Drug Discovery

Juvenescence launches Souvien Therapeutics to address neurodegenerative diseases

Juvenescence, a life sciences company developing therapeutics and technologies to treat diseases of aging and increase human longevity, is pleased to announce its latest biotech company Souvien Therapeutics (“Souvien”), creating innovative medicines to address neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the epigenetic underpinnings of neurodegeneration.

Viela Bio collaborates with Hansoh Pharma to develop and commercialize inebilizumab for autoimmune diseases and hematologic cancers in China

Viela Bio and Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group announced a collaboration focused on development and commercialization of inebilizumab – Viela’s humanized anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody – in China for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), as well as other potential inflammation/autoimmune and hematologic malignancy indications.

Lilly to buy rights to Centrexion’s non-opoid pain asset CNTX-0290

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has agreed to buy the exclusive worldwide licensing rights to the non-opoid investigational pain drug CNTX-0290 from Centrexion Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $997.5m (£789.24m).

Knopp reports positive preclinical data for neonatal epilepsy drug candidate

Knopp Biosciences LLC, a privately held drug discovery and development company focused on delivering breakthrough treatments for inflammatory and neurological diseases of high unmet need, today presented in vitro and in vivo data for the company’s lead molecule for the targeted treatment of KCNQ2-neonatal epileptic encephalopathy (KCNQ2-NEE) at the Antiepileptic Drug and Device Trials XV Conference in Miami, Florida.

Cyclica launches new multi-targeted drug design technology Ligand Design

Cyclica, a leading biotechnology company that commercialized Ligand Express announced its novel, first-in-class drug design technology, Ligand Design on stage at the Collision Conference in Toronto.

Amgen to acquire Danish firm Nuevolution for £132m

US-based drugmaker Amgen has agreed to acquire Denmark-based small molecule drug discovery platform biotech firm Nuevolution for around $167m (£132m).

Merck to buy Peloton Therapeutics in £1.72bn deal

Merck has signed an agreement to acquire Peloton Therapeutics, a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, in a deal valued at around $2.2bn (£1.72bn).

Ligand licenses VER250840 to Cumulus Oncology

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: LGND) today announced the signing of a license agreement granting Cumulus Oncology exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize VER250840, a novel, oral, selective, preclinical Chk1 Kinase Inhibitor discovered using Ligand’s Vernalis Design Platform (VDP).

ESSA Pharma to acquire Realm Therapeutics

ESSA Pharma announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Realm Therapeutics setting forth the terms of an acquisition whereby ESSA will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Realm in an all-stock transaction.