Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world. Fired employees from the Department of Health and Human Services are suing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, claiming their terminations were based on inaccurate and error-ridden information. The lawsuit alleges that HHS leadership knew the records used to guide layoff decisions were flawed. UniQure's regulatory progress has sparked optimism for Huntington's disease patients, with analysts reacting positively to the company's accelerated approval pathway for a gene therapy submission in 2026. Cullinan has made a back-heavy deal in China worth over $700 million for autoimmune T cell engager technology, while Sarepta has won FDA's platform technology designation for gene therapy development. Rapt is shrinking after discontinuing a drug, agileAD is gearing up to challenge J&J in the multiple myeloma Car-T market, and Lilly has signed a deal for long-acting obesity drugs.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the Pharma and Biotech world.Jefferies predicts an increase in small tuck-in deals in the biotech industry as companies face challenges accessing capital. Companies and industry groups are offering solutions to mitigate the impact of Trump tariffs on rare disease, cell, and gene therapy. Pitchbook suggests a shift towards more sustainable investing in biotech VC firms. Gilead is gearing up to challenge J&J in the $20 billion multiple myeloma CAR-T market. PTP's generative AI is revolutionizing data summaries for biotech QC workflows. Sanofi recently acquired Blueprint for $9.5 billion, while BMS has committed up to $11 billion with Biontech. Lilly has signed a deal worth up to $870 million, and Regeneron is investing nearly $2 billion in a Chinese obesity drug. Merck's CEO is emphasizing diversity in operations following the defeat of an anti-DEI measure. Immuno-oncology drugs Keytruda and Opdivo may face scrutiny in the near future.In other news, Vigil Neuroscience's Trem2 antibody for a rare brain disease failed in a Phase II trial shortly after Sanofi's acquisition of the company. Analysts believe the results were not surprising and should not impact the deal. Lilly has signed a deal worth up to $870 million to develop a long-acting GLP-1 obesity drug, while the FDA is committed to making rare disease drugs available at the first sign of promise. Pharma tuck-in deals are increasing after a slow first quarter for small biotechs. BioAgc Biologics will be attending Bio International in Boston to discuss their global drug production capabilities.Stay tuned for more updates on investing in research, welcoming global talent, the biotech VC cycle, Gilead's challenge to J&J in the multiple myeloma CAR-T market, and much more. Upcoming events and job listings in the pharmaceutical industry are also featured in our newsletter.Thank you for tuning in to Pharma and Biotech daily.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. Roche and Jazz Pharmaceuticals presented data at ASCO showing that their drug combination improved survival in a phase III lung cancer trial, with analysts noting a strong treatment effect. Jazz has filed for FDA approval for the combination, which could provide an alternative to monotherapy treatments from Roche and AstraZeneca. Trump's tariffs could potentially endanger the rare disease space, according to industry experts. Other news includes Kymera's success with a protein degrader candidate, Amgen's IMDelltra boosting survival in small cell lung cancer, and concerns about the impact of FDA guidelines on nitrosamine testing. BioAgilytix will be at BIO International to discuss their drug production capabilities. Other news includes Kura's new data in acute myeloid leukemia, Keros' layoffs, Regeneron's investment in a Chinese obesity drug, and Sanofi's acquisition of Blueprint to expand their rare disease portfolio. Upcoming events include webinars on AI in life science R&D and the crisis facing the pharma industry. Job opportunities in clinical data management, regulatory affairs, and scientific roles are also highlighted.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Regeneron's shares have dropped due to the failure of their dupixent follow-up drug, while Sanofi has acquired Blueprint for $9.5 billion to expand their rare disease portfolio. Bristol Myers Squibb is collaborating with Biontech on a bispecific antibody for solid tumors, and Amgen's imdelltra has shown a 40% increase in survival for small cell lung cancer at ASCO. Moderna has received FDA approval for their next-gen COVID-19 vaccine, and AstraZeneca is partnering with AI companies to stop cancer at all stages. Keros has cut 45% of its workforce along with a pulmonary hypertension drug, and Jazz has presented new cancer data at ASCO. FDA actions are pending for companies like Merck, Gilead, and Regeneron/Sanofi.The implications of the overturning of the FDA's lab-developed tests rule in a post-Chevron legal landscape are discussed, where power has shifted from federal agencies to the courts. Upcoming FDA decisions, including Gilead's HIV prophylaxis lenacapavir, are highlighted, along with new FDA guidelines on nitrosamine testing for the pharmaceutical industry. Jazz Pharmaceuticals is in the "goldilocks zone" with new cancer data at ASCO25, showcasing results from acquisitions made over the past five years. Zeiss introduces an AI-powered spatial biology solution for research labs. Other news includes updates from ASCO25, cell and gene therapy developments, and upcoming events in the biopharma industry.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.The Summit's bispecific drug missed the survival endpoint in a global Phase III trial, but analysts remain optimistic about its potential to appeal to both Eastern and Western patient populations. Sanofi and Regeneron saw their shares tumble after a follow-up drug failed a Phase III COPD test. RFK Jr.'s report on health was found to have fake citations, casting doubt on its credibility. Astellas made a $1.5 billion bet on a Chinese collaboration for a cancer drug. In other news, Merck CEO emphasized the importance of diversity, while other companies faced setbacks and layoffs. AGC Biologics will be at BIO International to discuss their capabilities in drug production.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.