Philadelphia, PA – Oct. 15, 2024 – Tolerance Bio, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel approach to increasing healthspan by preserving, restoring, and manipulating the function of the thymus, the master regulator of immune tolerance, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed $17.2 million seed financing round, led by Columbus Venture Partners, with participation from Criteria Bio Ventures, Sessa Capital, BioAdvance, Ben Franklin Technology Partners and individual biotechnology investors.

The life sciences company is investing at least $16.8 million to relocate its headquarters to PA from New Jersey and upgrade its two current Philadelphia facilities, building on Pennsylvania’s reputation as a life sciences leader.

Approved for advanced MAGE-A4+synovial sarcoma in adults with certain HLA types who have received prior chemotherapy TECELRA is the first new treatment option for people with synovial sarcoma in more than a decade Adaptimmune to hold webcast at https://www.gowebcasting.com/13428 on August 2, at 8:00 a.m. EDT

This strategic acquisition enhances Tobin Scientific's capabilities in biopharmaceutical storage and expands its footprint in the life sciences industry.

$12.9 Million Transaction Includes Approximately $3.4 Million of New Funding and a $9.5 Million Full Cancellation of Outstanding Senior Notes and Extinguishment of Series B Preferred Shares; The Company Also Established a $35 Million Equity Line of Credit

“This loan by the institutional investor, combined with an agreement to negotiate additional funding, will allow us to continue fulfilling our mission to develop non-addictive pain drugs as well as other CNS product candidates with high unmet medical need,” stated Gerald Bruce, CEO of Virpax Pharmaceuticals.

This strategic acquisition enhances Tobin Scientific's capabilities in biopharmaceutical storage and expands its footprint in the life sciences industry.

The Plymouth Meeting biopharmaceutical company now has clearance to market the narcolepsy drug to pediatric patients ages 6 and older.

The now $30 million gift to Wistar’s "Bold Science//Global Impact Campaign" — launched in 2022 and has a goal of raising $75 million — is the largest in the Philadelphia biomedical research center's 130-year history.

Accenture is a global professional services company that provides a wide range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations.

Developing FG-M701, a next generation TL1A antibody for the treatment of IBD currently in preclinical development

Acquisition strengthens Incyte’s Inflammation and Autoimmunity (IAI) pipeline and reinforces commitment to bring innovative solutions to patients

Ochre and GSK will create a foundational liver biology dataset that could have the potential to further improve translation of novel therapies for liver diseases

The Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County is, for the first time, awarding a cash prize to the winner of its annual pitch competition.

iECURE, Inc., a gene editing company focused on the development of mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion, or knock-in, editing therapies for the treatment of liver disorders with significant unmet need, announced today that it has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ECUR-506, the company’s in vivo gene insertion program designed to treat neonatal onset Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency.

Pfizer; Hemophilia B; Gene Therapy

Chimeron Bio, a Philadelphia-headquartered biotech company, has received a 2024 National Institutes of Health's Small Business Innovation Research Innovative Concept Award through the National Cancer Institute. The funding will support Chimeron Bio's program developing a cancer vaccine against an inherited form of colorectal cancer.

Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO) and Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA), today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SELARSDI (ustekinumab-aekn) injection for subcutaneous use, as a biosimilar to Stelara, for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and for active psoriatic arthritis in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older.

Century Therapeutics (NASDAQ: IPSC), an innovative biotechnology company developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell therapies in immuno-oncology and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, today announced plans to expand clinical development for its lead program, CNTY-101, a CD19-targeting iNK cell therapy, into additional autoimmune disease indications.

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRMY) today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Bioprojet to develop, manufacture and commercialize TPM-1116, a highly potent and selective oral orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) agonist that will be evaluated for the treatment of narcolepsy and other sleep/wake disorders. TPM-1116 represents a new chemical series of OX2R agonists with the potential for a best-in-class clinical profile.

Additional indication for pediatric patients with severe eosinophilic asthma

AstraZeneca’s FASENRA® (benralizumab) is now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe asthma aged 6 to 11 with an eosinophilic phenotype.1 FASENRA was first approved in 2017 as an add-on maintenance for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) in patients aged 12 and older.

Century Therapeutics has raised $60 million and acquired a Boston biotechnology firm, moves made to support the cell therapy company's operations and expand its product pipeline.

LOWER GWYNEDD, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ChromaTan, a bioprocessing and biotools advanced biomanufacturing technology platform development company, is excited to announce an alliance with Batavia Biosciences, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization, for the development and integration of ChromaTan’s BioRMBTM continuous counter-current elution technology into Batavia’s AAV HIP-Vax® manufacturing platform.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) and Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALPN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative, protein-based immunotherapies, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Vertex will acquire Alpine for $65 per share or approximately $4.9 billion in cash. The transaction was unanimously approved by both the Vertex and Alpine Boards of Directors and is anticipated to close later this quarter.

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL), a biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering novel therapeutics for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), today announced that Rezdiffra (resmetirom) is now available in the U.S. Rezdiffra is indicated in conjunction with diet and exercise for the treatment of adults with noncirrhotic NASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis (consistent with stages F2 to F3 fibrosis).

Skanska has signed an additional contract with Orlando Health to build the 580,000-square-feet acute care Lakeland Highlands hospital in Lakeland, Florida. The contract is worth USD 166M, about SEK 1.7 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the first quarter of 2024.

Myonex, a leading global clinical trial supply company, has completed the acquisition of SaveWay Compounding Pharmacy of Newark, Del. The pharmacy will operate as SaveWay Compounding Pharmacy, a Myonex company.

Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies, and vaccines, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) amendment to initiate a Phase 3 clinical trial of OCU400, a modifier gene therapy product candidate being developed for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

With Enhertu at the heart of AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo’s respective goals for oncology growth, the partners have significantly expanded the antibody-drug conjugate’s (ADC's) reach in the U.S.

