The EU is having another go at improving access to capital for biotechs and science-based startups, in a bid to enable them to remain anchored in Europe. The Startup and Scaleup strategy, announced on May 28, is a response to the long-running problem that although Europe has strong foundations in its academic research, the innovative companies this science spawns often end up being acquired by U.S. companies, or moving to the U.S. to list on Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange.
A court decision blocking President Donald Trump’s reciprocal and trafficking tariffs was hardly a day old before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stepped in late May 29 to grant a temporary stay while it considers the administration’s appeal. The stay adds further uncertainty to the path ahead for drug and device companies.
Researchers have identified KpsM as a virulence factor in Escherichia coli that was responsible for liver damage in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). A small-molecule inhibitor of KpsM reduced liver damage in animal models of AH.
GC Genome Corp. priced a Kosdaq offering of 4 million shares at ₩10,500 per share May 27, entailing a gross ₩42 billion (US$30.5 million) raise in early June. The Yongin, South Korea-based genomics subsidiary of GC Biopharma Corp. fixed its shares price to the top of its ₩9,000 to ₩15,000 price band May 27 after conducting demand forecasting on domestic and international institutional investors from May 19 to May 23.
U.S. FDA commissioner Marty Makary appeared at the May 22 Senate Appropriations Committee with the news the White House proposed an FDA budget for fiscal 2026 of $6.8 billion including user fees. This is a cut of 11.5% that will not likely go over well on Capitol Hill as the FY 2026 budget process unwinds.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. was the successful bidder for 23andme Holding Co.’s personal genome service, total health and research services business lines, including its biobank and associated assets, in the bankruptcy auction to sell 23andme's assets.
Mirroring results reported in a phase IIb study, Apnimed Inc.’s first of two pivotal trials testing AD-109 as an oral therapy in obstructive sleep apnea hit primary and secondary endpoints. Should similar findings emerge from a second phase III trial, expected to read out in a couple of months, the privately held firm anticipates a U.S. NDA filing in early 2026.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy made his first appearance May 14 before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee since his January confirmation hearing. Chaos, testy arguments, accusations and surprising agreements ensued.
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