Superluminal Medicines Inc. and Eli Lilly and Co. are collaborating in a deal to develop cardiometabolic disease and obesity therapies by aiming at undisclosed G protein-coupled receptor targets. The deal could bring Superluminal as much as $1.3 billion, including up-front and near-term investments, an equity investment, development and commercial milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales.

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-α kinase 3 (PERK) plays a role in homeostasis maintenance of the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM), which in turn has an impact on the mitochondrial energy metabolism and structural morphology. To date, there is still controversy regarding the therapeutic effect of activating PERK for ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) management.

Taking weight off with a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and keeping it off once the drug has been discontinued has been a tall order but Response Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeing progress. Top-line results from its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group phase II study of RDX-002, in those who had already wrapped up a GLP-1 receptor agonist course for reducing obesity, were positive.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) secured 5.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer Inc./Biontech SE and Moderna Inc., officially including the mRNA-based vaccines in the country’s national immunization program on Aug. 5.

Heartflow Inc. upped the price of shares in its IPO for a second time to $19 on Aug. 7 before opening on the Nasdaq as “HTFL” at $28 and climbing to $31.50 in early trading. The IPO raked in $316.7 million for the 16.67 million shares sold, giving the cardiology company a valuation of $2.27 billion.

Although congenital aortic valve disease (AVD) is one of the most prevalent types of congenital heart disease, affecting 1% to 2% of the population, the understanding of the molecular genetics and mechanisms underlying the disease remains limited.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported Aug. 6 that it will try to block Edwards Lifesciences Corp.’s proposed acquisition of Jenavalve because Edwards’ acquisition of both Jenavalve Technology Inc. and JC Medical would eliminate competition in the TAVR space for aortic regurgitation.

Good news bracketed July for Teleflex Inc. as it completed the acquisition of the vascular intervention business of Berlin-based Biotronik SE & Co. for €760 million (US$879 million) on July 1 and released stronger-than-expected second quarter results on the closing day of the month. Both bode well for the company as it proceeds through a thorough restructuring announced in February.

Ultromics Ltd. raised $55 million in a series C financing round to expand its commercial footprint across the U.S. and invest in the development of new AI modules for earlier, more accurate detection of cardiovascular disease, Ross Upton, CEO and founder of Ultromics told BioWorld.