Recent developments
Antibody modality shifts
ADC and antibody platforms advanced: Asahi Kasei Life Science licensed a precision DAR/site‑specific ADC enabling dual payloads; Merck’s sacituzumab tirumotecan met OS/PFS in Phase 3; Chugai’s recycling antibody technology received Japan’s Imperial Invention Prize.
Oncology approvals, CDx
Genentech’s Tecentriq gained FDA clearance for ctDNA‑guided adjuvant therapy in MIBC; CHMP backed pembrolizumab plus enfortumab vedotin. Japan granted tumor‑agnostic approval to Alecensa with FoundationOne CDx. ASCO will feature the ER+ SERD giredestrant program.
Metabolic disease data
Lilly’s retatrutide achieved up to 30% loss at 104 weeks; daily Foundayo (orforglipron) reduced 7–13% in adults ≥65. CHMP recommended the Wegovy pill; OASIS 4 detailed early‑responder outcomes, and the ESSENCE programme showed hepatic efficacy/safety in MASH.
Genetic and ID moves
VERVE‑102 base editing produced durable PCSK9/LDL‑C lowering up to 18 months. To broaden infectious‑disease prevention, Lilly is acquiring three biotechs spanning shingles, bacterial toxins and IVN VLP, with milestone‑based deal values up to $1.55B.
Manufacturing and decarb
AGC Biologics moved bispecific NN4101 into GMP. WACKER's Contract Research Services expanded pDNA/RNA/LNP R&D with GMP transfer paths. Bilfinger won a £15 million maintenance contract in Scotland. The Innovation Fund Heat Auction granted €400m for clean industrial heat, including pharma.
Respiratory, renal, bone
Japan approved JASCAYD (nerandomilast) for IPF/PPF. GSK’s Arexvy expanded to at‑risk adults 18–59. Chugai and Nippon Shinyaku filed Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Asahi Kasei started Phase III of Teribone (teriparatide) for extended osteoporosis therapy.
Corporate and legal
An Amgen CFO transition was announced with Thomas Dittrich succeeding Peter Griffith. A U.S. jury ruled against Takeda in the AMITIZA antitrust trial, prompting financial revisions; appeals and post‑trial motions are planned.