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PharmaShots Weekly | Apr 06, 2026 Edition

PharmaShots Weekly is your Monday signal check: a fast, story-driven run-through of the deals, data, approvals, and platforms that actually shift the biopharma landscape


 
 
 
Welcome to PharmaShots Weekly
 
Apr 06, 2026 Edition
 
PharmaShots Weekly is your Monday signal check: a fast, story-driven run-through of the deals, data, approvals, and platforms that actually shift the biopharma landscape.
 
Insilico & Eli Lilly Ink $2.75B AI Drug Discovery Mega-Deal
 
Otsuka Goes All-In on Neuropsychiatry with $1.2B Transcend Buy
 
Lilly’s $7.8B Move: Betting Big on Sleep Medicine via Centessa
 
Biogen Drops $5.6B on Apellis to Supercharge Rare & Eye Therapies
 
Stay Curious.
 
Stay informed!

 
Stay ahead with PharmaShots Weekly! 
 
 
 
Monday Briefing
 
Cover Story
 
CVC Eyes Full Control of Recordati
 
AI & Big Pharma Collaborations
 
•Insilico Medicine & Eli Lilly – Multi-Billion Dollar Innovation Alliance
•Merck & Infinimmune – Human-First Antibody Discovery with AI
•Frontier Medicines & LG Chem – Global Deal for First-in-Class p53 Therapy
•Biocytogen & Sihuan – Accelerating Next-Gen Antibody Therapies
 
Pipeline Expansion Moves
 
•Axsome Therapeutics & Takeda – CNS Pipeline Growth with TAK-063
•Otsuka & Transcend – Neuropsychiatry Expansion
•Lilly & Centessa – Sleep Medicine Platform Acquisition
•Biogen & Apellis – Rare & Ophthalmology Portfolio Expansion
 
Clinical Pipeline Highlights
 
•Plaque Psoriasis – Takeda LATITUDE Phase III Data for Zasocitinib
•Pediatric oHCM – BMS SCOUT-HCM Phase III Data for Camzyos
•Hypercholesterolemia / ASCVD Risk – Merck CORALreef AddOn Phase III Data for Enlicitide
•Unresectable HCC (Embolization-Eligible) – AstraZeneca EMERALD-3 Phase III Data for Imfinzi + TACE ± Imjudo ± Lenvatinib
•Neovascular (Wet) AMD – Merck MALBEC Phase IIb/III Trial of MK-8748
•Ulcerative Colitis – Earendil Labs Phase IIa HXN-1001 Trial
•Metastatic PDAC (1L) – Revolution Medicines Phase III RASolute 303 Trial
 
Regulatory Watch: Key Approvals & Milestones
 
•Pharming – Joenja (Leniolisib) Positive CHMP Opinion
•Immedica – Zepzelca + Tecentriq CHMP Recommendation
•GSK – Exdensur (Depemokimab) NMPA Approval
•Cogent Biosciences – Bezuclastinib NDA Acceptance (FDA)
•Eli Lilly – Foundayo (Orforglipron) FDA Approval
•Merck – Keytruda + Chemotherapy ± Avastin EC Approval
 
MedTech Spotlight: Approvals & Launches
 
•Anumana – ECG-AI Algorithm FDA 510(k) Clearance
•Elidah – Elitone for Men FDA Clearance
•Zeto – Zeto New Wave FDA 510(k) Clearance
•JenaValve – Trilogy Transcatheter Heart Valve System Launch
•restor3d – Aeros Modular Stem System Commercial Launch
 
Biosimilars Beat: Approvals & Regulatory Moves
 
•Teva – Ponlimsi (Denosumab) FDA Approval & Dual Omalizumab Filing Acceptance
•Henlius – HLX319 IND Clearance from NMPA
 
 
 
PharmaShots Awards 2026
 
 
Innovation. Leadership. Breakthroughs.
 
The global pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by visionary leadership, cutting-edge science, and technologies that are redefining patient care.
 
PharmaShots Awards 2026 is your front-row seat to this transformation—a premier virtual event honoring the organizations and leaders who are pushing the boundaries of innovation across the life sciences ecosystem.
 
From drug discovery and biopharma breakthroughs to medtech, diagnostics, and digital health, these awards celebrate the pioneers shaping the future of healthcare and driving real-world impact.
 
