It was a busy day at Moderna Inc. as Merck & Co. Inc. exercised its option to jointly develop and commercialize a personalized cancer vaccine with Moderna in a deal the two companies inked in 2016. Moderna also notched another emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine, this one targeting the omicron variant, for use by those under age 18.
Orthofix Medical Inc. and Seaspine Holdings Corp. signed a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of (near) equals. Following the close, Orthofix shareholders will own approximately 56.5% of the company and Seaspine shareholders will own approximately 43.5%. The new company’s name will be announced prior to the transaction’s anticipated first quarter of 2023 closing.
CSPC NBP Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. entered an agreement that will grant it exclusive rights to Harbour Biomed Co. Ltd.’s anti-FcRn antibody, batoclimab (HBM-9161), in greater China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
CSL Ltd. subsidiary Seqirus inked a $30.1 million deal with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and evaluate two influenza A subtype H2Nx (avian flu) vaccines in a phase I trial.
Shares in Evgen Pharma plc more more than doubled in value after the biotech signed a deal worth up to $160.5 million with Stalicla SA, to develop sulforaphane-based drug SFX-01 for certain patients with autism spectrum disorder.
CSL Ltd. subsidiary Seqirus inked a $30.1 million deal with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and evaluate two influenza A subtype H2Nx (avian flu) vaccines in a phase I trial.
There’s further drama at troubled Belgian biotech Bone Therapeutics SA, but its CEO told BioWorld that its partner’s decision to return rights to cell therapy platform Allob is a blessing in disguise that could allow it to negotiate a more favorable deal, after a lifeline merger was delayed.
Bristol Myers Squibb Co.'s ongoing investment in protein degradation, a field electrified by both high scientific interest and potentially big-dollar deals, expanded Oct. 4 to include a new research collaboration with Synthex Inc. Valued at up to $550 million for Synthex, plus possible royalties, the license agreement will see the pair use genetic engineering technologies to develop small-molecule degraders across multiple targets. BMS also made an up-front payment and investment in Synthex of undisclosed value.
In what may just be the takeover effort’s first volley, Sumitovant Biopharma Ltd., a subsidiary of Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd., made a hefty offer for Myovant Sciences Ltd. – which said no. Shares of Myovant (NASDAQ:MYOV) closed at $24.44, up $6.48, or 36.1% on word of the unsolicited buyout proposal.
Simcere Pharmaceutical Group has out-licensed its autoimmune drug candidate SIM-0278 for all indications to Almirall SA in a deal worth up to $507 million. Simcere granted exclusive global rights to the candidate to Almirall for development and commercialization excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. In return, Almirall will pay Simcere $15 million up front.