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BioPharma Updates 7th April, 2025

BioPharma Updates, April 7th, 2025.

SciLeads’ BioPharma is updated daily, giving our clients the most current insights on biopharma organizations including Funding, Initial Public Offering, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnerships, and more. This week’s updates are below with links to the organizations in the platform. If you don’t have BioPharma yet, start your free trial today.

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Funding

  • Isomorphic Labs (London, United Kingdom) raised $600M in funding to accelerate the development of its AI drug design engine and bring discovered drugs to clinical trials.
  • AIRNA (MA, USA) raised $155M in Series B funding to propel its lead program in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) into the clinic later this year.
  • Atsena Therapeutics (NC, USA) raised $150M in Series C financing to advance its gene therapy programs, including the treatment of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and expand its preclinical pipeline of therapies for inherited retinal diseases.
  • Neurona Therapeutics (CA, USA) raised $102M in funding to advance its allogeneic cell therapy pipeline for chronic neurological disorders, including its lead candidate for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
  • Eagle Pharmaceuticals (NJ, USA) raised $69M in funding to sell its royalty interest in annual net sales of BENDEKA® for the treatment of CLL and NHL.
  • CMR Surgical (Cambridge, United Kingdom) raised $68.75M in funding to scale operations and accelerate the commercial expansion of its Versius Surgical Robotic System, with a major focus on launching the system in the United States.
  • restor3d (NC, USA) raised $38M in funding to advance the commercialization of four new fully 3D printed product lines in 2025 and 2026.
  • Gennova Biopharmaceuticals (Pune, India) raised $13.38M in funding to accelerate the development of a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine candidate against the Nipah virus.
  • Aromics (Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain) raised $10M in Series A funding to develop its precision medicines for treating cancer.
  • Orthobrain (OH, USA) raised $7.5M in funding to accelerate the development of its orthodontic growth system and expand its reach in helping general practitioners integrate orthodontics into their practices.
  • Aqemia (Paris, France) received a $7.4M France 2030 grant to strengthen its generative AI platform for managing flexible protein and RNA targets.
  • Sohar Health (NY, USA) raised $3.8M in Seed funding to accelerate its mission to break down insurance barriers that delay care, overwhelm providers, and leave patients stuck in limbo.
  • ArrePath (MA, USA) received a $3.8M CARB-X grant to execute a Lead Optimization workplan for its first-in-class antibiotic targeting complicated urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales.
  • Aspira Women’s Health (TX, USA) received a $1.5M ARPA-H award to support the development of a diagnostic for endometriosis under the Sprint for Women’s Health program.
  • Tvaster Genkalp (Bangalore, India) raised $1.25M in Pre-Series A funding to commercialize its methylation-based liquid biopsy test, Episcreen™ Liver, aimed at early liver cancer detection.
  • Calla Lily Clinical Care (London, United Kingdom) received a $1.25M NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) grant to fund the first clinical trial of its novel device designed to improve the delivery of progesterone for threatened miscarriage.
  • Xylyx Bio (NY, USA) received a $1.1M grant to support translational development of bioengineered human organs for clinical transplantation.
  • Pretzel Therapeutics (MA, USA) received a $250K drug accelerator award to investigate a new compound that could prevent cell death in Parkinson’s disease by boosting mitochondrial DNA levels.
  • Novotech (Sydney, Australia) raised an undisclosed amount in funding to accelerate its global growth, focusing on expanding its presence in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe, and pursuing transformative M&A opportunities in the biotechnology sector.
  • Sylvan (Beijing, China) received an undisclosed amount in funding to expand its fungal biotechnology production capacity, enhance R&D infrastructure, and increase market penetration, particularly in Asia.
  • Lindus Health (MA, USA) received an ARIA grant of an undisclosed amount to design safe and reliable AI for clinical trial design.
  • Nanoprecise Sci Corp (Edmonton, Canada) raised an undisclosed amount in funding to scale its Energy-Centered Maintenance (ECM) approach and enhance AI-driven diagnostics.
  • Prazer Therapeutics (Seoul, South Korea) raised an undisclosed amount in Series A funding to support drug research, development, and global commercialization efforts.

Emerging

  • vopemed (Montréal, Canada) raised $2.29M in Pre-Seed funding to accelerate the development and clinical validation of its AI-powered image enhancement technology for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures.
  • Endlyz Therapeutics (London, United Kingdom) emerged from stealth to develop small-molecule disease-modifying therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease, aiming to restore lysosomal function and slow down disease progression.
  • SRT Therapeutics (CA, USA) emerged from stealth to target key pathways that not only modulate inflammatory pathways, but also promote tissue healing in IBD.
  • Artis BioSolutions (CA, USA) emerged from stealth to streamline the discovery, development and production of genetic medicines.

