof in cash (the “Offer Price”), without interest and subject to any applicable withholding taxes, Immedica acquired all remaining shares of common stock of Marinus through a merger pursuant to Section 251(h) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. As a result of the transaction, Marinus has become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Immedica, and the common stock of Marinus will cease to be traded on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Novartis acquires Anthos Therapeutics and with it, abelacimab. - Anthos Therapeutics Inc/Novartis.
Novartis announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Anthos Therapeutics, Inc., a Boston-based, privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with abelacimab, a late-stage medicine in development for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is fully in line with Novartis’ growth strategy and therapeutic area focus, leveraging the company’s strength and expertise in the cardiovascular area. Anthos Therapeutics, launched by Blackstone Life Sciences and Novartis in 2019, has advanced abelacimab through clinical development under a license from Novartis. Abelacimab is a novel, highly selective, fully human monoclonal antibody designed to induce effective hemostasis-sparing anticoagulation through Factor XI inhibition. Phase II data showed a significant reduction in bleeding events in patients taking abelacimab versus a standard of care direct-oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation (AZALEA). Three Phase III clinical trials are ongoing for patients at risk of arterial and venous clots, one in patients with atrial fibrillation (LILAC-TIMI 76) and two in cancer associated thrombosis (ASTER) and (MAGNOLIA)..
Globus Medical to acquire Nevro Corp., a global medical device company , - Nevro Corp/Globus Medical
Globus Medical , a leading musculoskeletal solutions company, and Nevro Corp. a global medical device company that is delivering comprehensive, life-changing solutions for the treatment of chronic pain, announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Globus Medical to acquire all shares of Nevro in an all-cash transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Globus Medical will acquire all shares of Nevro for $5.85 per share. The transaction represents a total equity value of approximately $250 million.
“This transaction furthers our mission to become the preeminent musculoskeletal technology company in the world by enabling us to expand into new markets for future growth, while gaining access to world-class, differentiated technologies that can provide significant benefit in neuromodulation, enabling technologies, and future implant solutions. We believe our size and operational capabilities will accelerate market penetration of Nevro’s technology and bring much needed and clinically superior relief to patients suffering from chronic pain,” said Dan Scavilla, President and CEO of Globus Medical. “In addition, our scale and operational discipline will allow us to optimize Nevro’s financial performance to drive enhanced profitability and create long-term value moving ahead.”
Alumis Inc.to merge with Acelyrin Inc. - Alumis
Alumis Inc. a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies using a precision approach to optimize clinical outcomes and significantly improve the lives of patients with immune-mediated diseases, and Acelyrin, Inc. a late-stage clinical biopharma company focused on accelerating the development and delivery of transformative medicines in immunology, announced a definitive merger agreement under which Alumis and Acelyrin will merge in an all-stock transaction.
Martin Babler, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Alumis, said, “Through this combination with Acelyrin, Alumis will have the financial flexibility and runway to advance an expanded late-stage pipeline, now including lonigutamab, and build commercial capabilities. Since completing our IPO, Alumis has operated with speed and rigor, and the multiple development milestones expected in 2025 and 2026, coupled with potential additional indications for ESK 001, represent exciting breakthroughs for our patients and value-driving opportunities for the combined company’s stockholders. As we move forward together, we will maintain financial discipline and a flexible capital allocation strategy with the goal of maximizing the value of our highly differentiated portfolio.”
Following close, the combined company will be led by the current Alumis executive team and will comprise a deep bench of talented professionals and medical experts that have successfully advanced multiple programs through clinicals trials to commercialization. This will include key members of ACELYRIN’s team who will ensure continuity and optimization of the lonigutamab development plan. The combined company’s Board will expand to nine directors, including two additional directors from ACELYRIN’s Board.
The combined company will operate under the Alumis name with its corporate headquarters remaining in South San Francisco.
IMMvention Therapeutix and Novo Nordisk to collaborate on sickle cell disease therapies - IMMvention Therapeutix
IMMvention Therapeutix, Inc., an early-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing human therapeutics, announced a strategic collaboration and license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S to co-develop oral therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) and other chronic conditions.
The partnership will leverage IMMvention’s investigational small-molecule BACH1 inhibitors. BACH1 is thought to be a key regulator of cellular responses, oxidative stress, and inflammation in multiple disease states, making it a promising therapeutic target. Currently in preclinical development, IMMvention’s orally dosed BACH1 inhibitors have the potential to increase fetal hemoglobin, which is believed to ameliorate SCD disease pathology.
Under the agreement, Novo Nordisk will gain an exclusive worldwide license to IMMvention’s BACH1 program. The companies will work together closely to advance BACH1 inhibitors from the program to development candidate nomination. Upon or prior to nomination of a development candidate, Novo Nordisk will take over all further development, regulatory submissions, and commercialization worldwide.