Ansell will acquire from Kimberly-Clark a business that designs, markets and sells gloves, eyewear and other apparel

Kimberly-Clark KMB -0.21%decrease; red down pointing triangle will sell its personal protective equipment business to Ansell ANN -1.97%decrease; red down pointing triangle for US$640 million in cash, agreeing to a deal that the Australian company’s chief executive said had been under consideration for years.

Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NASDAQ: SNY) has today announced the launch of Verorab® (Sanofi Inactivated Rabies Vaccine) in the UK, an inactivated rabies vaccine indicated for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis of rabies in all age groups.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Shockwave Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWAV) (“Shockwave”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all outstanding shares of Shockwave for $335.00 per share in cash, corresponding to an enterprise value of approximately $13.1 billion including cash acquired. The transaction was approved by both companies’ boards of directors.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved CARVYKTI® (ciltacabtagene autoleucel; cilta-cel) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, and are refractory to lenalidomide.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) and 2seventy bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSVT) have announced that on April 4, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after two or more prior lines of therapy including an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), a proteasome inhibitor (PI), and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, based on results from the KarMMa-3 trial.

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's ENHERTU® (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) has been approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.

iECURE, Inc., a gene editing company focused on the development of mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion, or knock-in, editing therapies for the treatment of liver disorders with significant unmet need, announced today clearance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ECUR-506 in Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency.

Merck KGaA has become the latest biopharma to swell its oncology pipeline with further antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) potential this week. The German company has signed up Texas’ Caris Life Sciences for a multiyear collaboration that will see targets identified by Caris and then passed to Merck for preclinical development and beyond. The April 4 release was light on details of the exact nature of these potential targets.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (Otsuka), a global pharmaceutical company, announces the launch of My Mental Health Journey, a longitudinal registry study that aims to advance research in depression and mental health. Verily Life Sciences LLC (Verily), a precision health technology company, will recruit participants and run the study.

Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance is thrilled to publicly launch and serve as a strategic advocate in developing the greater Pittsburgh region into a global life sciences leader and economic engine at the intersection of the region’s unique clinical, research, manufacturing, and technology strengths.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, is pleased to announce the launch of its RENASYS EDGE Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) System in the US as a patient-centric option for treating chronic wounds. The system is lightweight and compact allowing it to be easily carried or worn,1 it features a discreet canister, and operates quietly so as not to draw attention or disturb the patients’ daily activities.

Approval of first-in-class, oral, Factor D inhibitor based on results from pivotal ALPHA Phase III trial

VOYDEYA™ (danicopan) has been approved in the US as add-on therapy to ravulizumab or eculizumab for the treatment of extravascular hemolysis (EVH) in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).1 VOYDEYA is a first-in-class, oral, Factor D inhibitor developed as an add-on to standard-of-care ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz) or SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) to address the needs of the approximately 10-20% of patients with PNH who experience clinically significant EVH while treated with a C5 inhibitor.

ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz) has been approved in the United States (US) as the first and only long-acting C5 complement inhibitor for the treatment of adult patients with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive (Ab+) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced that on March 26, 2024, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved VYLOY™ (zolbetuximab), an anti-claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) monoclonal antibody for patients with CLDN18.2 positive, unresectable, advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. VYLOY is the first and only CLDN18.2-targeted therapy approved by any regulatory agency in the world.

Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQX: ADXS), a clinical-stage oncology company, today announced the completion of the previously announced sale of AL102, and related drug candidate AL101, to Immunome, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMNM).

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Verrica” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: VRCA), a dermatology therapeutics company developing medications for skin diseases requiring medical interventions, today announced that the Company’s lead product, YCANTH™, has received New Chemical Entity (“NCE”) Status and a listing in the Orange Book from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), providing a minimum five years of regulatory exclusivity.

Takeda (TSE: 4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved the use of ADZYNMA (apadamtase alfa /cinaxadamtase alfa) for the treatment of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) for individuals 12 years of age and older.1 ADZYNMA is the first and only approved recombinant ADAMTS13 protein designed to address an unmet medical need in people with cTTP by replacing the deficient ADAMTS13 enzyme.

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved sotatercept-csrk (U.S. Brand Name: WINREVAIR™, for injection, 45mg, 60mg) for the treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Permanent J-code J2782 effective April 1, 2024

Iveric Bio, An Astellas Company (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas"), today announced the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has assigned a unique, permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPS) J-code for IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The new J-code, J2782, is effective April 1, 2024.

Landos' lead asset, NX-13, is a first-in-class, oral NLRX1 agonist in Phase 2 for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC)

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) ("AbbVie") and Landos Biopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: LABP) ("Landos") today announced a definitive agreement under which AbbVie will acquire Landos, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, oral therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases.

NeuroStar is the first and only TMS therapy cleared as an adjunct treatment for patients ages 15 and older

Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM), a medical technology company focused on designing, developing, and marketing products that improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from neurohealth disorders, announced clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for use as an adjunct for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients aged 15-21.

Collaboration Orchestrates Omnichannel Experiences Powered by Patient Social Networks and AI-driven Content and Insights

EVERSANA®, a leading provider of commercialization services to the global life sciences industry, and MyHealthTeam, creator of the largest and most engaged set of patient social networks in the healthcare industry, today announced an alliance to help life sciences companies harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and accelerate the time to diagnosis and treatment for millions of patients across the globe.

Johnson & Johnson today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved OPSYNVI® – a single-tablet combination of macitentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), and tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor – for the chronic treatment of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) and WHO functional class (FC) II-III.1 OPSYNVI® may be used in patients with PAH who are treatment-naïve or who are already on an ERA, PDE5 inhibitor or both.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval for ELAHERE® (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) for the treatment of folate receptor alpha (FRα)-positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal adult cancer patients treated with up to three prior therapies. Patients with these cancers often present with late-stage disease, undergo surgery and are then treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced the completion of the previously announced transaction to acquire CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBAY) for approximately $4.3 billion in total equity value. The addition of CymaBay’s investigational lead product candidate, seladelpar for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) including pruritus, complements Gilead’s existing liver portfolio and aligns with its long-standing commitment to bringing transformational medicines to patients.

