Genes that are switched on or off in the human brain differ between men and women. Moreover, these differences are not uniform. They vary across cortical regions and cell types. Scientists at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) used single-cell sequencing and unveiled distinct gene expression patterns regulated by hormones and sex chromosomes. This detailed map of the brain’s molecular biology shows how women and men switch on and off more than 3,000 brain genes differently and expands the catalogue of X chromosome genes that escape inactivation.
Regulatory snapshots for biopharma and med tech, including global submissions and approvals, and other regulatory decisions and designations: Airs, Aligos, AOP, Arbutus, ARS, Cala, C-mo, Dogwood, Immutep, Leadiant, Leo, Northstar, Opna, Partner, Reach Surgical, Waters, Xspray.
Biopharma and med-tech companies raising money in public or private financings, including: Allogene, Beeline, Heartbeam, Sonire, Telix, Terremoto, Traws, Verismo.
Total med-tech financings reached $8.81 billion in the first quarter (Q1) 2026, a 6% decline from $9.33 billion in Q1 2025 but well above the post-downturn lows of recent years. The 2026 total exceeds $6.45 billion in Q1 2024 and $4.69 billion in Q1 2023, indicating continued recovery from the weaker funding environment that followed the 2021 peak. While still below the $16.59 billion recorded in Q1 2019 and the pandemic-era highs, the data suggest that financing activity has stabilized at a higher baseline, with 2026 maintaining momentum despite a slight year-over-year pullback.
U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy made his first stop April 16 on a congressional tour in support of President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget, which would reduce discretional spending for HHS and its agencies by about 12%.
Nearly a year after the first U.S. commercial launch of the multicancer molecular residual disease (MRD) detection platform Pathlight, developer Saga Diagnostics entered a definitive merger agreement under which Roche Holding AG subsidiary Foundation Medicine Inc. will take over the firm in return for up to $595 million in payments.
The ongoing controversy over the effectiveness of anti-amyloid drugs is about to get more heated, after a review of clinical trials showed statistically significant results do not read across to clinical benefit for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
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