Awards Announcement: May 1, 2026
Format: Virtual Global Event, Register Here
 
Join industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers worldwide to recognize excellence, vision, and the breakthroughs that are changing lives. Every achievement that transforms healthcare deserves to be celebrated.
 
Interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities?
Partner with us at the PharmaShots Pharma Awards, fill out your sponsorship form
here
 
 
 
Cover Story
 
CVC Eyes Full Control of Recordati in Landmark €10.9B Take-Private Push
 
 
In a bold private equity maneuver, Italian specialty pharma leader Recordati has received a non-binding indication of interest from CVC Capital Partners for a voluntary tender offer to acquire all remaining outstanding shares and delist the company. Valued at €10.9 billion (~$12.6B), this move could shift Recordati fully under CVC's private ownership, accelerating its global expansion in rare diseases and niche oncology. 
 
Why It Matters for Pharma Investors
 
•Massive Deal Scale: Indicative offer of €52 per share marks one of Europe's largest take-private deals in specialty pharma, underscoring investor appetite for stable, cash-rich platforms amid volatile public markets.
•Ownership Pivot: Full delisting would free Recordati from quarterly reporting pressures, enabling agile strategies like bolt-on acquisitions and R&D in high-margin areas.
•Conditional Path Forward: Proposal hinges on due diligence, financing, and alignment with Recordati's controlling shareholders (e.g., the Casadio family); no formal offer yet, but momentum builds.
 
Strategic Implications
 
This isn't just a buyout—it's a blueprint for private equity in pharma. CVC's interest spotlights Recordati's strengths post its 2023 EUSA Pharma acquisition, bolstering its rare disease portfolio (e.g., Isturisa for Cushing's syndrome) and oncology pipeline. Under private control:
 
•Value Unlocks: Expect portfolio pruning, geographic expansion (watch India and MENA for biosimilar tie-ins), and R&D acceleration without shareholder scrutiny.
•PE Trend Signal: Mirrors rising take-privates in Europe (e.g., recent Convatec bids), favoring firms with €1B+ revenue, global footprints, and 20%+ EBITDA margins—Recordati fits perfectly at ~€2B sales.
•India Angle: Could fast-track Recordati's CDSCO filings or partnerships for nephrology/rare disease drugs, tapping India's growing biosimilars market amid post-patent cliffs.
 
What’s Next? Monitor for a binding offer by Q2 2026. If greenlit, this cements CVC's pharma dominance and reshapes specialty drug M&A.
 
 
 
AI, Alliances, and Ambition: Big Pharma’s Multi-Billion Dollar Innovation Surge
 
AI Meets Big Pharma: Insilico & Lilly Forge a Multi-Billion Dollar Innovation Alliance
 
 
Insilico Medicine has entered a landmark global R&D and licensing collaboration with Eli Lilly to accelerate the discovery and development of next-generation therapeutics across multiple disease areas using its Pharma.AI platform. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Deal Value: $115M upfront with total potential value up to ~$2.75B in milestones, plus tiered royalties on future product sales.
•AI Engine: Leverages Insilico’s Pharma.AI generative platform to design and prioritize novel oral therapeutics with optimized properties across several therapeutic areas.
•Scope of Collaboration: Spans a portfolio of preclinical oral programs plus additional discovery-stage targets jointly progressed by the two companies.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Lilly Pipeline Acceleration: Bolsters Lilly’s discovery engine and supports its strategy to use AI to expand and diversify its pipeline beyond existing growth drivers.
•Insilico Validation: Further validates Insilico as a preferred AI partner for big pharma, adding a marquee, multi-asset alliance to its deal roster.
•R&D Efficiency: Aims to reduce time and cost in early-stage discovery and improve candidate quality entering the clinic by integrating AI from target to molecule design.
•Market Potential: Positions the alliance at the forefront of AI-enabled drug development, with potential to deliver best-in-class oral therapies across high-value disease areas.
 