Strong and secure, LIQUIFIX is the first approved adhesive-based product to affix mesh without penetrating patient tissue

TELA Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: TELA), a commercial-stage medical technology company focused on providing innovative soft-tissue reconstruction solutions, today announced the U.S. launch of LIQUIFIX FIX8™ Laparoscopic and LIQUIFIX Precision™ Open Hernia Mesh Fixation Devices. LIQUIFIX FIX8 is indicated for minimally invasive femoral and inguinal hernia repairs; and LIQUIFIX Precision is indicated for open femoral and inguinal hernia repairs.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for VX-407, an investigational first-in-class small molecule corrector that targets the underlying cause of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in patients with a subset of PKD1 genetic variants.

Cabaletta Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: CABA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and launching the first curative targeted cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to CABA-201, a 4-1BB-containing fully human CD19-CAR T cell investigational therapy, for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted approval to Abecma® (idecabtagene vicleucel; ide-cel) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), a proteasome inhibitor (PI), and an anti-CD38 antibody and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy.

Includes actinium-based clinical-stage radioconjugate targeting PSMA for prostate cancer, pipeline of radioconjugates and state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities

AstraZeneca has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation radioconjugates (RCs). The acquisition marks a major step forward in AstraZeneca delivering on its ambition to transform cancer treatment and outcomes for patients by replacing traditional regimens like chemotherapy and radiotherapy with more targeted treatments.

Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for ICLUSIG® (ponatinib) for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy.

One-time treatment with Lenmeldy has shown the potential to restore enzymatic function to stop or slow disease progression, with up to 12 years of follow-up (median 6.76 years)

Orchard Therapeutics, recently acquired by Kyowa Kirin with the goal of accelerating the delivery of new gene therapies to patients around the globe, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lenmeldy™ (atidarsagene autotemcel), formerly known as OTL-200, for the treatment of children with pre-symptomatic late infantile (PSLI), pre-symptomatic early juvenile (PSEJ) or early symptomatic early juvenile (ESEJ)—collectively referred to as early-onset—metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

Optinose (NASDAQ:OPTN), a pharmaceutical company focused on patients treated by ear, nose and throat (ENT) and allergy specialists, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved XHANCE® (fluticasone propionate) nasal spray for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps in patients 18 years of age and older.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rezdiffra (resmetirom) for the treatment of adults with noncirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with moderate to advanced liver scarring (fibrosis), to be used along with diet and exercise.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval of Breyanzi® (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel), a CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor and a B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for the company’s 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, marketed in the European Union under the brand name PREVENAR 20®, for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease, pneumonia and acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants, children and adolescents from 6 weeks to less than 18 years of age.

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, a clinical diagnostics leader, and Fujirebio, a leader in neurological markers and In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) manufacturing, today announced an expansion of their partnership focused on development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative disease assays.

Steven H. Collis will retire as president and CEO of Cencora Inc., one of the region's largest public companies, on Oct. 1. As part of a succession plan announced Tuesday, Collis will be replaced by Cencora Chief Operating Officer Robert Mauch, who will also join the company's board of directors. Collis will remain with the Conshohocken-based wholesale pharmaceutical company as its executive chairman.

Company plans to initiate Phase 1 ACESOT-1051 (A Multi-Center Evaluation of WEE1 Inhibitor in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors, APR-1051) clinical trial evaluating, highly selective, oral WEE1 inhibitor, for monotherapy treatment of Cyclin E overexpressing cancers including breast and ovarian cancers

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aprea Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APRE) (“Aprea”, or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on precision oncology through synthetic lethality, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application (IND 169359) for APR-1051.

Acquisition broadens oncology pipeline with a portfolio of novel T-cell engagers including HPN328 (MK-6070), an investigational delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) targeting T-cell engager

RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced the completion of the acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: HARP). Harpoon is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck, and Harpoon’s common stock will no longer be publicly traded or listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (TSE: 4503, President: Mark Reisenauer, "Astellas") announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug and pediatric exclusivity to CRESEMBA® (isavuconazonium sulfate) for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) in pediatric patients.

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opdivo® (nivolumab), in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC), the most common type of bladder cancer.

Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM), a medical technology company focused on designing, developing, and marketing products that improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from neurohealth disorders, announced an expanded commercial partnership with Transformations Care Network ("TCN"), one of the nation's largest mental health care providers.

Acquisition strengthens Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to innovation in prostate cancer and deepens pipeline of next-generation antibody drug conjugates and targeted oncologic therapeutics

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today it has successfully completed the acquisition of Ambrx Biopharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to design and develop next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), in an all-cash merger transaction for a total equity value of approximately $2.0 billion, or $1.9 billion net of estimated cash acquired, as announced on January 8, 2024. The transaction will be accounted for as a business combination.

iECURE, Inc., a gene editing company focused on the development of mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion, or knock-in, editing therapies for the treatment of liver disorders with significant unmet need, announced today approval from the U.K. Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the company’s Clinical Trial Authorisation application (CTA) to expand the OTC-HOPE study into the U.K.

A global team of scientists led by a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia doctor was one of five groups selected to receive a multimillion-dollar grant from Cancer Grand Challenges, a funding initiative co-founded by the National Cancer Institute and Cancer Research UK.

LAVA Therapeutics N.V. (NASDAQ: LVTX, “LAVA”), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on developing its proprietary Gammabody® platform of bispecific gamma delta T cell engagers, today announced that Pfizer has achieved a clinical development milestone for PF-08046052 (formerly SGN-EGFRd2 /LAVA-1223), prompting the first milestone payment of $7 Million to LAVA. LAVA granted Seagen (acquired by Pfizer in December 2023) a worldwide, exclusive license to PF-08046052 in September 2022.

Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSDT) (“Helius” or the “Company”), a neurotech company focused on delivering a novel therapeutic neuromodulation approach for balance and gait deficits, today announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has assigned Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (“HCPCS”) Level II codes A4593.

With the FDA currently mulling whether to approve BridgeBio’s acoramidis as a rival to Pfizer’s blockbuster heart disease drug Vyndaqel, Bayer has decided to pay out $310 million to scoop up the European rights.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced today that following a priority review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved RYBREVANT® (amivantamab-vmjw) in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin-pemetrexed) for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test.

Retinal neovascular diseases including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion are the most vision-threatening diseases among the developed world working-age population. Around 200 million people worldwide, and 20 million adults in the U.S are thought to be living with AMD. The risk of getting advanced AMD increases from 2% for those ages 50-59, to nearly 30% for those over the age of 75.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announced they have entered into a Master Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR). This marks the first time that the USAISR has entered into a master agreement of this nature with an industry-leading medical technology company.

Exclusive rights to universal CAR technology platform designed to target multiple antigens simultaneously, recently expanded to include SNAP-CAR NK cells, has potential to impact various autoimmune diseases in addition to oncology indications.

Coeptis Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: COEP) (the "Company" or "Coeptis"), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative cell therapy platforms for cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases, today announced that it has expanded its exclusive license agreement with the University of Pittsburgh to include autoimmune indications as part of its ongoing development of SNAP-CAR T and SNAP-CAR NK.

NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) ("NRx Pharmaceuticals," the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Dr. Jonathan Javitt, Chairman and Chief Scientist of NRx Pharmaceuticals, will present a corporate overview at the BIO CEO & Investor Conference, which is scheduled to take place February 26-27, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Presenting with him will be Matthew Duffy, the newly-appointed co-CEO of HOPE Therapeutics.

Adds RYZ101, an IND Engine and Manufacturing Capability, to BMS

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced today that it has successfully completed its acquisition of RayzeBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: RYZB). With the completion of the acquisition, RayzeBio shares have ceased trading on the NASDAQ Global Market and RayzeBio is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb.

Bayer announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for BAY 2927088 for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, and who have received a prior systemic therapy.

Alvotech and Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SIMLANDI (adalimumab-ryvk) injection, as an interchangeable biosimilar to Humira, for the treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult psoriatic arthritis, adult ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, adult ulcerative colitis, adult plaque psoriasis, adult hidradenitis suppurativa and adult uveitis.

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: HRMY), announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug designation to pitolisant for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., (OPDC); Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Co. Ltd. (Otsuka); and Visterra, Inc., an Otsuka group company announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for the investigational drug sibeprenlimab for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN; Berger’s disease).

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan has granted marketing and manufacturing authorization for Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in people aged 12 years and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with existing therapy. Japan is the first country to approve Dupixent for CSU, emphasizing the value of Dupixent as a novel treatment option to manage this disease in patients with unmet needs.

Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") and Kelonia Therapeutics (CEO, Founder: Kevin Friedman, Ph.D., "Kelonia") today announced that Xyphos Biosciences, Inc., (a wholly owned subsidiary of Astellas, "Xyphos") and Kelonia have entered into a research collaboration and license agreement to develop novel Immuno-Oncology therapeutics.

BRENZAVVY Is Now Available to Healthcare Businesses via Cost Plus Drugs Marketplace at business.costplusdrugs.com

TheracosBio today announced that it is extending its collaboration with the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. Under the partnership, BRENZAVVY® (bexagliflozin) is available directly to healthcare businesses under the Cost Plus Drugs Marketplace program.

Krystal Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRYS), a commercial-stage biotechnology company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track Designation for inhaled KB707 for the treatment of patients with solid tumors with pulmonary metastases that are relapsed or refractory to standard of care therapy.

- Over 8,000 patients 12 years of age and older with severe sickle cell disease or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia may be eligible for treatment -

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) announced today that the European Commission has granted conditional marketing authorization to CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces full commercial availability of its AETOS Shoulder System in the US, along with 510(k) clearance for its use with ATLASPLAN◊ 3D Planning Software and Patient Specific Instrumentation for total shoulder arthroplasty. Total shoulder arthroplasty is one of the fastest growing segments in Orthopaedics with an estimated 250,000 procedures in the US by 2025.

Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced the European Commission (EC) has authorized SKYCLARYS® (omaveloxolone) for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. SKYCLARYS is the first treatment approved within the European Union for this rare, genetic, progressive neurodegenerative disease.

Abbott and Fujirebio announced today a partnership to develop a research use only (RUO) neurofilament-light chain (Nf-L) neurology biomarker assay for use on Abbott’s Alinity® i. Abbott will make the RUO assay available to researchers conducting studies demonstrating the utility of the Nf-L biomarker.

Abbott and Fujirebio announced today a partnership to develop a research use only (RUO) neurofilament-light chain (Nf-L) neurology biomarker assay for use on Abbott’s Alinity® i. Abbott will make the RUO assay available to researchers conducting studies demonstrating the utility of the Nf-L biomarker.

Tyber Medical LLC, a leading orthopedic device manufacturer providing private label orthopedic implants for the trauma, extremity, and spine markets, has received a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval for its Proximal Tibia Plating System. The Tyber Medical System consists of two indication categories: Complete Articular and Partial Articular Fractures.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. and CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBAY) announced today a definitive agreement under which Gilead will acquire CymaBay for $32.50 per share in cash or a total equity value of $4.3 billion. The addition of CymaBay’s investigational lead product candidate, seladelpar for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) including pruritus, complements Gilead’s existing liver portfolio and aligns with its long-standing commitment to bringing transformational medicines to patients.

akeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved EOHILIA (budesonide oral suspension), the first and only FDA-approved oral therapy for people 11 years and older with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).1 It will be available in 2 mg/10 mL convenient, single-dose stick packs by the end of February.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of ImmunoGen (NASDAQ: IMGN). With the completion of the acquisition, ImmunoGen is now part of AbbVie.

