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Reverse Mergers Gain Traction In Tough IPO Times

Reverse mergers like Micromet's takeover of Cancervax and Cyclacel's takeover of Xcyte Therapies illustrate both tough times for IPO contenders as well as the innovative and sometimes win-win solution a reverse merger can provide.

The world of biotech business often mimics the rough-and-tumble world of the animal kingdom—companies preen for investors as if searching for mates, for example, and the fierce competition in each sphere is well documented. Now, a recent trend toward reverse mergers—whereby a product or technology-rich firm reaches the public markets through the acquisition of a down-on-its-luck but comparably cash-rich public company—adds another parallel.

In the recent popular documentary the March of the Penguins, we learn that the female emperor penguins that have recently...

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Final Chance To Have Your Say: Take Scrip's Reader Survey This Week

 
• By Eleanor Malone

Editor’s note: This is your final call to participate in the survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. The deadline is 20 September.

Shape Our Content: Take The Reader Survey

 
• By Eleanor Malone

Editor’s note: We are conducting a survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. If there are any changes you’d like to see in the coverage topics, content format or the method in which you receive and access Scrip, or if you love it how it is, now is the time to have your voice heard.

Galapagos Expands Point-Of-Care CAR-T Study To The US

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

CEO Paul Stoffels said gaining US clearance for an IND for its novel CAR-T product was demanding, but now opens up a pathway towards a pivotal study starting in 2025.

Analysts Split On Eisai’s Chances Of Changing EU Regulator’s Mind On Leqembi

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

A final rejection of Leqembi could also spell the same fate for Lilly’s rival drug but public outcry and demand for Alzheimer’s therapies might force the regulator’s hand

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Novartis Chief Warns Of Fewer Launches And Drug Withdrawals In Europe

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Reimbursement rules are disincentivizing innovation, according to Vas Narasimhan.

Executives On The Move: Five New CEOs Among This Week’s Changes

Recent moves in the industry include changes at the top at Ascentage Pharma, Inventiva and Brenig Therapeutics, plus five companies get new CFOs.

AI-First, Big Pharma, Chinese Firms In Race - What’s Ahead For PRMT5 Inhibitors

 
• By Vibha Ravi

As AI-driven firms like Insilico, big pharma like J&J, Amgen, GSK and AstraZeneca and Chinese and Indian firms like BeOne and Dr. Reddy’s respectively advance PRMT5 inhibitor candidates, what’s driving interest, what could lead to the first global approval and what are the challenges ahead?