Healthcare & Life Sciences News & Trends: Aug Week 2

Healthcare & Life Sciences News & Trends: Aug Week 2

Healthcare & Life Sciences News & Trends: Aug Week 2

1. Market

i. New Zealand to Ease Gene Editing Regulations

The New Zealand government is set to introduce new legislation for gene technologies. Current regulations require genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to undergo a complicated and rigorous approval process before being released from containment. Gene editing is also treated the same as genetic modification, even when no foreign DNA is introduced. However, the new law will exempt low-risk gene editing techniques from regulation if the changes they produce are indistinguishable from those achieved through conventional breeding. The legislation will also establish a new regulator and remove local restrictions on GMO use.

Takeaway: This legislation will simplify the development and commercialisation of gene technologies, including gene editing. It also positions New Zealand to leverage gene technologies for significant advancements in health, climate adaptation, and economic growth.

Read the full article about New Zealand’s gene editing regulations.

 

ii. J&J and Roche Emerge Top in S&P’s Ranking of Pharma Companies

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Roche lead the pack in S&P Global’s analysis of the world’s top 17 pharmaceutical companies. While many top pharmaceutical companies exhibit strong competitive advantages due to unique, high-margin products, J&J and Roche stand out for both their business prowess and minimal financial risks.

Read the full article about S&P Global’s analysis of pharmaceutical companies.

 

2. Business Moves

i. Eli Lilly Opens $700m R&D Centre in Boston Seaport, Welcomes Biotechs

Eli Lilly invested $700 million to open a new R&D centre in the Boston Seaport focused on enhancing its RNA and DNA research capabilities. This facility, the Lilly Seaport Innovation Centre, will house 500 scientists and researchers. It also expands Lilly’s biotechnology incubator, Gateway Labs, to the East Coast while providing shared space and resources to around 200 professionals from other biotech companies.

This investment builds on the company’s earlier acquisition of Prevaly Therapeutics and positions Lilly to develop cutting-edge therapies targeting diseases that are difficult to address with traditional drugs. The facility also aims to integrate emerging technologies with Lilly’s expertise in areas like neuroscience and diabetes.

Takeaway: The centre fosters collaboration and allows Lilly to engage with emerging biotech firms, positioning the company for future opportunities in M&A, licensing, or strategic partnerships.

Read the full article about Eli Lilly’s nucleic acid R&D centre.

 

ii. Terumo Launches Corporate Venture Capital Terumo Ventures

Terumo Corporation, a global cardiovascular giant based in Japan, has established a corporate venture capital (CVC) firm called “Terumo Ventures”. The CVC will be a division of Terumo Americas Holding, Inc. and will be tasked with leading the group’s venture investments. Terumo Ventures will operate in global innovation hubs such as Massachusetts and California in the US and plans to invest $75 million in startups over the next five years, primarily in areas related to cardiovascular disease treatment, chronic disease treatment, and digital technologies.

Takeaway: Terumo has been investing through venture capital funds in the US and China since 2013. This marks the first time in Terumo’s history that it has established its own corporate venture fund.

Read the full Chinese article about Terumo Ventures.

 

iii. Sirrem Medical Raises Millions in Pre-A Funding

Sirrem Medical, a developer of soft robotics for rehabilitation, successfully raised tens of millions of yuan in a Pre-A funding round. The capital will enhance the company’s efforts in technological R&D, product optimisation, and market expansion to meet growing demands in rehabilitation healthcare.

Sirrem Medical has been specialising in rehabilitation technology since its inception in 2019. It has accrued over 40 patents and acquired medical device registration certificates from China’s NMPA, the European Union’s CE, and the US FDA. Sirrem’s innovative product, a soft robotic glove for hand rehabilitation, integrates passive movement, mirror therapy, and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. In terms of business development, the company has established a strategy covering domestic and international markets, linking B2B and B2C sectors. It has partnered with multiple distributors and hospitals to create model hospitals and foster steady revenue growth.

