Switzerland’s Roche has discontinued RG6540, an experimental off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy targeting the CD19 and CD20 proteins, less than two years after agreeing to acquire its developer, Poseida Therapeutics, for up to $1.5 billion (€1.3 billion). Roche has not explained the reasons for the decision, but CEO Thomas Schinecker told reporters that the acquisition had yielded other CD19/CD20 candidates he considers superior.
AI in clinical research: hype vs. reality
slider, Sponsored PublicationsAI can already reduce administrative work, improve decision-making and streamline parts of clinical development. But its impact is often overstated. Evidenze’s Raphaela Schnurbus explains where AI is delivering measurable value today, where human expertise remains essential and what biotechs should ask before buying in.
Europe takes cancer science into immunology
Background, Latest NewsInspired by technology and insights gleaned from cancer research, Europe is leading the quest for a new generation of therapies in immunology and inflammation. Immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer therapy and become standard of care in many areas of oncology but it has also begun to change outcomes in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Genmab’s acquisition spree starts to pay off with new ovarian and colorectal cancer data
Latest NewsDenmark’s Genmab has reported that its antibody-drug conjugate rinatabart sesutecan (Rina-S) reduced the risk of progression or death by 71% and the risk of death by 57%, compared with conventional chemotherapy in a 584-patient Phase 3 trial of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. It has also released updated colorectal cancer data for its bispecific antibody petosemtamab.
Roche bets up to $813M on Zymeworks lung cancer candidate
Latest NewsSwiss big pharma Roche has agreed to license ZW209, an experimental cancer immunotherapy from Vancouver-based Zymeworks, for $55 million upfront and up to $758 million more in conditional payments, plus royalties on future sales. The agreement returns Roche to DLL3, a lung cancer target it previously pursued with a different antibody.
Sensorion names CMO; Orano Med adds CSO; CRISPR Therapeutics changes CFO
Latest NewsEvery Friday, The Leadership Edit follows people taking new roles across European biotech and what their moves may tell us about the companies they join. This week: a hearing-loss specialist adds clinical leadership, a radiopharmaceutical developer strengthens drug discovery and a gene-editing company changes finance chief.
Roche scraps off-the-shelf CAR-T from Poseida deal worth up to $1.5B
Latest NewsSwitzerland’s Roche has discontinued RG6540, an experimental off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy targeting the CD19 and CD20 proteins, less than two years after agreeing to acquire its developer, Poseida Therapeutics, for up to $1.5 billion (€1.3 billion). Roche has not explained the reasons for the decision, but CEO Thomas Schinecker told reporters that the acquisition had yielded other CD19/CD20 candidates he considers superior.
Menarini adds Georgiamune’s oral immunotherapy candidate to its solid-tumor portfolio for $45M upfront
Latest NewsItaly’s Menarini Group will pay Maryland biotech Georgiamune $45 million (€40 million) in upfront and near-term payments, in a deal worth up to $1.1 billion (€1.0 billion) plus royalties, for worldwide rights to an oral cancer immunotherapy that has yet to enter human trials.
Qiagen agrees to go private with €10.8B takeover by EQT
Latest NewsSwedish private equity firm EQT wants to acquire diagnostics specialist Qiagen for €10.8 billion, or €46.50 per share. The company’s leadership unanimously supports the sale. Completion is planned for mid-2027 if more than 50% of shareholders agree.
Muna’s oral Alzheimer’s candidate shifts age-associated markers in Phase 1
Latest NewsAn experimental oral drug for early Alzheimer’s disease has produced positive Phase 1 results, including shifts in spinal-fluid markers of brain immune activity and neuronal stress in older volunteers toward levels seen in younger people, Danish biotech Muna Therapeutics reported. The drug, MNA-001, was also well tolerated, with no serious adverse events or adverse-event-related discontinuations reported.
Arctic Therapeutics raises $21.5M to take autoimmune programs to clinic
Latest NewsIcelandic biotech Arctic Therapeutics has raised $21.5 million (€19.1 million) in an oversubscribed round to take two drug candidates for autoimmune disease toward the clinic.