Multiple datasets are due to roll out soon in the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) space, where contenders are trying varied mechanisms of action to tackle the rare genetic disorder characterized by insatiable hunger, or hyperphagia. In the mix are Aardvark Therapeutics Inc., Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Soleno Therapeutics Inc.
The BioWorld Biopharmaceutical Index (BBI) showed signs of recovery after hitting its lowest point of the year in late May, when it closed the month down 7.02%. While still negative overall, the index improved to -5.11% by the end of June and finished July down 3.57%. Similarly, the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average bottomed out at the end of May but posted stronger rebounds, closing July up 3.49% and 3.73%, respectively.
Biopharma deal activity (excluding M&As) has surged to record-breaking levels in the first seven months of 2025, reaching $164.03 billion, well above prior years and a 36% jump over the same period in 2024.
In part one of this story on Elysium Therapeutics Inc., published Aug. 14, company officials explained the rationale and technology behind the plan to formulate a longer-lasting opioid-overdose rescue agent – one that remedies the problem of fentanyl rebound, or re-narcotization, which happens when the standard reverser wears off and the culprit drug stays active, potentially killing the patient.
The amount of money raised through global biopharma IPOs in the first seven months of 2025 is at the lowest level since 2016, and more than half of the 13 completed through July were done on ex-U.S. exchanges. Only five of the companies have U.S. roots, while the rest are based in Asia: four in China, two in South Korea, one in Taiwan and one in Hong Kong.
Elysium Therapeutics Inc. aims to tackle the problem of opioid overdose with a longer-lasting rescue agent that gets around the not-much-publicized problem of fentanyl rebound, or re-narcotization, which happens when the standard reverser wears off and the culprit drug stays active in the body, potentially killing the patient.
The increasing recognition of its importance in national security, economic growth and health has seen biotech emerging as the latest frontier in geopolitical competition, with implications for companies ranging from startups to multinationals – and for global investment in the sector.
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