Takeaway: The rehabilitation technology sector, particularly soft robotic devices for hand rehabilitation, is poised for significant growth due to demographic shifts such as an ageing population and increasing healthcare demands. The market is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years.

Read the full Chinese article about Sirrem Medical.

 

iv. Blackstone Acquires Majority Stake in Audax’s Chartis

Blackstone is set to acquire a majority stake in the Chartis Group, a healthcare consulting and advisory firm, from Audax Private Equity. The potential value of the deal, which includes debt, is estimated at around $1.4 billion. While the exact terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, it’s reported that Audax will maintain a stake in Chartis. The Chicago-headquartered company has around 1,000 employees and a portfolio of 900 clients. It has expanded its services through seven acquisitions since Audax’s investment in 2019.

Takeaway:

  1. Market Potential: Chartis operates in a growing global healthcare industry, providing diverse advisory services to healthcare providers, payers, tech firms, retailers, and investors.
  2. Strong Customer Base: Chartis’s extensive customer base provides stable revenue streams and supports future expansion.
  3. Ongoing Growth and M&A: Chartis has expanded through acquisitions, indicating its capacity for growth through strategic mergers.
  4. Strategic Partnerships and Support: Blackstone’s investment signifies confidence in Chartis’s future growth, with Audax’s continued stake adding stability.
  5. Industry Leadership: With 23 years in healthcare service optimization, Chartis is a respected leader, set to further enhance healthcare accessibility and equity with Blackstone’s support.
  6. Enhancing Blackstone’s Portfolio: Incorporating Chartis complements Blackstone’s healthcare investments, potentially increasing returns through synergies with existing assets.

Read the full article about Blackstone’s stake in Chartis.

 

v. Merck Pays $700m for Rights to Curon’s Bispecific Antibody

Merck & Co. has paid $700 million upfront to acquire global rights to Curon Biopharmaceutical’s CN201, bispecific antibody for B-cell-related diseases. CN201, currently in phase 1/2 trials, has shown promising results in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, diseases known for their limited treatment options after initial therapies fail. Merck plans to continue advancing the treatment of B-cell malignancies with CN201 while evaluating its potential for treating autoimmune diseases. Curon Biopharmaceutical was incubated by 6 Dimensions Capital, which was established through a merger of WuXi AppTec’s spin-off venture capital arm and Frontline Bioventures.

Takeaway: The deal helps Merck enter the competitive blood cancer market, pitting it against established players like Amgen and AstraZeneca in oncology, as well as Cullinan Therapeutics in autoimmune diseases. It also reflects a broader industry interest in CD3 and CD19. Amgen’s Blincyto was the first such therapy approved and has dominated the market since 2014. However, emerging data have exposed potential areas for improvement and new therapeutic opportunities in autoimmune diseases, an area where Merck plans to expand CN201’s use.

Read the full article about Merck & Co’s acquisition of CN201.

 

3. People Moves: BD and Pi Health

BD: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) appointed Michael Feld as the new Executive Vice President and President of its Life Sciences segment, effective August 20. Feld succeeds Dave Hickey, who recently retired, and will join the Executive Leadership Team. Feld previously served in leadership roles at Veralto and Danaher. In his new role at BD, Feld will oversee the Life Sciences division, including Biosciences, Diagnostic Solutions, and Specimen Management. He is expected to drive innovation and efficiency, focusing on creating smart, connected diagnostic and specimen management solutions that address chronic conditions in new care settings.

Pi Health: Oncology-focused CRO Pi Health appointed Dr Alex Morozov as its first Chief Medical Officer. Morozov has previously held leadership roles at Exelixis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Novartis, where he managed major oncology portfolios. His will focus on helping Pi Health integrate clinical research with clinical practice globally. The appointment follows Pi Health’s recent milestones, including a $30 million Series A funding round and the opening of a new cancer hospital in Hyderabad, India.

Read the full article about BD’s executive VP from Veralto.

Read the full article about Pi Health’s first CMO.

 

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  • Fiercepharma
  • AsiaTechDaily
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