Entries by Thomas Gabrielczyk

Tubulis presents first clinical data on ADC TUB-040

Following its US$361 m Series C financing, Tubulis AG presented first Phase I/IIa data on its lead ADC, TUB-040, at ESMO 2025 in Berlin. The study focuseds on patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). TUB-040 shows clear differentiation potential

Merck KGaA reduces US prices for IVF drugs by 84%

The Merck subsidiary EMD Serono has agreed to price reductions of up to 84% for its in vitro fertilisation products in the United States. To avoid paying pharmaceutical tariffs, the company will distribute the products directly to self-paying patients via the TrumpRx.gov platform from 2026.

Blood test detects pancreatic cancer early

Mainz Biomed NV may have taken a major step in early pancreatic cancer detection. The company reports that its multivariate RNA liquid biopsy test, licensed from Liquid Biosciences Inc. in March, achieved 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity in a feasibility study. The results suggest the test could detect cancer—and even precancerous lesions—earlier than current methods.

AstraZeneca agrees to MFN price reductions with US government

UK-based AstraZeneca plc has become the second of 17 pharmaceutical companies, after Pfizer Inc., to accept U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to voluntarily lower drug prices and move production to the United States. In return, the company will benefit from a three-year exemption from U.S. import tariffs on prescription drugs manufactured outside the country.

Opportunity Health SL wins start-up pitch contest

Out of 43 pitches, the founders of Spanish Opportunity Health S.L. delivered the best presentation for a new life sciences product: a choking device that can potentially be used by anyone in emergency situations without the need for external assistance.

Panel discussion: what drives US investments?

Alongside a start-up pitch featuring 45 international participants, the second day of BioSpain 2025 (7–9 October 2025, Barcelona) offered biotech start-ups a panel discussion with prominent US investors, who shared their selection criteria and outlined the impact of the current geopolitical situation on investment decisions.

Biomanufacturing in Switzerland

Switzerland is a key hub for biomanufacturing, with immunological products like antibodies
and vaccines making up 18.5% of 2024 exports. Swiss companies drive biotech innovation and biocatalysis
across sectors globally, extending the traditional focus on pharmaceuticals to fine chemicals, fragrances
and food tech. The development is supported by national collaborations and international coalitions.