Breakthrough Therapy Designation for nipocalimab based on results from the Phase 2 UNITY clinical trial for HDFN

Johnson & Johnson today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for nipocalimab for the treatment of alloimmunizeda pregnant individuals at high risk of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) and Redx Pharma plc (AIM: REDX) today announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement under which Jazz will acquire Redx's KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus) inhibitor program. Jazz and Redx will collaborate to advance candidates through IND-enabling studies; Jazz will be responsible for all clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing and commercialization activities.

With an upfront payment of $100 million, Kyowa Kirin has bought into a partnership with BridgeBio to develop and commercialize Truseltiq (infigratinib) in Japan. Besides the sizable upfront installment, Kyowa Kirin agreed to fork over undisclosed payments if the drug reaches certain milestones, plus pay royalties up to the “high-twenties" in percentage terms.

Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR) today announced the closing of its public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Senior Notes due 2034 (the “Notes”), in an underwritten registered public offering. The offering was made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement Cencora filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 23, 2021.

The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter has completed rebranding to become ALS United Mid-Atlantic. This transition comes after the Greater Philadelphia Chapter joined 14 other Chapters in legally separating from The ALS Association on September 1, 2023. These chapters represent approximately half of the ALS patient population and Certified Treatment Centers and ALS Clinics in the nation.

Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSDT) (“Helius” or the “Company”), a neurotech company focused on delivering a novel therapeutic neuromodulation approach for balance and gait deficits, announced today that it has concluded its interaction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on optimizing the development plan for its stroke program.

Tyber Medical LLC, a leading orthopedic device manufacturer providing private label orthopedic implants for the trauma, extremity, and spine markets, received clearance for the anatomical plating system in Canada. The comprehensive portfolio previously received FDA 510(k) in the US and has now been cleared through Health Canada.

NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) ("NRx Pharmaceuticals", the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the incorporation of HOPE Therapeutics™, a biotechnology company dedicated to bringing NRX-100 (IV Ketamine), which will be re-designated HTX-100, a potentially lifesaving treatment option for patients with Suicidal Depression.

Novo Holdings, the investment arm of Novo Nordisk’s parent foundation, is buying Catalent in a deal valued at $16.5 billion that’s the biggest it’s ever made.

Merck MRK 0.55%increase; green up pointing triangl& Co. has struck a deal to buy Elanco ELAN 0.75%increase; green up pointing triangAnimal Health’s aqua business in a deal that expands the drugmaker’s animal-health business.

A Main Line pharmaceutical developer is creating a new company to bring its experimental drug candidate targeting suicidal depression to patients, should that medicine receive regulatory approval. NRx Pharmaceuticals of Radnor said the new business, called Hope Therapeutics, will initially be owned by NRx and its current shareholders via a planned tax-free dividend with an accompanying royalty coupon tied to potential future sales of the drug.

In a move designed to advance opportunities for students to expand their access to cutting-edge research and education in the field of biomedical sciences, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and The Wistar Institute have announced an academic collaboration to offer degree programs, courses and other educational opportunities to students at each institution.

Cabaletta Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: CABA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and launching the first curative targeted cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to CABA-201.

KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, Inc., a biotech company developing cutting-edge, multi-mechanistic oncolytic viral immunotherapy programs, has unveiled its state-of-the-art GMP cleanroom facility to manufacture its pipeline of oncolytic viruses. KaliVir has already successfully executed the inaugural manufacturing run for its lead clinical candidate, VET3-TGI

The William G. Rohrer Charitable Foundation has awarded the Coriell Institute for Medical Research $500,000 to develop the Coriell-Cooper Cancer Biobank, a new collection of biological samples derived from people undergoing treatment for cancer. The grant, structured for disbursement over five years, will allow for the acquisition of needed equipment and staff to support the creation and growth of this important collection.

If approved, afami-cel will be the first engineered T-cell therapy for solid tumors and the first effective treatment option for synovial sarcoma in more than a decade

Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: ADAP), a company redefining the treatment of solid tumor cancers with cell therapy, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for priority review its Biologics License Application (BLA) for afami-cel, an investigational engineered T-cell therapy for advanced synovial sarcoma. The application has a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of August 4, 2024.

Study to assess safety and immunogenicity of novel protein nanoparticle vaccine candidates UVAX-1107 and UVAX-1197 in healthy volunteers

Uvax Bio, LLC, (“Uvax” or “the Company”) a privately held, clinical-stage vaccine company utilizing rational and computational biology to design and deliver novel 1c-SApNP® protein-based vaccines, today announced the first participant has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the Company’s HIV-1 vaccine candidates, UVAX-1107 and UVAX-1197, in healthy volunteers in Australia.

Tobin Scientific proudly announces the attainment of ISO 9001 certification, a significant step in its ongoing commitment to quality and operational excellence. This achievement reflects the stringent quality standards consistently upheld across Tobin Scientific's expanding cGMP facilities. As the first certification of its kind within their network, it establishes a benchmark for the level of quality and excellence that Tobin Scientific is committed to in its comprehensive cGMP operations.

Through a pilot program aimed at accelerating and supporting life sciences startups in our state, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC) will provide financial support and free lab space to more than a dozen startups at the PABC in Doylestown, its B+labs incubator in Philadelphia and elsewhere in Pennsylvania.

Tyber Medical Broadens Its Vast Plating Portfolio with FDA Approval of Additional Screw and Plate Options, and Indications for Mini-Frag System

Tyber Medical, LLC, a leading orthopedic device manufacturer providing private label orthopedic implants for the trauma, extremity and spine markets, has received a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval for a line extension to the existing, approved Mini-Frag System, with additional screw and plate options, and indications. This additional clearance expands Tyber Medical products' healing capabilities and adds to their restorative portfolio.

Takeda today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GAMMAGARD LIQUID® [Immune Globulin Infusion (Human) 10% solution] as an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to improve neuromuscular disability and impairment in adults with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).

