Estrigenix Therapeutics Inc. has closed the first $2 million tranche of a seed financing to move its selective estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) platform through translational preclinical development.

Axiom Biosciences, rebranded from Cytonus Therapeutics Inc. in June 2026, plans to be one of the first U.S. biotechs to IPO on the main board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. The San Diego-based company is preparing audits as the first step to a potential IPO in 2027.

Biopharma financing activity through the first two quarters of 2026 totaled $60.14 billion, the strongest first-half (H1) showing since 2024’s $70.32 billion and well above 2025’s $29.53 billion over the same period. The second quarter (Q2) of 2026 was particularly strong at $34.69 billion, the highest single quarter since Q1 2024’s $47.25 billion. Q1 came in at $25.45 billion, more than double 2025’s Q1 figure of $13.12 billion.

An increase in the level of M&A activity and some sizeable financing rounds are encouraging signs for the med-tech investment environment, said Joey Mason, life sciences venture partner at Claret Capital Partners. He pointed to Medtronic plc’s acquisition of SPR Therapeutics Inc., and Neurent Medical Ltd.’s large fundraise earlier in the year, as evidence of the improving sentiment.

Signs of recovery are emerging in the biotechnology investment sector, although investors across Asia say that capital is flowing selectively to companies that can demonstrate clinical differentiation, strong management teams and a clear path to commercialization.

Advancell Co. Ltd. has raised an oversubscribed $315 million series D round to accelerate its push to become a fully integrated global radiopharma developer, funding late-stage clinical development alongside isotope supply and manufacturing infrastructure.

The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) has awarded a 2-year grant to Frances Arnold, PhD, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, to develop new molecular tools that could help advance future RNA-targeted therapeutics for Angelman syndrome.