Biotechnology News

Biotechnology

AcuraStem receives $7.5 million CIRM grant for ALS drug AS-241 clinical advancement

AcuraStem has been awarded $7.5 million by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to advance AS-241, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting TDP-43 pathology in ALS and FTD. The ASO restores UNC13A expression in patient-derived neurons, with TDP-43 pathology observed in approximately 97% of ALS patients.

7 days ago • United States

Mergers & Acquisitions

Bayer executes 2.45 billion USD acquisition of Perfuse Therapeutics to target ocular ischemia

Bayer has agreed to acquire biopharmaceutical firm Perfuse Therapeutics for up to $2.45 billion. The deal secures full rights to PER-001, a Phase II clinical asset designed to treat Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy by addressing underlying ischemia rather than traditional pressure-lowering methods.

7 days ago • Germany;United States

Agriculture & Farming

Syngenta acquires Intrinsyx Bio to expand nutrient use efficiency Biologicals portfolio

Syngenta has acquired California-based Intrinsyx Bio, a nutrient use efficiency (NUE) specialist, gaining full access to its portfolio including the biological seed treatment NUELLO® iN, to strengthen its position in the fastest-growing biologicals segment.

7 days ago • Switzerland;United States

Biotechnology

UCB expands immunology pipeline with 2.2 billion USD acquisition of Candid Therapeutics

UCB has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire clinical-stage biotech firm Candid Therapeutics for an upfront payment of $2 billion. The deal centers on cizutamig, a novel T-cell engager designed to reset the immune system in patients with severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

7 days ago • Belgium;United States

Mergers & Acquisitions

Lilly to Acquire Ajax Therapeutics in deal worth up to $2.3bn

Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire Ajax Therapeutics for up to $2.3 billion, gaining AJ1-11095, a Phase 1 first-in-class Type II JAK2 inhibitor for myelofibrosis patients who have failed or become resistant to existing Type I JAK2 therapies.

7 days ago • United States

Biotechnology

Novartis targets next-wave allergy treatments with USD 2 billion Excellergy deal

Novartis has agreed to acquire biotech firm Excellergy in a deal valued at up to USD 2 billion, adding an early-stage anti-IgE therapy to its pipeline. The move strengthens its position in allergic disease treatments and signals continued investment in next-generation biologics.

7 days ago • United States

Biotechnology

Equillium secures $35 million PIPE financing from RA Capital for inflammatory disease programme

Equillium has raised $35 million through a private investment from RA Capital Management to advance clinical development of EQ504, an oral therapy for ulcerative colitis. The funding extends the company's operational runway into 2029 as it progresses the selective aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulator through clinical trials.

7 days ago • United States

Biotechnology

Avio Smart Market Stack secures minority stake in Huwel Lifesciences to tap cost-efficient TB diagnostics opportunity

Avio Smart Market Stack has entered into a share subscription and shareholders’ agreement to acquire a minority stake in Huwel Lifesciences, aligning with its strategy to expand in healthcare diagnostics. The partnership centers on commercializing a lower-cost tuberculosis testing platform validated by a government-led assessment.

7 days ago • India

Biotechnology

Bharat Biotech weighs $500 Million IPO as India’s biotech sector eyes capital market test

Bharat Biotech is reportedly evaluating a potential $500 million IPO, which could rank among India’s largest biotechnology listings in recent years. Deliberations remain preliminary, with timing and structure contingent on market conditions and investor demand.

7 days ago • India