Business Strategies

Analysts hold back on predicting new heights for B+L until full split from parent firm. It reported Q4 revenue up 9% to $1.28bn and full-year revenue up 16% to $4.79bn.

Along with its 2024 full-year and fourth-quarter results – both down slightly – the Los Angeles-based firm on 19 February announced its board appointed Stephan Gratziani, president since January 2024, as CEO effective 1 May.

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.

CMO Tahamtan Ahmadi explained Genmab hopes to do a deal in 2025 like its ProfoundBio acquisition in 2024 as the company seeks to develop more antibodies entirely on its own.

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.

As Biogen’s MS revenue continues its multi-year decline, the slow return to growth raises concerns about the company’s pipeline – but CEO Christopher Viehbacher said all is on track.

In recent US consumer health space rebranding, VEGA pays homage to celestial origins; AN Performance formulations launched with Chiquita co-branding; Crown simplifies Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen portfolio with products tailored to life stages; and AMMD packaging shows a modern and elevated look.

Restructuring Edition: Third Harmonic cut its workforce by half based on positive Phase I data for THB335. Also, encouraged by early Phase IIa results in alopecia areata, Q32 Bio is focusing on bempikibart. In addition, X4, Turnstone, Fractyl, Cargo and others recently revealed layoffs.

A US tariff on imports from China raises the spectre of similar action against India, but Aurobindo, the largest generics company in the US by prescriptions dispensed, assures it has alternatives in place. While trials for an opthalmology biosimilar are delayed, supply of other biosimilars to Europe is set to begin in Q2 FY26

McCaffrey Brands makes protein bar play; singer Meghan Trainor partners with Terra Origin on line extension; USANA’s new science chief has experience with Amway; Optimum Nutrition optimizes female athletes’ commitment; Kerry Group names commercial and North America chiefs; Cizzle Brands has advisors for launch; Tosi moves on from founders with Series B funding; and first PLT Health Solutions president not from founding family.