 
 
Blackstone Doubles Down on Life Sciences with $6.3B Megafund Close
 
 
Blackstone has closed its Blackstone Life Sciences VI (BXLS VI) fund at its $6.3B hard cap in total capital commitments, making it the largest private life sciences fund ever raised and nearly 40% larger than its predecessor vehicle. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Fund Size: $6.3B oversubscribed fund, about 40% larger than the prior $4.6B vehicle and the largest life sciences private fund to date.
•Platform Scale: BXLS platform now manages approximately $15B in AUM, reflecting strong institutional demand for healthcare innovation exposure.
•Track Record: Reported ~86% Phase III regulatory approval rate for its late-stage portfolio, materially above industry averages.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•End-to-End Investing: Deploys capital across the drug and medtech lifecycle, from late-stage clinical programs to commercial-stage royalty deals.
•Big Pharma Partnerships: Recent ~$2B deployed alongside Merck, Teva, Alnylam, Novartis, and others, positioning BXLS as a preferred partner for de-risking R&D and launching assets.
•Sector Impact: Adds significant private capital firepower into life sciences at a time of rising development costs and financing constraints for biotech.
•Investor Appeal: Offers pensions, sovereign wealth funds, and endowments access to differentiated returns tied to late-stage clinical and commercial inflection points.
 
 
 
Merck & Infinimmune Unite to Unlock Next-Gen Antibodies with Human-First AI
 
Infinimmune has entered a strategic multi-target research collaboration with Merck to discover and develop antibody candidates against multiple undisclosed disease targets using its human-first antibody discovery platform. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Deal Value: Up to ~$838M in upfront and milestone payments tied to the advancement of multiple antibody candidates.
•Human-First Discovery: Directly samples human memory B cells and native antibody pairs, aiming to improve translational relevance and reduce clinical failure risk versus animal-based discovery.
•AI + Repertoire Mining: GLIMPSE antibody language model helps prioritize sequences with strong affinity, specificity, and developability profiles at scale.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Merck Innovation Engine: Enhances Merck’s biologics discovery capabilities across multiple, undisclosed immunology and oncology targets.
•Infinimmune Validation: Positions Infinimmune as a key AI-enabled, human-first antibody discovery partner for big pharma.
•R&D Efficiency: Seeks to shorten hit-to-lead timelines and improve candidate quality by integrating human repertoire data with AI-guided design.
•Market Potential: Supports the creation of next-generation antibody therapies differentiated by both potency and safety, across a broad range of indications.
 
 
 
Frontier & LG Chem Strike Global Deal to Advance First-in-Class p53 Therapy
 
 
Frontier Medicines has entered a strategic licensing agreement with LG Chem, granting LG Chem exclusive worldwide rights—excluding Greater China—to develop and commercialize FMC-220, while Frontier retains full ownership and control in Greater China. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Deal Economics: Upfront plus multi-tier clinical, regulatory, commercial, and sales milestones, alongside mid‑single- to double‑digit royalties on global net sales ex‑China.
•First-in-Class Targeting: FMC-220 covalently binds the cysteine introduced by the p53 Y220C mutation, aiming to restore tumor suppressor function in historically “undruggable” TP53-mutant cancers.
•Preclinical Strength: Demonstrates high potency, selective target engagement, and durable anti‑tumor activity at low doses, including in models with co‑mutations such as KRAS.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Global–China Split: LG Chem builds a global oncology footprint ex‑Greater China, while Frontier preserves strategic value and optionality in a key growth market.
•Oncology Expansion: Advances LG Chem’s strategy to pursue next‑generation precision oncology assets against previously “undruggable” targets.
•Platform Validation: Further validates the Frontier Platform as a source of covalent precision therapies, following earlier pipeline programs like FMC‑376.
•Patient Impact: Targets a recurrent TP53 mutation found in 1–3% of cancers, including lung, breast, ovarian, and colorectal tumors, with potential to address a significant unmet need in TP53‑mutant solid tumors.
 
 
 
Axsome Expands CNS Pipeline with Strategic Takeda Asset Acquisition
 
Axsome Therapeutics has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Takeda to acquire TAK-063 (balipodect), a novel, oral, selective phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibitor.
 
Why It Matters
 
•Asset Scope: Global, fully owned rights to a late‑stage–ready PDE10A inhibitor with applicability across multiple neuropsychiatric conditions.
•Clinical Foundation: 164‑patient Phase II PoC in schizophrenia plus safety data in >360 subjects de‑risk the planned Phase III program.
•Development Timeline: Phase III–enabling work for schizophrenia slated to start in 2026, accelerating Axsome’s mid‑term CNS pipeline.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Pipeline Expansion: Strengthens Axsome’s neuroscience franchise with a potentially first‑in‑class mechanism targeting PDE10A in striatal neurons.
•Differentiated MOA: Modulates cAMP/cGMP downstream of dopamine D1/D2 receptors, with early data suggesting a favorable metabolic and safety profile versus existing antipsychotics.
•Takeda Portfolio Streamlining: Allows Takeda to monetize a non‑core CNS asset while retaining upside through milestones and royalties.
•Patient Impact: Could offer new options for schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, areas still marked by significant unmet need and tolerability challenges with current therapies.
 
