Atalanta banks $97M to send RNAi drugs into the brain
Summary:
Atalanta Therapeutics has secured $97 million in Series B funding to advance its innovative RNA interference therapies targeting brain disorders. The company is developing treatments for Huntington’s disease and genetic epilepsy, utilizing specialized RNA delivery to the brain.
Sage rebuffs Biogen bid to take it over
Summary:
Sage Therapeutics has rejected Biogen’s $469 million takeover offer, stating it undervalues the company. While exploring strategic alternatives, Sage continues focusing on Zurzuvae, its postpartum depression drug co-marketed with Biogen.
Enhertu, with new OK, set to supplant chemo in HER2-low breast cancer
Summary:
The FDA has expanded Enhertu’s approval to include breast cancers with ultralow HER2 expression, allowing earlier treatment before chemotherapy. The drug, developed by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo, showed significant improvement in delaying cancer progression.
Versant Launches Fourth Obesity Startup Helicore to Improve Weight Loss Quality
Summary:
Helicore Biopharma launches with $65 million in Series A funding to develop GIP-targeting antibodies for obesity treatment. The company’s lead candidate, HCR-188, aims to achieve higher-quality weight loss by preserving lean muscle mass.
Healthy Returns: Biotech and pharma M&A is off to a good start in 2025 — but will it last?
Summary:
2025 kicks off with robust pharma M&A activity, highlighted by J&J’s $14.6B intra-cellular deal. The industry holds $1.3T in deal potential, though high premiums and margin pressures may impact future transactions.