At Sanofi and Regeneron, it’s all about the kids—at least with respect to their recent advancements of anti-inflammatory powerhouse Dupixent. On Thursday, the FDA signed off on the IL-4 receptor alpha antagonist to treat children between the ages of 1 and 11 who weigh at least 33 pounds with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Dupixent becomes the first treatment in the U.S. for children in this age group with the disorder.

At Sanofi and Regeneron, it’s all about the kids—at least with respect to their recent advancements of anti-inflammatory powerhouse Dupixent. On Thursday, the FDA signed off on the IL-4 receptor alpha antagonist to treat children between the ages of 1 and 11 who weigh at least 33 pounds with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Dupixent becomes the first treatment in the U.S. for children in this age group with the disorder.

The $83.9 million gift from P. Roy and Diana Vagelos, announced Thursday by Penn, follows earlier donations from the couple, who previously funded the creation of an energy science center.

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts & Sciences has received a nearly $84 million gift for science initiatives — the largest in the school’s history. Most of the $83.9 million gift from P. Roy and Diana Vagelos, announced Thursday by Penn, will go toward graduate education in the Department of Chemistry, including the establishment of 20 new Vagelos fellows, according to the university.

EpiVario Inc., a biotech company pioneering neuroepigenetics to treat addiction disorders, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Metabomed LTD ("Metabomed") to acquire Metabomed's small molecule acetyl co-A synthetase-2 inhibitor ("ACSS2i") portfolio.

Neuraptive Therapeutics Inc., a leader in innovative medical solutions, is pleased to announce that it has received Orphan Drug Designation from the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its fusogen contained in the NTX-001 treatment kit. This designation marks a significant milestone in developing NTX-001, a novel treatment for peripheral nerve injury requiring repair.

WuXi Biologics ("WuXi Bio") (2269. HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced that its Research Service Unit (R in CRDMO) has signed a research service agreement with BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, "BioNTech"), a next generation immunotherapy company pioneering novel therapies for cancer and other serious diseases.

GSK will pay $1 billion upfront to buy clinical-stage asthma drugmaker Aiolos Bio, the British drugmaker said early Tuesday morning. It could pay up to $400 million more if milestones are met.

Venatorx Pharmaceuticals and Menarini Group announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Menarini will acquire the exclusive rights to commercialize, upon approval of relevant health authorities, cefepime-taniborbactam in 96 countries in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Turkey and North Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Johnson & Johnson is adding to Big Pharma’s love for antibody drug conjugates with a $2 billion cash deal to swoop up Ambrx Biopharma.

– Second and third FDA Fast Track Designations for CABA-201, following the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) designation, providing the opportunity for expedited development and review of CABA-201 for the treatment of these autoimmune diseases –

Cabaletta Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: CABA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and launching the first curative targeted cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted separate Fast Track Designations to CABA-201.

NeuMoDx CT/NG Assay designed to improve accessibility, affordability and timeliness in sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in the U.S. // U.S. regulatory clearance of new assay for use on both NeuMoDx 96 and 288 versions of integrated PCR-based clinical molecular testing system // Global presence anchored by 16 EU-certified in-vitro diagnostics (CE-IVD) tests, positioning NeuMoDx as having one of the broadest test menus available to customers

QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the NeuMoDx CT/NG Assay 2.0, growing its test menu for its integrated PCR-based clinical molecular testing systems NeuMoDx 96 and 288 in the United States.

Merck & Co. has struck a deal to buy clinical-stage immunotherapy company Harpoon Therapeutics for about $680 million.

Neuraptive Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in nerve repair and regeneration, is pleased to announce a significant milestone in transforming the treatment paradigm for peripheral nerve injuries. The successful demonstration of proof of concept in the NEUROFUSE study of NTX-001 marks an unprecedented advancement in providing hope for faster and more complete functional recovery to individuals impacted by peripheral nerve transections.

Herman O. West founded the drug packaging manufacturer in Fishtown in 1923. From packaging penicillin during World War II to going public in 1970, here's why the Philly region remains home.

Philly has been getting a lot of attention lately for its life sciences success, with this past October’s EDA Tech Hubs designation for precision medicine and a swell of collaborative support from regional stakeholders. But its history goes back further than you might expect.

After more than 20 years, the foundation ownership working together as Almono LLC has Pittsburgh's two major universities moving forward on what are expected to be catalytic development projects for brownfield redevelopment in Hazelwood.

Starting next summer West Chester University will have a new president. The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education recently announced that it has selected Dr. R. Lorraine Bernotsky to be the next president of West Chester University (WCU). The appointment takes effect July 1, 2024.

B. Braun Medical Inc. of Bethlehem recently announced the launch of its new CARESITE Micro Luer Access Device, designed to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and decrease infection risk, making IV access safer for patients and healthcare providers.

Immunome, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMNM), a biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class and best-in-class targeted cancer therapies, today announced that it entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Atreca, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCEL) to acquire a collection of antibody-related assets and materials.

A $6 million grant awarded to Lehigh University is expected to help solve a common problem within universities: getting the scientific discoveries of its faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researches out of the research stage.

Partners with Cook MyoSite to establish a state-of-the-art facility to conduct human islet isolations for hospital systems without in-house capabilities

Imagine Pharma, a biotech company focused on advancing the commercialization of its novel IMG-1 polypeptide in Oral Delivery, Therapeutics, and Regenerative Medicine, announced today that it has successfully completed more than 32 clinical islet cell isolation procedures for several leading hospital systems across the United States, including the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Gilead Sciences is uploading $60 million to Compugen’s bank account plus hefty milestones down the road in exchange for the rights to a preclinical IL-18 binding protein program that includes a solid tumor asset.

Krystal Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRYS), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of genetic medicines to treat diseases with high unmet medical needs, today announced that the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to beremagene geperpavec-svdt (B-VEC or VYJUVEK) for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB).

On December 7, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation ("ODD") to NXL-004, an investigational AAV gene therapy product being developed by NeuExcell Therapeutics Inc. ("NeuExcell"), for the treatment of malignant glioma. This is the world's first AAV gene therapy product for malignant glioma to receive FDA ODD designation.

