M&A, Deals, Partnerships:
Altos Labs (SF) Acquires Dorian Therapeutics (SF) to Boost Aging and Longevity Research
Altos Labs has acquired Dorian Therapeutics, a startup focused on senoblockers, which aim to reverse aging and regenerate youthfulness in diseases like Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and diabetes. The acquisition brings Dorian’s research on cellular rejuvenation under Altos’ umbrella, which was backed by $3 billion in funding from investors like Jeff Bezos and ARCH Venture Partners.
Retro Biosciences has partnered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) to develop autologous blood stem cell therapies, with a $35 million+ agreement aimed at treating blood disorders like leukemia and aplastic anemia. The startup, backed by $180 million from Sam Altman, plans to enter clinical trials for its blood disorder program by 2027, alongside its Alzheimer’s disease program, as it seeks to raise $1 billion in funding to support its ambitious longevity goals.
Genentech (SF) Expands Partnership with Orionis Biosciences (MA) for $105M Deal
Genentech has expanded its collaboration with Orionis Biosciences, paying $105 million upfront to explore novel molecular glue drugs focused on cancer, with potential milestones exceeding $2 billion. The deal aims to develop new small-molecule molecular glues targeting “challenging and elusive” proteins, with Orionis responsible for discovery and optimization, and Genentech handling preclinical and clinical development.
Protagenic Therapeutics and Phytanix Bio have entered into an all-stock business combination to create Phytanix, Inc., combining their pipelines focused on CNS and stress-related disorders, with six drug candidates in development, including treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders. The merger adds preclinical and clinical-stage assets to the combined entity, with a focus on novel cannabinoid and modified stilbenoid compounds, expanding the pipeline and patent estate.
Recent Layoffs:
Eikon Therapeutics Cuts Staff for the Second Time in Less Than Two Years
Eikon Therapeutics announced it is laying off less than 15% of its staff, citing financial challenges due to external circumstances, including government budget cuts and reduced investment in the biotech sector. Despite raising $351 million in Series D funding earlier this year, the company cut its valuation and is focusing on a narrower scope to maintain progress in its clinical programs.
IPOs:
Hinge Health (SF) Goes Public at $3 Billion Valuation
Hinge Health priced its IPO at $32 per share, raising $437.3 million and debuting at a $3 billion valuation, significantly lower than its previous $6.2 billion valuation during a 2021 Series E round. Despite the valuation drop, the company reported $124 million in revenue for Q1 2025, with a 33% revenue increase from 2023, marking a positive financial outlook post-IPO.
FDA Approvals:
Arcutis Biotherapeutics (LA) Receives FDA Approval for ZORYVE® Foam in Plaque Psoriasis Treatment
The U.S. FDA approved Arcutis’ ZORYVE® (roflumilast) topical foam 0.3% for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults and adolescents aged 12 and older, including scalp involvement, offering both powerful plaque clearance and rapid itch relief. This is the fifth FDA approval for ZORYVE in under three years, with Arcutis planning a Key Opinion Leader event on June 2, 2025, to discuss the product’s impact and the psoriasis treatment landscape.
Other Interesting News:
Kura Oncology (SD) Reports Pivotal AML Trial Success with Ziftomenib
Kura Oncology announced that 25% of patients with advanced acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and NPM1 mutations achieved complete remission following treatment with its targeted therapy, ziftomenib, in Phase 1b and Phase 2 studies. The Phase 2 study met its primary endpoint with 23% of patients achieving complete remission, and Kura has submitted an FDA application for approval based on these results.
Gyre Therapeutics announced that its compound, Hydronidone, demonstrated statistically significant fibrosis regression in a Phase 3 trial for chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-associated liver fibrosis in China, with 52.85% of patients achieving ≥1-stage regression compared to 29.84% in the placebo group. The company plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to China’s NMPA in Q3 2025 and initiate a U.S. Phase 2 trial in MASH-associated liver fibrosis later in 2025.
FDA Faces Staff Losses, Raising Concerns Over Regulatory Delays
An analysis by Bernstein revealed that nearly 5% of FDA staff in key offices, CDER and CBER, have departed following significant staff cuts, potentially straining the agency’s ability to meet regulatory timelines. The FDA’s Office of New Drugs and Office of Therapeutic Products saw the most significant losses, and while FDA Commissioner Marty Makary assured that user fee timelines won’t be affected, delays in regulatory reviews have been linked to recent staff reductions.
