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Biotech Insights

Biotech Market Update

Aspen Neuro raises $115M, Gilead acquires Sprint Bio, Cytokinetics nears FDA approval

November 25, 2025

Recent Funding: Dayra Therapeutics (SF) Launches with $70M from Biogen and Versant to Develop Oral Macrocycles Dayra Therapeutics emerged from stealth with a $50M upfront partnership from Biogen and $20M investment from Versant Ventures to develop oral macrocycle drugs for immune and inflammatory diseases. The company aims to create pill-based treatments that combine the precision […]

Biotech Leader Spotlight

Samuel Collins, CMO at Mahzi Therapeutics

November 20, 2025

Dr. Samuel Collins brings nearly 20 years of experience spanning academia and industry, with a focus in rare disease and pediatrics. He is currently serving as Consultant Chief Medical Officer at Mahzi Therapeutics, a biotech company focused on treating under-served rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. He previously served as the CMO of Actio Biosciences, where he oversaw all aspects of clinical development, as well as medical and regulatory affairs, for the company’s pipeline of precision medicines. Prior to Actio he served as VP, Clinical Development at Edgewise Therapeutics, and was key to advancing their lead asset from Phase 1 to pivotal studies. Prior to Edgewise, Dr. Collins spent several years at Pfizer, serving as Senior Director, Clinical Research within the company’s rare disease division. He served as Medical Director of Therachon AG, prior to its 2019 acquisition by Pfizer, and before that, was Medical Director at Premier Research. Before entering the industry, he held a number of clinical and academic positions in London, Southampton and Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Collins holds an MBBS from the University College, London, a Ph.D. from the University of Southampton and an MBA from Durham University. He is a published author on nearly 20 peer-reviewed publications.

Biotech Market Update

Solve raises $120M, Metagenomi cuts 25% of staff, Day One acquires Mersana

November 18, 2025

Recent Funding: Gate Bioscience (SF) Raises $65M to Advance “Molecular Gate” Protein Degraders Gate Bioscience secured $65M in Series B funding from investors including Forbion, Eli Lilly, a16z, ARCH, and GV to move its novel small-molecule “molecular gate” degraders into human trials. The biotech’s approach blocks disease-causing proteins as they exit cells, with its lead […]

Biotech Market Update

Braveheart Bio raises $185M, A2 Bio CAR-T complete response in lung cancer, Rigel loses Eli Lilly partnership

November 11, 2025

Recent Funding: Iambic Therapeutics (SD) Raises $100M+ to Advance AI-Designed Cancer Drugs Iambic Therapeutics secured over $100 million in new funding led by ARK Invest and Regeneron Ventures to advance its AI-driven small molecule programs, including new HER2, KIF18A, and CDK2/4-targeting cancer therapies. The biotech uses generative AI to design and optimize drugs in-house, with […]

Biotech Market Update

Genentech cuts 118 roles, Neurocrine signs $880M deal with TransThera, Evommune targets $150M IPO

November 4, 2025

Recent Layoffs: Genentech (SF) Announces Third Layoff of 2025, Cutting 118 Roles Genentech is laying off 118 employees across multiple departments — its third round of cuts this year — following earlier reductions of 143 and 87 staffers. The Roche unit says overall headcount will stay “broadly stable” next year as it restructures operations, even […]

Biotech Market Update

Electra raises $183M, Akero aquired by Novo, MapLight lands $250M IPO

October 28, 2025

Recent Funding: Polaris Partners Targets $500M New Fund to Fuel Biotech Investing Longstanding life sciences investor Polaris is raising a new fund bigger than its last, signaling renewed confidence in biotech markets. Polaris has backed 400+ companies and helped bring over 50 therapies to market. Electra Therapeutics (SF) Raises $183M to Advance Rare Immune Disorder […]

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