Drug Discovery

Roche, Lead Pharma partner to develop oral small molecules for immune-mediated diseases

Lead Pharma has signed a collaboration and license agreement with Roche for the development of oral small molecules to treat a range of immune-mediated diseases.

Lupin announces FDA filing acceptance of sNDA for Solosec to treat trichomoniasis

Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the U.S. based wholly-owned subsidiary of Lupin Limited (Lupin), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted their supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Solosec® (secnidazole) for the treatment of trichomoniasis in adults and adolescents.

Medigen, BlueWillow collaborate to develop SARS-CoV-2 intranasal vaccine

Medigen Vaccine Biologics (MVC) has collaborated with BlueWillow Biologics for the development of intranasal vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for Covid-19 disease.

Pharmaron acquires Absorption Systems in US

Pharmaron Beijing, a fully integrated contract research and manufacturing organization offering laboratory, CMC and clinical development services for the life science industry, announced today that it has acquired 100% of the equity of Absorption Systems for up to $137.5m in cash.

Merck to buy biopharmaceutical firm VelosBio for $2.75bn

Merck has agreed to acquire US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company VelosBio for $2.75bn in cash.

ACG buys significant stake in India’s CRO IQGEN-X

ACG, a provider of integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing solutions, has purchased a significant stake in India-based contract research organisation (CRO) IQGEN-X.

CEPI to provide up to $328m for development of Clover’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has agreed to provide up to $328m to Clover Biopharmaceuticals for the development of Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

Sanofi offers to acquire clinical-stage company Kiadis

Sanofi and Kiadis, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative ‘off the shelf’ natural killer (NK) cell based medicines for the treatment of life-threatening diseases, entered into a definitive agreement under which Sanofi will make a public offer (subject to satisfaction of certain customary conditions) to acquire the entire share capital of Kiadis for EUR 5.45 per share, representing an aggregate adjusted equity value of €308m.

PerkinElmer to buy cell engineering firm Horizon Discovery for $383m

US-based PerkinElmer has agreed to acquire UK-based cell engineering company Horizon Discovery Group in a deal valued at around $383m.