Plus, news about Genmab, BioNTech, Bristol Myers Squibb, BridgeBio, Junshi, Tevogen, Actuate, GSK, Ochre Bio, Evotec and ProKidney:
Alzheon raises $100M Series E: The company’s lead program is currently in a Phase 3 study for early Alzheimer’s disease that’s expected to be completed this year. Alzheon said the funds will help support manufacturing and potential commercialization efforts for ALZ-801. — Max Gelman
Regeneron cuts mid-stage trial: The drugmaker terminated a mid-stage test of its antibody REGN4461 (also known as mibavademab) in adults with familial partial lipodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder. The decision does not impact another Phase 2 study in patients with generalized lipodystrophy, a company spokesperson told Endpoints News. Eli Lilly is also testing whether the antibody, when given in combination with its weight loss drug Zepbound, is better at reducing weight than Zepbound alone. That Phase 2 is unaffected, the spokesperson confirmed. — Kyle LaHucik
Genmab axes cancer study with BioNTech: The biotechs ended a Phase 1/2 study testing their CD27 antibody in solid tumors. GEN1053/BNT313 is part of an extended R&D and commercialization pact that the companies inked in 2022. “Following a strategic evaluation of GEN1053 within the context of Genmab and BioNTech’s portfolios, a decision was made to terminate the FIH clinical study GCT1053-01,” a Genmab spokesperson said. “The program remains active within the Genmab/BioNTech strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer patients.” — Kyle LaHucik
BMS terminates BridgeBio pact: The companies had signed a deal in May 2022 giving BridgeBio $90 million upfront and promising up to $905 million. BMS ended the partnership in March, according to BridgeBio’s first-quarter update last month. — Max Gelman
Junshi Biosciences’ Ph3 study hits primary endpoint: When combined with Genentech’s Avastin, Junshi’s toripalimab improved progression-free survival and overall survival in first-line patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The Shanghai-based company plans to submit a supplemental NDA in the “near future.” Toripalimab is approved to treat metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. — Max Gelman
Tevogen Bio secures $50M: The company nabbed a $36 million loan and $14 million private placement. Tevogen said the money will be used to support its lead product candidate. TVGN 489 is an off-the-shelf immunotherapy being developed to suppress the immune system for patients with B cell cancers, organ transplants and long Covid. — Max Gelman
Actuate Therapeutics targets $45M IPO: The Illinois and Texas cancer biotech seeks that amount in net proceeds from a proposed Nasdaq listing as “ACTU,” according to a SEC filing on Tuesday. It plans to sell 5.55 million shares between $8 and $10 apiece. The capital infusion is set to fund multiple trials of injectable and tablet formulations of elraglusib in various adult and pediatric cancers. — Kyle LaHucik
GSK teams up with Ochre Bio on liver disease: The deal will give GSK access to Ochre’s platforms and library of data, and it allows both companies to build better AI models. The total value of the deal is up to $37.5 million. — Max Gelman
BMS paid $20 million to Evotec as part of a neuroscience deal established in 2016. — Jaimy Lee
ProKidney upsized its offering to $130 million. — Jaimy Lee