 
 
Biocytogen & Sihuan Join Forces to Accelerate Next-Gen Antibody Therapies
 
 
Biocytogen has entered a strategic collaboration with Sihuan Pharmaceutical to advance innovative antibody therapies across multiple disease areas, including the rapidly growing weight loss segment. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Broad Disease Scope: Targets multiple therapeutic areas, including obesity/weight loss, metabolic disease, and other high-burden conditions.
•Integrated Platform: Combines Biocytogen’s fully human antibody and target-humanized mouse platforms with Sihuan’s late-stage and commercial infrastructure.
•AI-Enabled Discovery: Uses an AI-based engine trained on real human antibody repertoires to optimize affinity, specificity, and developability.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Pipeline Acceleration: Aims to shorten the antibody R&D cycle and move promising molecules more efficiently into clinical development.
•Next-Gen Modalities: Supports a broad suite of biologics, including bispecifics, multispecifics, ADCs, VHHs, and TCR-based antibodies under Biocytogen’s RenSuper Biologics sub-brand.
•Market Expansion: Positions both companies to capture growing demand for advanced biologics in China and globally, particularly in weight loss and metabolic health.
 
 
Otsuka Bets Big on Neuropsychiatry with $1.2B Transcend Acquisition
 
 
Otsuka, through its subsidiary Otsuka America, has signed a definitive agreement to fully acquire Transcend Therapeutics, marking a strategic expansion of its presence in psychiatric and neurological disorders. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Deal Value: ~$1.225B total economics, including $700M upfront and up to ~$525M in sales-based milestones.
•Lead Asset: TSND‑201, a methylone-based neuroplastogen showing robust Phase II PTSD efficacy and rapid onset, now Phase III–ready with Breakthrough Therapy status.
•Clinical Need: PTSD has only two FDA‑approved pharmacotherapies (sertraline, paroxetine), highlighting a major unmet need for novel, fast-acting treatments.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Neuropsychiatry Expansion: Strengthens Otsuka’s CNS portfolio, complementing existing psychiatry assets with a potentially first‑in‑class PTSD therapy.
•Pipeline Depth: Adds both TSND‑201 and next‑generation prodrugs designed as new chemical entities to improve long-term benefit–risk balance.
•Patient Impact: Aims to deliver faster, more durable symptom relief for PTSD and potentially other mood and anxiety disorders where current therapies fall short.
•Market Potential: Positions Otsuka at the forefront of emerging neuroplastogen-based treatments in psychiatry.
 
 
 
Lilly Expands into Sleep Medicine with $7.8B Centessa Acquisition Bet
 
 
Eli Lilly has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Centessa Pharmaceuticals, adding key orexin receptor 2 (OX2R) agonist assets cleminorexton (formerly ORX750) and ORX142 and marking a major push into sleep-wake and related neuroscience disorders. 
 
Why It Matters
 
•Deal Value: ~$6.3B upfront plus up to ~$1.5B in CVR milestones, for total potential consideration of ~$7.8B.
•Lead Asset Profile: Cleminorexton has shown a potential best‑in‑class profile in Phase IIa across narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia.
•Mechanism Focus: Highly selective OX2R agonists target the orexin system central to sleep‑wake regulation, with potential applications across multiple neuro and psych indications.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Neuroscience Expansion: Strengthens Lilly’s high‑impact neuroscience portfolio beyond Alzheimer’s and migraine into sleep‑wake and hypersomnia disorders.
•Market Opportunity: Analysts estimate orexin agonists for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia could reach a $15–20B market, with upside from broader use in other conditions.
•Pipeline Breadth: Adds both cleminorexton and ORX142, plus a broader OX2R agonist platform designed using structure‑based drug design and cryo‑EM.
•Patient Impact: Could deliver transformative benefits for patients with debilitating excessive daytime sleepiness and impaired wakefulness where current options are limited.
 
