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Spotlight on Scrip Perspectives 24/25


M&A Takeoff May Be Delayed, Experts Predict

All the elements for a big M&A year are in place, but political uncertainty and interest rates could push more deals into the second half of the year, according to business development experts at BIO CEO & Investor.




Focus On Asia


Data Analysis


R&D


2025’s Biggest New Launches

 

Big pharma once again fails to dominate the top 20 expected best sellers from products due for launch this year. Small-to-medium pharma account for nearly half the list, while Vertex has two products in the top five.

Dupixent Set To Dominate Bullous Pemphigoid Space

 

Argenx has discontinued Vyvgart for the rare skin disease as other potential candidates linger in the very early stages of development.

Arcus’s Casdatifan Differentiates, But Data Overshadowed By Gilead Opting Out

 
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With new Phase I/Ib results in kidney cancer, the HIF-2a inhibitor outshines Merck’s Welireg, but longtime Arcus partner Gilead decided not to exercise its option for casdatifan.

Alligator Snaps Back Into Shape With Cash And FDA Backing

 
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The Swedish biotech has held positive talks with US regulators about the Phase III design for its pancreatic cancer candidate, mitazalimab. Now it needs to pin down a partner.

Business


Dupixent Set To Dominate Bullous Pemphigoid Space

 

Argenx has discontinued Vyvgart for the rare skin disease as other potential candidates linger in the very early stages of development.

Stoke Gets Runway, Biogen A Late-Stage Asset In Epilepsy Collaboration

 
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Biogen will pay $165m up front for ex-North American rights to Stoke’s Phase III-ready Dravet syndrome candidate, an antisense drug offering disease-modifying potential.

Alligator Snaps Back Into Shape With Cash And FDA Backing

 
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The Swedish biotech has held positive talks with US regulators about the Phase III design for its pancreatic cancer candidate, mitazalimab. Now it needs to pin down a partner.

Stock Watch: Novo Nordisk, Lilly Usher In GLP-1 Halo Effect

 
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Two pharmaceutical companies reporting bumper sales in the hot areas of diabetes and obesity may have helped a thaw in sector sentiment.

Scrip Originals


Stock Watch: Novo Nordisk, Lilly Usher In GLP-1 Halo Effect

 
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Two pharmaceutical companies reporting bumper sales in the hot areas of diabetes and obesity may have helped a thaw in sector sentiment.

Finance Watch: Investors’ Appetite For Aardvark Wanes After $94.2m IPO

 
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Public Company Edition: Aardvark Therapeutics’ US IPO – the fifth of 2025 – will fund a Phase III trial in Prader-Willi syndrome and other studies. Also, Sarepta closed on a $600m revolving credit facility and Biogen entered into a funding agreement with Royalty Pharma for up to $250m.

Pipeline Watch: Sixteen Approvals And Seven Phase III Readouts

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.

Finance Watch: Abcuro Raises $200m To See Lead Drug Through To Launch

 
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Private Company Edition: Abcuro’s series C venture capital round will fund its lead drug through pivotal results, filing with the US FDA and launch preparations. Also, AdvanCell completed a $112m series C round, Lutris Pharma raised $30m and Imvax closed a $29m financing.