Recent Funding:
Atlas Venture Raises $400M to Bolster Biotech Portfolio
Atlas Venture closed a $400M opportunity fund aimed at supporting its existing biotech companies amid a tighter funding climate. Portfolio companies span multiple therapeutic areas, including Comanche Biopharma (preeclampsia), Be Biopharma (B cells), Judo Bio (kidney disease), Kailera Therapeutics (obesity), and Lifordi Immunotherapeutics (ADCs for autoimmune disease).
M&A, Deals, Partnerships:
Braveheart Bio (SF) Licenses $1B+ Cardio Drug Candidate from Hengrui
New startup Braveheart Bio, led by ex-HI-Bio CEO Travis Murdoch, licensed Hengrui’s Phase 3 myosin inhibitor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a $65M upfront deal, with milestones up to $1B. The move positions Braveheart against Cytokinetics’ aficamten and BMS’ Camzyos, fueling competition in the fast-growing myosin inhibitor space.
Other Interesting News:
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (SD) Reports Breakthrough Phase 3 Results for Olezarsen
Olezarsen cut triglyceride levels by up to 72% and reduced acute pancreatitis events by 85% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), the first therapy to show such results. Ionis plans to file for FDA approval by year-end, positioning olezarsen as a potential new standard of care for patients at high risk of life-threatening pancreatitis.
Cytokinetics (SF) Reports Strong Phase 3 Results for Aficamten
Aficamten improved exercise capacity in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, outperforming standard beta-blocker therapy in the MAPLE-HCM study. Analysts call the drug “potentially best-in-class,” positioning it as a first-line treatment ahead of the FDA’s decision expected in December 2025.
Gilead Sciences (SF) Breaks Ground on $32B U.S. Investment Hub
Gilead is building a 5-story, 180,000 sq. ft. development and manufacturing center at its HQ, designed to advance next-gen biologics with robotics, AI, and digital monitoring. Part of a $32B U.S. investment through 2030, the expansion includes multiple new facilities, upgrades to existing sites, and is expected to generate ~3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
FDA Vaccine Advisory Shakeup Raises Concerns Over Expertise
The FDA removed Paul Offit, a leading pediatrician and vaccine expert, from its vaccine advisory committee without explanation, despite his term running until 2027. This follows broader changes under the current administration, including replacing the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, raising concerns about reduced expert input in U.S. vaccine policy.
