The U.S. analytical technology group is acquiring a majority stake in Dutch organ-on-a-chip specialist MIMETAS, bringing human tissue models into its broader portfolio of multiomics, spatial biology and preclinical imaging. The deal is another sign that organoids and microphysiological systems are moving from specialized research tools toward integrated platforms for drug discovery.
Another disappointment: AstraZeneca halts Phase III lung cancer trial for volrustomig
Latest NewsAstraZeneca has discontinued a pivotal Phase III trial of its dual checkpoint inhibitor volrustomig in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), after an independent committee concluded that the study was unlikely to meet its primary endpoints. The setback comes as the company faces growing pressure to deliver new oncology products.
Merck-Bio-Techne: One step closer to fusion, deal clears German antitrust review
Latest NewsGermany’s Federal Cartel Office has cleared Merck KGaA’s planned acquisition of U.S. life sciences tools company Bio-Techne, removing one of the key regulatory hurdles to the €9.9 billion deal.
Europe withdraws Tavneos as AAV treatment and opens a gap for other complement inhibitors?
Latest NewsThe European Commission has revoked the marketing authorization for Tavneos (avacopan) in ANCA-associated vasculitis, citing unreliable efficacy data from the pivotal ADVOCATE trial and serious liver safety concerns. The decision removes Europe’s only approved targeted therapy for the rare autoimmune disease – potentially opening the door for next-generation complement inhibitors.
Copenhagen-based Again acquires US Geno to connect AI-driven discovery with industrial biomanufacturing
Latest NewsThe Copenhagen-based biomanufacturing company is acquiring Genomatica, bringing Geno’s computational biology and industrial biotech expertise into a platform designed to move from pathway discovery to commercial-scale production. The deal highlights a broader shift in industrial biotech: AI is moving beyond molecule design and into the engineering of how biology is manufactured.
The emergence of agentic AI in lab automation
Background, Latest News, OpinionThere’s uncertainty and concern about whether AI will replace humans in workplaces. But Marco Ravot-Licheri, Head of Digital – Life Sciences Business at Tecan, told us that AI could increase laboratory productivity and make research more meaningful.
Swiss biotech Vaderis raises $152M to take first HHT-specific therapy into Phase 3
Latest NewsSwiss clinical-stage biotech Vaderis Therapeutics has raised $152 million in a Series B round to advance engasertib into Phase 3 for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The financing, backed by a broad syndicate of specialist investors, gives the company a potentially decisive runway toward registration for a disease with no approved therapy.
Bruker Takes Majority Stake in dutch MIMETAS as Organoid Technologies Move Into the Mainstream
Latest NewsThe U.S. analytical technology group is acquiring a majority stake in Dutch organ-on-a-chip specialist MIMETAS, bringing human tissue models into its broader portfolio of multiomics, spatial biology and preclinical imaging. The deal is another sign that organoids and microphysiological systems are moving from specialized research tools toward integrated platforms for drug discovery.
Swedish kiss for french Innate: Sobi backs Innate’s lacutamab as rare T-cell lymphoma program enters Phase 3
Latest NewsSwedish rare-disease specialist Sobi is paying $75 million upfront for global commercial rights to Innate Pharma’s lacutamab, a first-in-class antibody targeting KIR3DL2 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The deal gives Innate funding and a commercial partner for its next clinical step, while adding a late-stage oncology asset to Sobi’s rare-disease portfolio.
Clinical Development Expert has started
AppointmentsLondon-based EpilepsyGTx has appointed Dr Teresa Nunes as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to support the continued development of the company’s gene therapy program, including its progression toward clinical development.
Actimed retrieves ALS drug after Faraday collapse
Latest NewsUK biotech Actimed Therapeutics has regained global rights to S-oxprenolol from the now-defunct Faraday Pharmaceuticals, giving it control of the experimental muscle-wasting drug across cancer cachexia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other potential indications.