Total biopharma financings for the first four months of 2025 reached $15.48 billion, a 71% decline from $53.49 billion in 2024. Biopharma companies raised $2.4 billion in April 2025, reflecting a 37% drop from March's $3.82 billion.
First quarter 2025 results presentations were the first chance analysts have had to quiz pharma companies in public about their exposure to the threat of U.S. import tariffs and what action they are taking to mitigate the risks. BioWorld reporters have listened in to the analyst meetings and filleted out responses to the tariff question by CEOs and senior executives, to get an overview of how the sector as a whole is responding. One thing is very clear: While pharmaceuticals are for now exempt from tariffs, the industry has been bracing for their imposition whilst at the same time lobbying strongly against them, on the grounds that drug shortages could result.
Targeted protein degradation has yet to notch its first approval. But with more than two dozen agents now in clinical trials, the strategy’s ultimate clinical validation appears to be a matter of time.
In a paradigm shift from private-sector partners, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the NIH announced May 1 the development of Generation Gold Standard, a next-generation, universal vaccine platform that uses a beta-propiolactone-inactivated, whole-virus to target pandemic-prone viruses.
Regulatory snapshots, including global drug submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations: Incyclix, J&J, Q32, Roche.
Biopharma happenings, including deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Addex, Altamira, Cellectar, Entrada, Er-Kim, Henlius, Ono, Puma, Sandoz, Sinntaxis, Vesicor.
Following a complete response letter last year, Satsuma Pharmaceuticals Inc. received U.S. FDA approval of dihydroergotamine nasal powder to treat acute migraine with or without aura. Branded Atzumi, it is the first product that uses Satsuma’s SMART (Simple MucoAdhesive Release Technology) platform that combines an advanced powder and device technology aimed at making delivery more simple.