HBM Alpha Therapeutics Inc. signed a potential $395 million licensing deal Feb. 26 with an unnamed “business partner” for its endocrine asset, HAT-001, adding another contender to the congenital adrenal hyperplasia space.

Several Asia biotechs this week – including Innocare Pharma Ltd., Akeso Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanbio Co. Ltd. and Ascletis Pharma Inc. – unveiled the start of new late-stage clinical trials or interim findings from early stage studies.

As Wall Street looks ahead to phase III data due soon with Mineralys Therapeutics Inc.’s lorundrostat for uncontrolled or resistant hypertension, analysts are also weighing the odds of the firm in phase II with the same compound for obstructive sleep apnea.

Despite the number of med-tech deals increasing to 1,902 in 2024, up 12% from 1,701 in 2023, the value of these deals has dramatically declined compared to previous years.

The BioWorld Infectious Disease Index (BIDI) faced challenges throughout the year but narrowed its losses, ending down 6.28% after hitting a low of -25.12% in late April. By October, the index was down 12.07% and had declined 8.86% for the year as of Nov. 22. However, in January, the BIDI rebounded slightly, gaining 1.85%.

Several Asia biotechs this week – including Innocare Pharma Ltd., Akeso Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanbio Co. Ltd. and Ascletis Pharma Inc. – unveiled the start of new late-stage clinical trials or interim findings from early stage studies.