Tyber Medical, LLC, a leading orthopedic device manufacturer providing private label orthopedic implants for the trauma, extremity, and spine markets, received a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its new Distal Radius Plating System.

Leave it to Carnegie Mellon University to include a robot in the ceremonial shoveling to commemorate the construction start of its new $100 million development investment at Hazelwood Green.

Pfizer’s $43 billion acquisition of Seagen is in the books, the company said on Thursday, as it becomes the largest M&A transaction in the biopharma industry since AbbVie snatched up Allergan for $63 billion in 2019.

First and only hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor approved for these adult patients with advanced RCC

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved WELIREG, an oral hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and a vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGF-TKI).

ECUR-506 is a gene editing-based investigational therapy for the treatment of Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency

iECURE, Inc., a gene editing company focused on the development of mutation-agnostic in vivo gene insertion, or knock-in, editing therapies for the treatment of liver disorders with significant unmet need, announced today that the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved the Company’s Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) for ECUR-506 (formerly GTP-506), an investigational therapy in development for the treatment of Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency in pediatric (or neonatal) patients.

Prelude Therapeutics Incorporated (Nasdaq: PRLD) (“Prelude” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage precision oncology company, today announced a private placement that the Company estimates will result in gross proceeds of approximately $25 million before deducting estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. Proceeds from the private placement will be used to primarily fund the continued advancement of its SMARCA2 portfolio, for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The CRISPR treatment enables people with sickle cell disease to make a normal form of hemoglobin. Other such treatments are being tested for cancer and heart disease.

Actuated Medical, a leading innovator in medical device technologies, announced today the successful acquisition of Mitotyping Technologies LLC, a prominent DNA forensic company specializing in advanced mitochondrial DNA analysis. This strategic move reflects Actuated Medical’s commitment to diversification and growth, expanding its capabilities into the field of forensic science.

Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACRS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drugs for immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced an exclusive patent license agreement with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (Sun Pharma).

Century Therapeutics (NASDAQ: IPSC), an innovative biotechnology company developing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell therapies in immuno-oncology and autoimmune and inflammatory disease, today announced that the Company has been notified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the Company’s Phase 1 clinical trial may proceed to assess CNTY-101 in patients with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have failed at least two standard immunosuppressive therapies.

Novartis today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fabhalta® (iptacopan) as the first oral monotherapy for the treatment of adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)1.

Amicus Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FOLD) today announced that John F. Crowley, Executive Chairman of Amicus Therapeutics, will step down from the Amicus Board of Directors and assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of BIO, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, effective March 4, 2024.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration systems, today announced FDA 510(k) clearance and launch of its Vial2Bag Advanced® 13mm admixture device.

ohnson & Johnson announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted TAR-200 Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for the potential future treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC), who are ineligible for or elected not to undergo radical cystectomy (surgical removal of the bladder).

CT-0525 is the first CAR-Monocyte to be evaluated in humans in the solid tumor setting First patient expected to be treated in the first half of 2024

Carisma Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CARM) ("Carisma" or the "Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative immunotherapies, today announced the clearance of its Investigational New Drug application (IND) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CT-0525, an ex vivo gene-modified autologous chimeric antigen receptor-monocyte (CAR-Monocyte) cellular therapy intended to treat solid tumors that overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).

Funds will support progression of Aro’s pipeline of Centyrin-siRNA programs, including ABX1100, a novel potential treatment for Pompe Disease.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aro Biotherapeutics, a clinical stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of tissue-targeted genetic medicines, today announced it has secured $41.5M in a Series B funding round.

Tyber Medical has been selected to receive the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence (GASE)—a highly competitive program that acknowledges exceptional safety and prevention initiatives in the workplace as well as the effective and successful management of those initiatives by its employees.

A Philadelphia biotechnology company working to discover and develop more effective drugs by testing them on lab-grown human organs said Wednesday it has raised $38 million in a private stock sale.

Acquisition underscores Merck’s ongoing commitment to developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases

RAHWAY, N.J., & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Caraway Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire Caraway Therapeutics for a total potential consideration of up to $610 million, including an undisclosed upfront payment as well as contingent milestone payments.

BOSTON & ZUG, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2023-- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) and CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) announced today that the United Kingdom (U.K.) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted conditional marketing authorization for CASGEVY™ (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited therapy, for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT).

After more than two years of testing, a Philadelphia medical technology company has officially launched an artificial intelligence-based operating system it created to dramatically accelerate the identification and development of promising drug candidates.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Cabaletta Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: CABA) this week announced that the Company’s fourth Investigational New Drug (IND) application for CABA-201, a 4-1BB-containing fully human CD19-CAR T cell investigational therapy, has been allowed to proceed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a Phase 1/2 study in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

Melinta Therapeutics LLC (“Melinta”) and Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Venatorx”), today announced that they have entered into a License Agreement to facilitate a strategic partnership in the U.S. to commercialize cefepime-taniborbactam, a beta-lactam / beta-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combination antibiotic being developed for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) in adults.

A biotech company working to commercialize products relating to regenerative medicine, oral delivery and therapeutics has closed on a $32.5 million investment round to help advance that work.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) as a biosimilar to and interchangeable with Stelara (ustekinumab) for multiple inflammatory diseases.

Sanofi has announced the winners of its 2023 Health Equity Accelerator Awards, honoring 10 nonprofit organizations that exemplify the company's ambition to provide equitable access to healthcare using innovative solutions for hard-to-solve health disparities.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania said it has approved $2.3 million in investments for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. A total of 10 innovative companies, including eight startups and two manufacturers, received funding.

This week's lab notes has items on two venture fund closings, an honor for the former leader of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the completion of a South Jersey biotech company's asset sale and more.

Integral Molecular, a leading provider of reagents for vaccine evaluation, announces the launch of TiterSafe™ influenza virus-like particles, an off-the-shelf virus-alternative for key experiments in testing influenza vaccines.

NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) ("NRx Pharmaceuticals", (NRx), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nephron), a leading manufacturer of sterile injectable drugs today announced the signing of a development and manufacturing agreement to manufacture a presentation of ketamine suitable for treating suicidal depression

NEW YORK & MAINZ, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (COMIRNATY 2023-2024 Formulation) for individuals 12 years and older and granted emergency use authorization for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age for the companies’ Omicron XBB.1.5-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueWhale Bio, Inc., a new company spun out of the University of Pennsylvania to overcome key bottlenecks in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, announced today that it has raised $18 million in Seed financing. The round was led by Danaher Ventures LLC, the corporate venture subsidiary of Danaher Corporation, with a deep syndicate of leading life science investors, including Novalis LifeSciences and Marshall Wace, amongst others.

Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR-T company developing novel KIR-CAR platform technology invented at and licensed from the University of Pennsylvania today announced that a first patient has been dosed in their STAR-101 clinical trial to study the SynKIR-110 product in individuals with advanced ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma.

Krystal Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRYS), a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of genetic medicines to treat diseases with high unmet medical needs, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation for KB408 for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

Emergent has officially shipped its over the counter, original prescription strength NARCAN® Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg to leading mass, drug/pharmacy and grocery stores, as well as online retailers NARCAN® Nasal Spray will be the first, life-saving emergency medicine for opioid overdose available on shelves beginning this September with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $44.99

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRN), a global biotechnology company dedicated to transforming lives through genetic discovery, today announced that an individual in Germany with severe hemophilia A was treated with ROCTAVIAN® (valoctocogene roxaparvovec-rvox), marking the first time that the gene therapy has been given commercially in Europe.

Acquisition expands pipeline and diversifies portfolio to drive long-term growth Innovative potential new therapeutic option for rare/orphan neuropsychiatric disorders with high unmet medical needs Lead asset in pivotal Phase 3 trial for Fragile X syndrome and has completed Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson today announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AKEEGA™ (niraparib and abiraterone acetate), the first-and-only dual action tablet combining a PARP inhibitor with abiraterone acetate, given with prednisone, for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA-positive mCRPC, as detected by an FDA-approved test.1

HORSHAM, Pa., Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval of TALVEY™ (talquetamab-tgvs), a first-in-class bispecific antibody for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 antibody.

The FDA has signed off on Iveric’s geographic atrophy (GA) treatment Izervay. The nod comes less than three weeks after Astellas’ lone rival in the indication, Apellis’ newly approved Syfovre, was flagged for severe side effects.

PRINCETON, N.J., August 2, 2023 – Taiho Oncology, Inc. and Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved LONSURF® (trifluridine/tipiracil) as a single agent or in combination with bevacizumab for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF biological therapy, and if RAS wild-type, an anti-EGFR therapy.

A cell therapy developer spun out of the University of Pennsylvania three years ago has raised $17 million to advance its lead immunotherapy candidates targeting a variety of cancers.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Roctavian, an adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapy for the treatment of adults with severe hemophilia A without pre-existing antibodies to adeno-associated virus serotype 5 detected by an FDA-approved test.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and OPKO Health Inc. (NASDAQ: OPK) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NGENLA (somatrogon-ghla), a once-weekly, human growth hormone analog indicated for treatment of pediatric patients aged three years and older who have growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone. NGENLA is expected to become available for U.S. prescribing in August 2023.

Annovis Bio, Inc. (NYSE: ANVS), a clinical stage drug platform company developing novel and transformative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, announces the creation of a novel crystalline form of buntanetap (ANVS402), and the filing of a new composition of matter provisional patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Brixadi was approved by the FDA as an extended-release, injectable medication available in weekly and monthly doses.

Amgen announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients with CD19-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first or second complete remission with minimal residual disease (MRD) greater than or equal to 0.1%, based on additional data from two Phase 3 studies that were submitted. The approval converts BLINCYTO's accelerated approval to a full approval.

HEMGENIX®, the first and only FDA approved gene therapy for hemophilia B, has been proven to elevate and sustain factor IX levels for years, significantly reduce the rate of annual bleeds versus standard of care, and reduce or eliminate the need for prophylactic treatment in 94% of patients (51 out of 54) after a one-time infusion

The BIO International Convention was last held in Philadelphia in 2019 and generated an economic impact of $41 million for the region. The annual event attracted 20,000 attendees last week in Boston.

Lynparza can now be used in combination with Johnson & Johnson’s Zytiga and a corticosteroid to treat patients with mCRPC whose tumors have BRCA mutations.

Krystal Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: KRYS) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of VYJUVEK to treat dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) for patients who are six months of age or older.

Optinose (NASDAQ:OPTN), a pharmaceutical company focused on patients treated by ear, nose and throat (ENT) and allergy specialists, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for review its supplemental new drug application (sNDA) requesting approval of XHANCE as a treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis.

PHILADELPHIA–Integral Molecular, a founding member of Philadelphia’s biotech community, announces the official opening of its 32,000 square foot headquarters and integrated research facilities that will include its pandemic preparedness laboratories.

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Otsuka) and Lundbeck announce the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the New Drug Application (NDA) for ABILIFY ASIMTUFII® (aripiprazole) extended-release injectable suspension for intramuscular use, a once-every-two-months injection for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults or for maintenance monotherapy treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PREVNAR 20® (20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by the 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) serotypes contained in the vaccine in infants and children six weeks through 17 years of age, and for the prevention of otitis media in infants six weeks through five years of age caused by the original seven serotypes contained in PREVNAR®.

The Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval Wednesday to Zynyz, a drug developed by Wilmington-based Incyte to treat advanced Merkel cell carcinoma.

Silicon Valley Bank's failure — the largest in the U.S. since the 2008 financial crisis — has spawned shockwaves across the U.S. startup scene and sent some companies scrambling to secure funds for payroll and other expenses.