 
 
Biogen Strikes $5.6B Apellis Deal to Strengthen Rare & Ophthalmology Pipeline
 
Biogen has agreed to acquire Apellis Pharmaceuticals, adding key complement assets EMPAVELI (PEGCETACOPLAN injection), SYFOVRE (PEGCETACOPLAN ophthalmic injection), and felzartamab.
 
Why It Matters
 
•Deal Value: $5.6B upfront cash plus up to $4 per share in CVR payments tied to SYFOVRE’s global net sales.
•Commercial Base: Empaveli/Syfovre generated ~$689M in 2025 net product revenue, with mid‑to‑high teens growth expected through at least 2028.
•Pipeline Boost: Adds felzartamab, a first‑in‑class CD38 antibody in Phase III for kidney transplant rejection, further strengthening Biogen’s nephrology franchise.
 
Strategic Focus
 
•Rare & Ophthalmology Expansion: Deepens Biogen’s position in complement-mediated rare diseases and geographic atrophy, diversifying revenue beyond neurology.
•Value-Linked Structure: CVR aligns payout with SYFOVRE’s long-term commercial success, balancing risk between Biogen and Apellis shareholders.
•Partnership Continuity: Maintains ex-US collaboration with Sobi on Empaveli/Aspaveli while integrating Apellis’ team and capabilities.
•Patient Impact: Supports broader access to first-in-class complement inhibitors for serious rare kidney diseases and sight‑threatening retinal conditions.
 
 
 
Clinical Momentum: Innovative Assets Advancing Across Disease Frontiers
 
Phase III LATITUDE (PsO 3001/3002)
 
 
Plaque Psoriasis
 
Takeda presents Phase III LATITUDE (PsO 3001/3002) data for zasocitinib at AAD 2026, with global regulatory submissions planned starting FY2026.
 
Key Details
 
•PsO 3001 (n=693): Week 16 sPGA 0/1 in 71.4% vs. 10.7% (placebo) and 32.1% (apremilast); sPGA 0 in 39.9%; PASI 90 and PASI 100 in 61.3% and 33.4%, with responses improving through Week 24.
•PsO 3002 (n=1,108): Week 16 sPGA 0/1 in 69.2% vs. 12.6% (placebo) and 29.7% (apremilast); sPGA 0 in 33.7%; PASI 90 and PASI 100 in 51.9% and 25.2%, with rapid onset from Week 4 and >90% of Week 40 responders maintaining responses at Week 60.
 
Next Steps
NDA and global filings planned beginning in FY2026 based on LATITUDE data.

 
Asset Snapshot
Once-daily, highly selective TYK2 inhibitor delivering rapid, deep, and durable skin clearance vs. placebo and apremilast.

 
These results position zasocitinib as a potential next-generation oral standard for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
 
 
 
Pediatric oHCM
 
BMS reports 28-week Phase III SCOUT-HCM data for Camzyos (mavacamten) in adolescents (12 to <18 years) with symptomatic oHCM and NYHA class II–III (n=44), with 56-week data forthcoming.
 
Key Details
 
•Primary endpoint met: meaningful reduction in Valsalva LVOT gradient at Week 28, with more patients achieving maximal LVOT gradient <30 mm Hg vs. placebo; improvements also seen in resting and post-exercise LVOT gradients.
•Favorable cardiac remodeling observed, including reduced maximal LV wall thickness and improved diastolic function (lower E/e’), alongside symptomatic gains.
 
Next Steps
Full SCOUT-HCM results will be presented at ACC 2026 and published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

 
Asset Snapshot
First-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor extending Camzyos’ profile into pediatric oHCM with clinically meaningful obstruction and remodeling benefits.

 
These findings support Camzyos as a potential new targeted option for adolescents with obstructive HCM.
 
 
 
Hypercholesterolemia / ASCVD Risk
 
 
Merck reports Phase III CORALreef AddOn data for enlicitide decanoate, an oral once-daily PCSK9 inhibitor, as add-on to statins in adults with or at risk of ASCVD.
 
Key Details
 
•Primary endpoint met: 64.6% LDL-C reduction at Week 8 with enlicitide on top of statins, significantly outperforming oral non-statin comparators.
•Superior lipid effects vs. bempedoic acid, ezetimibe, and their combination (LDL-C differences −56.7%, −36.0%, and −28.1%, respectively), with marked reductions in ApoB (−54.6%), non–HDL-C (−58%), and Lp(a) (−26.2%); 78.2% achieved ≥50% LDL-C reduction with levels <55 mg/dL.
 
