CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. announced June 13 that it struck a potential $5.33 billion deal with Astrazeneca plc to develop novel preclinical small-molecule candidates using CSPC’s AI-driven drug development platform.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. announced June 13 that it struck a potential $5.33 billion deal with Astrazeneca plc to develop novel preclinical small-molecule candidates using CSPC’s AI-driven drug development platform.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has entered into a strategic research collaboration agreement with Astrazeneca plc for the discovery and development of novel oral small-molecule candidates utilizing the group’s AI-driven, dual-engine efficient drug discovery platform.

With the U.S. FDA’s approval of Enflonsia (clesrovimab) to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants, Merck & Co. Inc. steps into a space of competition and regulatory shifts. The preventive, long-acting monoclonal antibody (MAb) will take its place in the market alongside the blockbuster Beyfortus (nirsevimab) from Sanofi SA and Astrazeneca plc. The MAb for pediatric use brought in about $1.77 billion in 2024.

In two phase III studies, Merck & Co. Inc.’s oral, once monthly proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful cuts in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The PCSK9 inhibitor is looking to fit into a crowded market that already has well-established therapies from other big pharmas and a potential competitor in development to treat another indication.

News from Tectonic Therapeutic Inc. in January took away some of Wall Street’s jitters about the relaxin pathway brought about by Eli Lilly and Co.’s recent moves, but another big pharma player – Astrazeneca plc – is still providing suspense in pulmonary hypertension in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the most leading causes of death around the world and there are insufficient treatment options that prevent exacerbations or alter the progression of the disease. COPD is a complex disease with multiple factors driving inflammation, emphysema or small airway remodeling, among others, where interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

First quarter 2025 results presentations were the first chance analysts have had to quiz pharma companies in public about their exposure to the threat of U.S. import tariffs and what action they are taking to mitigate the risks.

The U.S. FDA has accepted the NDA for an oral formulation of Novo Nordisk A/S’s Wegovy (semaglutide) in treating obesity. If approved, the daily pill will be the first oral GLP-1 for treating chronic weight management. So far, however, it has been injectables leading the way to approval.