NEC Bio Therapeutics and AGC Biologics have partnered to advance the production of NECVAX-NEO1, a personalized, orally delivered cancer vaccine targeting patient-specific tumor neoantigens. The partnership aims to enhance the development and delivery of personalized cancer treatments using AI and traditional biologics and will leverage AGC Biologic’s expertise in microbial fermentation.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced plans to acquire Sweden-based Olink Holding AB for approximately $3.1 bn in order to leverage Olink’s validated protein biomarker targets and advanced proteomics solutions, including its Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology. The transaction is expected to close by mid-2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

MedPharm and Tergus Pharma have announced a merger to create a leading CDMO specializing in topical and transepithelial pharmaceuticals, and will continue to operate using the MedPharm name.

The merger allows the new company to offer comprehensive drug development and manufacturing services.

Aptamer Group and AstraZeneca have announced a strategic collaboration following promising initial results with Aptamer's fibrotic liver delivery vehicles.

The partnership will focus on addressing the challenges of precise siRNA delivery, with the hope of revolutionizing therapeutic applications with Aptamer’s Optimer® technology.

Samsung Biologics voluntarily disclosed that it has secured a six-year deal with an unnamed U.S.-based pharmaceutical company, having secured a letter of intent signed in June. The contract runs through to the end of 2030.

AstraZeneca says the acquisition will enhance its oncology portfolio with Fusion’s expertise in radioconjugates (RCs), a type of drug that combines radiation with a tumor-targeting agent.

South Korea's Lotte Biologics and Germany's Merck KGaA have signed a partnership to enhance biopharmaceutical production and process development as part of Lotte's "Bio Venture Initiative" at their Songdo Bio campus in South Korea.

Merck KGaA announced a definitive agreement to acquire Mirus Bio, strengthening its biopharmaceutical manufacturing and gene therapy capabilities.

Sanofi will make a $500 mn upfront to Novavax and take a sub-5% equity stake in the vaccines company $70 mn. The partners will co-develop and commercialize a combined flu and COVID-19 vaccine, and Sanofi will expand the reach of Novavax's protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has entered a significant collaboration with Mammoth Biosciences to develop in vivo CRISPR-based gene editing therapies, in a deal that includes an upfront payment of $100 mn and potential milestone payments totaling $370 mn per target.

The company said it will use the funds raised to invest in commercialization of nanoparticle-enabled formulations for next generation medicines.

Eli Lilly has agreed to acquire a sterile injectable medicine manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, from Nexus Pharmaceuticals.

The agreement is to enhance CAR T cell therapy production and will see Cellares' Cell Shuttle platform used for scalable and automated manufacturing, with the initiative planned to expand BMS's manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., EU, and Japan.

The UK-based company raised $25 mn in Series B funding to further develop its innovative cancer immunotherapy. Led by BMS, with support from existing investors like Canaan and Brandon Capital, the funds will be used to progress Pathios' novel therapy targeting GPR65, a receptor linked to immunological diseases, into clinical trials later this year, where it will be assessed for treating advanced solid cancers. 

Regeneron Ventures has launched as a new $500 mn venture capital fund aimed at investing in early to late-stage life sciences companies. This initiative, which is part of Regeneron’s strategy to support innovative biotechnology and medical technology advancements, will target companies that are developing therapeutics, with a focus including genetic medicines, cancer treatments, and infectious diseases.

Novo Holdings has strategically refilled its application following informal consultations with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The move resets a 30-day review period, with an option for a further 30-day extension, allowing the FTC to thoroughly analyse the implications of the proposed merger. 

In an all-cash payment, the deal will integrate Shockwave’s intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) technology with J&J's existing platforms like Abiomed's Impella as the company looks to build on its leadership in high-growth cardiovascular segments.

Genmab has acquired ProfoundBio for $1.8 bn as it marks its strategic entry into the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) market. The purchase includes a pioneering ADC platform and three clinical-stage assets aimed at treating ovarian cancer and other solid tumours, with the ADC lead product demonstrating significant potential in advancing cancer ovarian cancer treatment.

Two months after acquiring Mirati Therapeutics for $5.8 billion, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is laying off over 250 employees at Mirati's San Diego headquarters as part of its integration strategy. The deal included the FDA-approved lung cancer drug Krazati.

Novo says it is set to acquire Cardior for up to $1.1 bn, in a bid to enhance its cardiovascular treatment pipeline, aligning with the company’s focus on diabetes and building on the continued success of its weight-loss treatment, Wegovy.