Next Steps
CORALreef AddOn results, presented at ACC 2026 and published in JACC, support enlicitide’s advancement as a novel oral PCSK9 option for patients needing additional LDL-C lowering.

 
Asset Snapshot
Potent oral PCSK9 inhibitor delivering deep, multidimensional lipid improvements as a convenient once-daily add-on to statins.

 
These findings position enlicitide as a potential game-changer in LDL-C management for high-risk patients.
 
 
 
Unresectable HCC (Embolization-Eligible)
 
AstraZeneca reports Phase III EMERALD-3 data for Imfinzi (durvalumab)–based regimens plus TACE, with or without Imjudo (tremelimumab) and lenvatinib, vs. TACE alone in 760 unresectable HCC patients eligible for embolization.
 
Key Details
 
•Quadruplet regimen (Imjudo + Imfinzi + lenvatinib + TACE) met the primary endpoint, delivering a statistically significant, clinically meaningful PFS improvement vs. TACE alone, with a favorable OS trend at interim analysis.
•STRIDE-style Imjudo + Imfinzi + TACE also showed encouraging PFS and OS trends vs. TACE alone, with full OS and secondary endpoint analyses ongoing.
 
Next Steps
Updated EMERALD-3 data, including mature OS and secondary endpoints, will be presented at an upcoming scientific forum and discussed with global regulators.

 
Asset Snapshot
Checkpoint inhibitor– and TKI-based combinations positioning Imfinzi/Imjudo as potential new standards alongside TACE in earlier, unresectable HCC.

 
These findings signal a potential shift in embolization-eligible HCC management toward immunotherapy-anchored combinations.
 
 
 
Neovascular (Wet) AMD
 
 
Merck initiates pivotal Phase IIb/III MALBEC trial of MK-8748 (Tiespectus/EYE201), a bispecific Tie2 agonist/VEGF inhibitor, in neovascular AMD.
 
Key Details
 
•Randomized, double-masked study comparing two intravitreal MK-8748 dose levels vs. aflibercept 2 mg: monthly dosing for three months, then Q8W to Week 48, followed by individualized intervals to Week 96.
•MALBEC is the first pivotal study in Merck’s late-phase retinal program, building on Phase I/IIa RIOJA data in NVAMD, RVO-related macular edema, and DME.
 
Next Steps
A second NVAMD trial of MK-8748 will start this year as part of the broader development strategy.

 
Asset Snapshot
Novel bispecific activating Tie2 and blocking VEGF to stabilize retinal vasculature and reduce macular fluid in NVAMD.

 
This pivotal program underscores Merck’s push to reshape future retinal care.
 
 
 
Ulcerative Colitis
 
Earendil Labs doses the first patient in a Phase IIa trial of HXN-1001, and completes healthy-volunteer enrollment in the Phase I study in Australia.
 
Key Details
 
•Randomized, placebo-controlled Phase IIa will assess safety, tolerability, PK, and preliminary efficacy of HXN-1001 in ulcerative colitis.
•HXN-1001 is a half-life–extended, next-generation anti-TL1A antibody with superior preclinical efficacy vs benchmark assets, prolonged in vivo half-life, and high-concentration SC formulation, supporting infrequent, convenient dosing.
 
Next Steps
Ongoing development aims to advance HXN-1001 rapidly across IBD indications, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

 
Asset Snapshot
AI-designed anti-TL1A mAb with extended half-life, low immunogenicity risk, and best-in-class potential for inflammatory bowel disease.

 
 
 
Metastatic PDAC (1L)
 
 
Revolution Medicines begins treatment in global Phase III RASolute 303 trial evaluating oral daraxonrasib as monotherapy and with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel vs. gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel alone in previously untreated metastatic PDAC, irrespective of tumor RAS genotype.
 
Key Details
 
Primary endpoints: progression-free survival and overall survival; key secondary endpoints include additional antitumor activity measures, safety/tolerability, and patient-reported outcomes.
 
Next Steps
RASolute 303 is one of four ongoing global Phase III studies of daraxonrasib, including three in PDAC and one in NSCLC.

 
Asset Snapshot
 
Oral, direct RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor targeting a broad range of RAS-addicted tumors.
 