## Intellia reported an adverse event in its gene therapy trial, causing its stock to drop, adding to existing safety concerns in gene therapy. Analysts downplayed the event, but patient deaths in other trials have raised red flags.## Moderna lost a $760 million bird flu vaccine contract amid uncertainties surrounding its COVID-19 vaccine. ## Other news includes Iteos closing down after a failed trial, Merck and Daiichi Sankyo pulling a lung cancer filing, and Novo opposing pharma tariffs.## AGC Biologics will be at Bio International to discuss their capabilities in drug production. ## Additional stories cover Rocket's gene therapy hold, Biogen's strategy shift, and AbbVie's staff cuts.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.Former Chinook board member, Rouzbeh Haghighat, has been indicted for insider trading related to Novartis' $3.2 billion acquisition of the company. Despite this scandal, pharma R&D spending increased in 2024, climbing 1.5% across the global pharmaceutical sector. The acquisition of SiteOne by Lilly follows Vertex into the non-opioid pain space, providing diversification for Lilly, which has been focusing on obesity and diabetes treatments. Meanwhile, AbbVie's Allergan cuts over 200 staff after a botched marketing campaign, and Inflarx axes a rare skin disease study due to disappointing late-stage data.AGC Biologics will be at Bio International in Boston to showcase their global capabilities in drug production. Vaccine overhaul, rocket grounding, and drug price transparency are also highlighted in the latest news. Biogen's strategy for Zurzuvae shifts as obstetricians/gynecologists rise to the front lines. Drug price transparency in the US is discussed as being easier said than done. Additionally, Rocket's gene therapy for Danon disease is on hold after a patient death, and four biotechs are facing uncertainty in the COVID-19 vaccine landscape.Global pharmaceutical companies are increasing their research and development spending despite political and economic challenges. Biogen is shifting its strategy for the drug Zurzuvae as obstetricians and gynecologists become more involved. Drug price transparency in the US is still a challenge, despite efforts to increase transparency. Trilink has introduced a new poly(A) tail modification to enhance protein expression.In other news, a former Chinook board member has been indicted for insider trading, Trump has appointed Dr. Oz to lead drug pricing negotiations, and Lilly is following Vertex into non-opioid pain treatment with a SiteOne acquisition. Sanofi has purchased Vigil for $470 million to reignite an Alzheimer's target.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech Daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world.A patient death has led to the halt of Rocket's gene therapy trial for Danon disease, due to complications from an acute systemic infection. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of gene therapies and may pose challenges for investment in the field. On the other hand, mRNA technology has been both helped and hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic has increased interest and funding in mRNA research, vocal skeptics of COVID-19 vaccinations have negatively impacted the reputation of mRNA technology. Despite this, some see promise in mRNA for therapeutics in cancer and rare diseases.In other news, Prothena is considering business options after a failed phase III trial, and a new biotech company has been launched to focus on neuro diseases. Additionally, AGC Biologics will be at Bio International to showcase their capabilities in protein biologics and advanced therapies.mRNA technology played a significant role in combating COVID-19, but is now facing scrutiny due to vaccine skeptics and cuts in government funding for research. Despite this, the pandemic accelerated advancements in mRNA therapeutics for cancer and rare diseases. The lack of FDA-approved treatments for rare diseases, particularly in children, highlights a critical need for innovation in this area. The American Association for Cancer Research's annual conference will unveil data that could impact cancer treatment, while the future of vaccine development faces challenges amidst regulatory changes and funding issues. Additionally, advancements in cell and gene therapy are on the horizon. Suggestions for coverage topics in the biopharma industry are welcomed.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. The biopharma industry is currently facing challenges such as tariff threats and regulatory upheaval. The market has been described as 'moribund' with the need for companies to survive in these tough times. Recent top stories include biotech's struggle with investor pullback due to new tariffs, HHS vaccine requirements sparking controversy, and layoffs in major biopharma companies. AGC Biologics will be at Bio International to showcase their global capabilities in drug production. FDA and NIH are shifting away from animal research, China remains a key source for new drugs despite tariffs, and the top highest-paid pharma CEOs are highlighted. The importance of understanding Trump's MFN executive order and the most active corporate VCs in pharma are also discussed.

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Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.A court has halted the Trump administration's plans to reduce and lay off employees in government agencies, citing a lack of authority. Meanwhile, a report called "Make American Healthy Again" criticizes pharmaceutical lobbying, GLP-1s, and vaccines. The report also addresses rising autism rates and over-medication of children. Bio-Rad is redefining antibody discovery with their Pioneer Antibody Discovery Platform.In other news, Merus' bispecific shows promise in head-and-neck cancer, while Congress narrowly passes a tax bill with changes to IRA penalties and negotiation exemptions for orphan drugs. The FDA vaccine advisors agree on a COVID-19 vaccine as a new framework looms, and GSK wins expansion for Nucala after an FDA delay. Lilly expresses concern as CMS leaves obesity drugs out of Medicare coverage, and Sanofi acquires Vigil for $470 million upfront. And that's all for today's updates in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. Stay tuned for more essential news in our next episode.

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