Entries by Thomas Gabrielczyk

Bayer announces US$1.3bn oncology deal with Kumquat Biosciences

Bayer AG’s Pharmaceuticals division in Berlin has expanded its oncology pipeline through a licensing and collaboration agreement with US-based Kumquat Biosciences Inc., which may yield up to US$1.3bn in total consideration. Should Kumquat successfully complete its high-risk Phase Ia clinical study targeting the common KRAS G12D mutation, Bayer will assume responsibility for further development and global commercialisation of the candidate.

Dewpoint Therapeutics cuts workforce, refocuses pipeline

Dewpoint Therapeutics Inc. has announced a significant corporate restructuring. Approximately 70% of its 130 employees will be laid off, and operations will be consolidated at the company’s Boston headquarters. The company will close its two German locations in Frankfurt and Dresden and streamline its pipeline.

EU Biotech Act: Have your say!

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to support the development of the European Biotech Act, which is now being prioritised after a previous delay. The Commission plans to publish the legislative proposal by the end of 2025 and is inviting stakeholders across the biotechnology sector to provide feedback on regulatory, financial, and operational barriers.

ReiThera starts study on HIV vaccine

Italian biotech company ReiThera srl has commenced safety trials of its experimental HIV vaccine candidate, GRAdHIVNE1, in Harare, Zimbabwe. Developed in partnership with the Ragon Institute at Harvard University, this innovative HIV vaccine targets conserved regions of the viral gag, env, and pol genes to stimulate a robust cytotoxic T-cell immune response.

LIfT BioSciences Ltd receives €12m for clinical translation of IMANs

LIfT BioSciences Ltd, active in London, Galway and Houston, has been awarded a grant of €12m from the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) to support the clinical translation of its Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (IMANs). This funding will enable the preparation of the world’s first allogeneic therapy using synthetically programmed neutrophil granulocytes for Phase I trials.