 
 
Regulatory Watch: This Week’s Key Approvals and Milestones
 
Approval Alert: Key Regulatory Moves This Week
 
 
From rare diseases to oncology and metabolic therapies, this week has seen a wave of regulatory activity bringing promising new treatments closer to patients. Here’s a quick look at the latest approvals, positive opinions, and submissions shaping the global healthcare landscape.
 
•Pharming’s Joenja (Leniolisib) received a positive opinion from the CHMP for APDS Syndrome, offering hope for patients with this rare immune disorder.
•Immedica’s Zepzelca (Lurbinectedin) plus Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) was recommended by the CHMP as a first-line treatment for extensive stage small cell lung cancer (1L ES SCLC).
•GSK’s Exdensur (Depemokimab) was approved by the NMPA for severe asthma, expanding options for patients with uncontrolled disease.
•Cogent Biosciences’ Bezuclastinib had its NDA accepted by the US FDA for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), moving closer to patients in need of precision oncology therapies.
•Eli Lilly’s Foundayo (Orforglipron) received FDA approval for weight management, adding another tool to tackle obesity.
•Merck’s Keytruda plus chemotherapy with or without Avastin was approved by the European Commission for PD L1 positive platinum resistant ovarian carcinoma, expanding immunotherapy options in a challenging patient population.
 
 
 
MedTech Spotlight: This Week’s Approvals and Launches
 
Innovation in Action: Key MedTech Approvals This Week
 
 
Innovation in medical technology continues to accelerate, with new devices and algorithms gaining regulatory clearance or hitting the market. This week highlights key US FDA approvals and commercial launches that are set to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.
 
•Anumana’s ECG-AI Algorithm secured US FDA 510(k) clearance to detect pulmonary hypertension early, offering clinicians a powerful tool for timely diagnosis.
•Elidah’s Elitone for Men received US FDA clearance to treat post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence, providing a new non-invasive option for affected patients.
•Zeto’s Zeto New Wave obtained US FDA 510(k) clearance, advancing outpatient EEG monitoring and enabling more efficient neurological assessments.
•JenaValve’s Trilogy Transcatheter Heart Valve System launched in the US for symptomatic severe aortic regurgitation, expanding minimally invasive options for cardiac patients.
•restor3d’s Aeros Modular Stem System completed its full commercial launch for total ankle replacement, bringing next-generation modular solutions to orthopedic surgeons and patients.
 
 
 
Biosimilars Beat: This Week’s Approvals and Regulatory Moves
 
Next-Gen Biologics: Approvals and Updates in Focus
 
 
Biosimilars are reshaping treatment access and affordability, and this week brings notable updates from leading developers. Here’s a snapshot of the latest regulatory approvals and filings that strengthen the biosimilar pipeline.
 
•Teva’s Ponlimsi (Denosumab) received US FDA approval, while the company also secured acceptance for dual omalizumab filings, reinforcing its expanding biosimilars portfolio.
•Henlius’ HLX319 (Biosimilar to Phesgo) received IND clearance from the NMPA, advancing its development and moving closer to providing an alternative treatment option in oncology.
 
 
 
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Pharma Power Moves: Mega-Deals & Breakthroughs Shaping 2026
 
This week, pharma innovation and dealmaking hit high gear. Eli Lilly and Insilico ink a $2.75B AI-driven R&D pact, while Otsuka doubles down on neuropsychiatry with Transcend for $1.2B. Lilly expands into sleep medicine with Centessa ($7.8B), and Biogen strengthens rare and ophthalmology pipelines via Apellis ($5.6B). Meanwhile, CVC eyes a €10.9B Recordati take-private, Blackstone raises a $6.3B life sciences fund, and next-gen therapies—from AI-designed antibodies to oral RAS inhibitors—advance across rare, CNS, and oncology targets.
 
Stay Ahead with PharmaShots Weekly
 
The biopharma world never slows—breakthrough data drops overnight, billion-dollar deals shift competitive landscapes, and regulatory decisions can reshape entire markets in real time. In a sector moving at this speed, timely intelligence isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical.
 
PharmaShots Weekly cuts through the noise, delivering only what matters: pivotal pipeline updates, regulatory milestones, clinical breakthroughs, strategic partnerships, and emerging competitive dynamics—distilled into a crisp, executive-ready briefing you can absorb in minutes.
 
Every Monday at 8:00 AM EST, get a decision-focused snapshot of the forces shaping global pharma and biotech—curated for leaders who act on insight, not overload.
 
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