CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. announced June 13 that it struck a potential $5.33 billion deal with Astrazeneca plc to develop novel preclinical small-molecule candidates using CSPC’s AI-driven drug development platform.

Four biotech companies from South Korea announced new or planned financings mid-June, including GC Genome Corp. Rznomics Inc., G2Gbio Inc. and Mezzion Pharma Co. Ltd. Six major mid-June deals included R&D pacts between Y-Biologics Inc. and Crosspoint Therapeutics, Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Salipro Biotech AB, Next & Bio Inc. and GC Cell Corp., Galux Inc. and Hanall Biopharma Co. Ltd., Celltrion Inc. and Onconic Therapeutics Inc., and SK Plasma Co. Ltd. and Aimedbio Inc.

With plenty of GLP-1 money to spend, Eli Lilly and Co. is buying Verve Therapeutics Inc. and its gene-editing program for about $1.3 billion. Two of Verve’s one-time treatments are in the clinic. Lead candidate VERVE-102, a gene-editing treatment targeting PCSK9, is in a phase Ib study to reduce cholesterol levels.

Chinese researchers are preparing the details for the publication of another scientific milestone, the creation of a chimera with a human heart and a kidney developed from human stem cells in pig embryos. These studies aim to address the shortage of immunocompatible organ donors while shedding light on some of the most fundamental questions in developmental biology.

The 23andme Holding Co.’s saga came full circle with founder Anne Wojcicki regaining control of the bankrupt genetic testing company in a bidding battle against Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Medicare Advantage plans have been controversial for several reasons, and the Advanced Medical Technology Association has now made the argument that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should require these plans to replicate the terms of the Medicare new technology add-on program.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. announced June 13 that it struck a potential $5.33 billion deal with Astrazeneca plc to develop novel preclinical small-molecule candidates using CSPC’s AI-driven drug development platform.

Aortyx SL secured €13.8 million (US$15.9 million) in a series A funding round for its solution which treats aortic dissection. The company developed a system to repair the aortic tear, which includes a biomimetic, bioresorbable adhesive patch inserted in the aorta using an endovascular catheter and a deployer.

Medtronic plc received U.S. FDA approval for its Omniasecure defibrillation lead for placement in the right ventricle to treat arrhythmias. Medtronic said the lead is the smallest made at 4.7 French or 1.6 mm, making it suitable for individuals as young as age 12 and others with smaller anatomies, particularly women.

Four biotech companies from South Korea announced new or planned financings mid-June, including GC Genome Corp. Rznomics Inc., G2Gbio Inc. and Mezzion Pharma Co. Ltd. Six major mid-June deals included R&D pacts between Y-Biologics Inc. and Crosspoint Therapeutics, Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Salipro Biotech AB, Next & Bio Inc. and GC Cell Corp., Galux Inc. and Hanall Biopharma Co. Ltd., Celltrion Inc. and Onconic Therapeutics Inc., and SK Plasma Co. Ltd. and Aimedbio Inc.