After a challenging few years, the biotech sector is experiencing a bifurcation in funding. While early-stage companies struggle to secure financing, clinical-stage biotechs and those in ‘hot’ therapeutic areas are thriving. This “winner-takes-all” environment is driven by both VCs and big pharma companies, which are increasingly drawn to assets closer to market.

Hong Kong biopharmaceutical company, Everest Medicines, has initiated an investigator-initiated clinical trial (IIT) to explore a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine targeting specific tumor mutations. The study aims to evaluate the vaccine's safety, immunogenicity, and preliminary efficacy, and represents a significant step in the development of mRNA-based therapies for cancer treatment.

Eli Lilly is exploring a novel approach to antibody discovery by leveraging oblique antibody technology. The method aims to target previously inaccessible areas of high-value proteins, which could lead to the development of innovative therapies.

Immpact Bio announced that the FDA has cleared its IND application for a CD19/CD20, a bispecific CAR-T cell therapy for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapy is designed to target and eliminate the B cells implicated in MS and offers a potential new treatment option for patients with this autoimmune disease.

Lexaria Bioscience announced positive results from an 8-week study on its GLP-1 drug delivery platform, DehydraTECH. The study demonstrated significant body weight reduction in test subjects, marking a promising development for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.

U.S.-based mammalian and microbial biologic CDMO, Scorpius Holdings, announced a 16% year-over-year revenue increase for the second quarter of 2024, reflecting the company's strong performance and strategic initiatives in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) manufacturer, VGXI, has been accepted as a member of the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing and Advanced Preparedness BioMAP Consortium, allowing it to collaborate with industry leaders to enhance the preparedness and resilience of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Global API CDMO, ST Pharm, and mRNA bioprocessing provider, Quantoom Biosciences, have announced a supply agreement for an extended collaboration on Quantoom's proprietary SmartCap technology.

Bora’s Board of Directors has approved a deal whereby Bora Biologics will combine its biomanufacturing capabilities with those of Tanvex, a biopharma focused on biosimilars that also provides CDMO services. The deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, will bring together Bora’s CDMO capabilities and expertise from Tanvex, as well as its FDA-approved commercial-scale facility in San Diego.

WuXi Biologics has secured 61 new projects in the first half of 2024, with half originating from the U.S. The proposed BIOSECURE Act, which targets named Chinese biotech firms including WuXi Bio because of national security concerns. Although Wuxi has reiterated its commitment to regulatory compliance and denies it poses any security threats, it saw modest revenue growth and a significant decline in profits.

The UK-based DNA manufacturing company, Touchlight, has announced a partnership with the University of Nottingham to supply scientists at the university with its GMP-grade doggybone DNA (dbDNA) for pre-clinical research and development focused on developing a next-generation vaccine for the Zika virus.

Bora Pharmaceuticals has successfully completed the acquisition of a sterile fill-finish manufacturing facility in Baltimore-Camden, Maryland, from Emergent BioSolutions. The acquisition allows Bora to expand its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., particularly in the production of sterile injectables, and complements its existing drug substance capabilities.

Biopharmaceutical and biotech CDMO Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has inaugurated a state-of-the-art microbial manufacturing facility in Billingham, UK. The company says the new facility will enhance its large-scale microbial production capabilities.

Recently published reports (from The Brainy Insights & InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd) suggest the CDMO industry is poised for significant growth that will continue into the next decade. 

Nanoform, the Finland-based medicine performance-enhancing company, has entered into a pre-clinical development agreement with a business unit of Takeda Pharma focused on innovative plasma-derived therapy formulations for the treatment of rare conditions.

Samsung Biologics has become the first Korean CDMO to join the prestigious Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI), responsible for promoting sustainable supply chains in the biopharmaceutical industry.

China-based CDMO, Chime Biologics, has announced plans to significantly expand its manufacturing capacity as it looks to boost its drug substance capacity from 28,000L to 100,000L, with targets to enable the production of 15-20 commercial products.

Eli Lilly's recent financial success - largely driven by its GLP-1 weight loss drugs - has accounted for about 50% of last quarter's revenue. However, Chief Scientific Officer Dan Skovronsky cautioned investors about the complexities of developing competitive new obesity treatments.

NEC Bio Therapeutics and AGC Biologics have partnered to advance the production of NECVAX-NEO1, a personalized, orally delivered cancer vaccine targeting patient-specific tumor neoantigens. The partnership aims to enhance the development and delivery of personalized cancer treatments using AI and traditional biologics and will leverage AGC Biologic’s expertise in microbial fermentation.

India has waived the requirement for local clinical trials to fast-track the approval of new medicines, particularly those already approved in other major markets. This decision is aimed at accelerating availability to innovative treatments and therapies to benefit patients, whilst maintaining regulatory standards.