Recent developments
Pipeline updates and trials
Merck initiated the KANDLELIT-007 Phase 3 clinical trial of calderasib plus KEYTRUDA QLEX in first-line KRAS G12C NSCLC, while Johnson & Johnson reported positive Phase 2b JASMINE study results for nipocalimab in SLE and started Phase 3 planning. Takeda and Protagonist filed a New Drug Application to the U.S. FDA for rusfertide in polycythemia vera; Genmab halted clinical development of acasunlimab, and J&J ended its Phase 2b DUPLEX-AD study after interim analysis.
Acquisitions reshape portfolios
Merck completed the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, expecting asset-acquisition accounting, a roughly $9.0 billion increase in 2026 R&D expense, and about $0.30 per-share EPS impact in the first year as influenza candidate CD388 advances. Johnson & Johnson closed the acquisition of Halda Therapeutics, adding the RIPTAC platform and HLD-0915, with expected earnings dilution of about $0.20 in 2025–2026.
Regulatory and IP moves
Johnson & Johnson submitted an EMA variation for teclistamab plus subcutaneous daratumumab in relapsed multiple myeloma, supported by the MajesTEC-3 study showing a hazard ratio of 0.17 for progression or death; U.S. FDA review is also underway. China’s top court upheld the semaglutide compound patent, though Novo Nordisk still expects a low single-digit drag on 2026 sales from expiries elsewhere.
Operations and sustainability
Genmab announced a partnership with Anthropic to deploy Claude-based tools with guardrails for data processing, analysis, and document generation to support clinical development. ISO 20400 certification recognized WuXi Biologics’ sustainable procurement program, spanning supplier due diligence, risk management, and lifecycle performance, aligned with SBTi targets.