Bridgene Biosciences Inc. has signed a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. to discover small-molecule drug candidates against targets in immunology and neurology.

Xilio Therapeutics Inc. has announced three wholly owned preclinical programs for masked T-cell engagers targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1).

The Gates Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation and Wellcome have announced the launch of the Gram-Negative Antibiotic Discovery Innovator (Gr-ADI), a $50 million investment that will focus on combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by a specific range of bacteria that are among the leading contributors to AMR-associated deaths.

Orion Corp. and Invenra Inc. have entered into a research collaboration to discover bispecific antibodies using Invenra’s B-Body platform.

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has signed a collaboration agreement with GSK plc’s Global Health Unit (GSK GH) for the development of an anti-dengue virus antibody. Under this agreement, GSK GH will perform activities and explore potential funding for the initiation of clinical studies of AID-351.

Lifearc has announced a collaboration with Neuropeutics Inc. to develop a new small molecule for the treatment of motor neuron disease (MND), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neuropeutics and Lifearc intend to develop a lead candidate therapeutic to prevent and reverse TDP-43 protein aggregation in MND/ALS.

Tevogen Bio Holdings Inc. has expanded its relationship with Microsoft Corp. to broaden their AI-focused collaboration and build its Predictcell technology for predictive precision T-cell targeting.

Immvention Therapeutix Inc. has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Novo Nordisk A/S to co-develop oral therapies for sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions.