Kymera Therapeutics Inc. found itself juggling partnerships by bringing one on board while going to the development bench in another. Kymera and Gilead Sciences Inc. will collaborate on a molecular glue degrader program that targets cyclin-dependent kinase 2 in solid tumors, including breast cancer.

Classically, the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes comes after a patient presents with unexplained weight loss, extreme thirst and frequent urination and a lab test reveals off-the-charts blood glucose levels. At the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago, researchers highlighted two options – a blood test and a machine learning model – for diagnosing the disease much earlier in its progression, when damage to the pancreas' beta cells could be slowed.

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.

The BioWorld Biopharmaceutical Index extended its downward trend over April and May, closing the latter month down 6.47% after reaching a peak gain of 9.64% at the end of February. The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index followed a similar trajectory, finishing May with a 5.37% decline. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped through April but rebounded slightly in May, ending the month down 0.64%.

Sanofi SA has exercised its option to exclusively license Nurix Therapeutics Inc.’s STAT6 program, including the drug development candidate NX-3911, an oral, highly selective STAT6 degrader.

Sanofi SA is to acquire Blueprint Medicines Inc. in a $9.5 billion deal that will give the French pharma ownership of a marketed rare disease immunotherapy heading toward blockbuster status, a follow-on product in phase II/III, and a phase II clinical program relevant to a number of autoimmune diseases.

Facing erosion of its mighty Eylea (aflibercept) franchise and near-term loss of exclusivity with Dupixent (dupilumab), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. took a blow as one of two phase III trials with IL-33-blocking monoclonal antibody itepekimab failed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Tarrytown, N.Y.-based firm’s shares (NASDAQ:REGN) closed May 30 at $490.28, down $115.11, or 19%. Partner Sanofi SA, of Paris, saw its stock (NASDAQ:SNY) dip somewhat, too, and ended at $49.37, down $2.98. Cantor analyst Carter Gould opined that the latest news “all but [ruled] out a path forward short of a new study” with the compound.

Sanofi SA made good on its plan to bear down on M&A by agreeing to buy Vigil Neuroscience Inc. for $8 per share (NASDAQ:VIGL). Included in the transaction is a non-tradeable contingent value right entitling the holder to potentially collect $2 per share more in cash, payable following the first commercial sale of the phase II-ready VG-3927, a small-molecule triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) antagonist for Alzheimer’s disease, if achieved within a specific period. Watertown, Mass.-based Vigil’s stock closed May 22 at $7.88, up $5.57, or 241%.