RuvB-like 1 (RUVBL1) and its paralogue RuvB-like 2 (RUVBL2) are evolutionarily conserved members of the ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA) superfamily. In a recent study, researchers from Eikon Therapeutics Inc. aimed to leverage the protein dynamics of RUVBL1/2 to facilitate the development of novel inhibitors, instead of using ADP-based biochemical assays, to explore the therapeutic potential of this target.
Metis Techbio Co. Ltd. is seeking a potential HK$2.11 billion (US$270 million) raise through a stock sale May 13, marking the largest biotech raise on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange this year to date. Hangzhou, China-based Metis is an AI-based nanoparticle drug formulation and delivery-focused company. Synthetic lethality-based cancer drugmaker Impact Therapeutics Inc., of Shanghai, plans to debut on the same day with a US$117 million IPO.
Selective inhibition of Werner syndrome helicase (WRN) has been shown to trigger extensive DNA damage and cell death specifically in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cancers, highlighting WRN as a tumor-selective target with potential for precision oncology approaches beyond immunotherapy. Researchers from Eikon Therapeutics Inc. presented the preclinical profile of EIK-1005, a WRN inhibitor.
Total biopharma financings reached $22.82 billion in the first quarter (Q1) 2026, rising about 74% from $13.12 billion in Q1 2025 but declining 31% from $33.16 billion in Q4 2025. The strong start places 2026 well above the subdued levels seen from 2022 through 2025, though is still below the highs of $38.35 billion in Q1 2021 and $47.25 billion in Q1 2024. Overall, the data indicate a meaningful rebound in financing activity to begin 2026, following a more uneven 2025.
Biopharma financings totaled $16.78 billion in the first two months of 2026, about an 81% year-over-year rise from $9.28 billion in January to February 2025. While still below the outsized $33.29 billion recorded in the same period of 2024, and $24.37 billion in 2021, the early 2026 total significantly outpaces the more subdued levels seen in 2022 ($7.48 billion) and 2023 ($7.66 billion).
Pricing the third and largest biopharma IPO of 2026, Eikon Therapeutics Inc. raised $381 million in an upsized offering of 21.18 million shares of common stock at $18 each, the high point of its price range.
Oncology-focused Eikon Therapeutics Inc. set the terms of its IPO Jan. 28, selling 17.648 million shares at a price range between $16 to $18 per share. At the top of the range, the Millbrae, Calif.-based biopharma company would raise about $317.7 million.
Work at Eikon Therapeutics Inc. has led to the discovery of new ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (USP1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
