Qyuns Therapeutics Co. Ltd.’s monoclonal antibody targeting IL-17A, QX-002N, met both primary and secondary endpoints in a phase III trial in ankylosing spondylitis.
Nearly four years after signing its first major partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Bridgene Biosciences Inc. returned for a second deal with Takeda – this time focused on using its chemoproteomics platform to discover novel small molecules against immunology and neurology targets.
Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. struck two licensing deals recently, including one with Hyfe Inc. Feb. 25 to develop the world’s potential first prescription digital therapeutic for chronic cough in Japan.
Cosette Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced plans to acquire Adelaide, Australia-based Mayne Pharma Pty Ltd. for AU$672 million (US$430 million) to grow its women’s health and dermatology franchise in the U.S. Under terms, Cosette, of Bridgewater, N.J., will acquire 100% of Mayne’s shares at AU$7.40 per share in cash. The price represents a 37% premium to Mayne’s closing share price on Feb. 20. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
Several Asia biotechs this week – including Innocare Pharma Ltd., Akeso Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanbio Co. Ltd. and Ascletis Pharma Inc. – unveiled the start of new late-stage clinical trials or interim findings from early stage studies.
Radiance Biopharma Inc. bought its way into the ROR1 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) space through a potential $1 billion-plus licensing deal, including a $15 million up-front payment, with CSPC Megalith Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd. for rights to RB-164 (SYS-6005) in the U.S. and select countries.
Up to 50% of glaucoma cases have a genetic component, a factor which could significantly change the screening recommendations and monitoring of patients – if they know their risk. Seonix Pty. Ltd. has a vision for making that genetic information easier to obtain and use to guide care with its Sightscore saliva-based test.
China’s National Health Commission is designating a three-year period from 2025 to 2027 as the “years of pediatric and mental health services,” in line with a new pledge to achieve eight initiatives in the health care sector aimed at servicing underserved populations.
After withdrawing plans for an IPO last year, Orum Therapeutics Inc. made its debut on the Korea Exchange in 2025 with a ₩50 billion (US$34.7 million) raise as South Korea’s first biopharma IPO of the year.
Biomissile Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. is developing multispecific antibodies that overcome resistance associated with antibody-drug conjugates via its next-generation natural killer (NK) cell engagers. “ADCs are very efficacious, but they do have a drawback with side effects and resistance, because ultimately ADCs are similar to chemotherapy because you bring toxins to the tumor site,” Biomissile co-founder and CEO Chao Tu told BioWorld.
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