Post IPO Equity

  • Edgewise Therapeutics (CO, USA) raised $200M through an underwritten offering of common stock, with proceeds to be used for the U.S. commercial launch of sevasemten, advancement of clinical trials for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, and other ongoing R&D programs.
  • NLS Pharmaceutics (Zürich, Switzerland) raised $27M through equity financing of preferred shares, with proceeds to be used for expenses related to the merger with Kadimastem Ltd., working capital, and general corporate purposes.
  • Lomond Therapeutics (DE, USA) raised $20M through a private placement, with proceeds to be used to advance its clinical development of lomonitinib, lonitoclax, and menin inhibitor programs for hematological malignancies.
  • Polyrizon (Raanana, Israel) raised $17M through a private placement, with proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes, working capital, and the development of its intranasal hydrogel technologies.
  • GRI Bio, Inc. (CA, USA) raised $5M through a public offering of common stock and warrants, with proceeds intended to support product candidate development, working capital, and general corporate purposes.
  • HOPE Therapeutics (FL, USA) raised $2.5M to support the closing of recent clinic acquisitions, ongoing interventional psychiatry treatment initiatives, and to enhance their network of clinics offering psychedelic medications and neuroplastic therapies for severe depression and PTSD.
  • N4 Pharma Plc (United Kingdom) raised $2.2M through a placing and subscription of 247,500,000 placing shares and 190,000,000 subscription shares, with proceeds to be used to advance the Nuvec platform for RNA therapeutics and secure partnerships and licensing deals.
  • NurExone Biologic Inc. (Haifa, Israel) raised $1.7M through a non-brokered private placement of 3,543,238 units at C$0.65 per unit, with proceeds to be used for working capital, the establishment of a U.S. production facility for ExoTop, and uplisting to a major U.S. exchange, subject to regulatory approval.
  • Predictmedix Inc. (CA, USA) raised $75K through a non-brokered private placement to expand market opportunities, prioritize growth in the U.S. across enterprise and government sectors, and support the deployment of Smart Health AI Stations for health screening solutions.

Post IPO Debt

  • Sandoz (Basel, Switzerland) raised a total of $900M through successful bond transactions to strengthen its balance sheet and reduce financing costs.
  • MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (Zug, Switzerland) secured a $500M non-dilutive financing agreement to advance the development of sonelokimab, an investigational Nanobody® targeting inflammatory diseases.
  • Coherus BioSciences (CA, USA) repurchased $170M of its Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes through privately negotiated transactions, with proceeds used to reduce outstanding debt following the divestiture of its UDENYCA franchise.
  • Faron Pharmaceuticals (Turku, Finland) secured a $37.8M convertible bond arrangement to repay its secured loan and strengthen its financial position, issuing an initial $16.2M tranche to Heights Capital Management, Inc.
  • Ace Pharmaceuticals (Zeewolde, Netherlands) secured a unitranche loan to refinance existing facilities and support growth through acquisitions and new product launches, positioning the company to expand its registered product portfolio, strengthen its market position, and enhance the accessibility of niche medicines.

Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Siemens AG (Nürnberg, Germany) has agreed to acquire Dotmatics (MA, USA), a Boston-based R&D scientific software company, for $5.1 billion from Insight Partners. This acquisition aims to bolster Siemens’ Life Sciences portfolio by integrating Dotmatics’ AI-powered software solutions into Siemens’ Xcelerator platform, enhancing capabilities in industrial and life sciences sectors.
  • Johnson & Johnson (NJ, USA) has completed the acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (NY, USA) for $14.6 B, strengthening its neuroscience portfolio with the addition of CAPLYTA® (lumateperone), a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar depression. This strategic move aims to enhance Johnson & Johnson’s position in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorder treatments.
  • Novartis (Basel, Switzerland) has completed the acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics (MA, USA) in a deal valued at up to $3.1B, including a $925M upfront payment. This acquisition aims to bolster Novartis’s cardiovascular portfolio by regaining rights to abelacimab, an investigational Factor XI inhibitor for preventing stroke and systemic embolism.
  • Eargo (CA, USA) and hearX (Pretoria, South Africa) have merged to form LXE Hearing (United States), backed by a $100M investment from Patient Square Capital (CA, USA). The merger aims to strengthen their position in the growing over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid market.
  • Concentra Biosciences, LLC (CA, USA) will acquire Allakos (CA, USA) for $0.33 per share in cash, totaling approximately $29.37 M based on around 89 million shares outstanding. This strategic move aims to enhance the combined company’s capabilities in developing treatments for allergic, inflammatory, and proliferative diseases.
  • Revive Therapeutics Ltd. (Vaughan, Canada) has acquired DiagnaMed Holdings Corp.’s (Toronto, Canada) Biomolecular hydrogen program for $50,000, aiming to expand its pipeline to include potential treatments for neurological and mental health disorders.
  • DHL Group (Bonn, Germany) has acquired CRYOPDP (Tremblay, France) from Cryoport (CA, USA), aiming to enhance its capabilities in specialized pharmaceutical logistics. This acquisition strengthens DHL’s supply chain services in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
  • Science Exchange (CA, USA) has acquired HappiLabs (IL, USA) to enhance its scientific procurement and supplier management capabilities. The acquisition aims to provide biotech and pharmaceutical companies with more efficient purchasing solutions and data-driven insights.
  • Viscogliosi Brothers (NY, USA) has acquired Stryker’s (MI, USA) U.S. spinal implants business, establishing VB Spine, LLC (VA, USA) . This transaction aims to enhance focus and growth in the spinal implants sector.
  • Artis BioSolutions (CA, USA) has acquired Landmark Bio (MA, USA) to expand its capabilities in the development and manufacturing of advanced therapies. The acquisition aims to accelerate the delivery of life-changing medicines by leveraging Landmark Bio’s expertise and strategic position in the life sciences ecosystem.
  • ELIQUENT Life Sciences (CA, USA) is acquiring Truliant Consulting (MD, USA) to enhance its pharmacovigilance, risk management, and regulatory compliance capabilities. This move strengthens ELIQUENT’s position in life sciences by integrating Truliant’s expertise and technology-driven solutions.
  • HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA (Biasca, Switzerland) has acquired Cerbios-Pharma SA (Switzerland) to create a leading international CDMO group, backed by 65 Equity Partners. The acquisition aims to expand capabilities in APIs, HPAPIs, and ADCs, strengthening their position in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
  • HOPE Therapeutics (FL, USA) has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Dura Medical LLC (FL, USA), marking the initial acquisition for its planned international network of interventional psychiatry clinics. This strategic move aims to enhance access to advanced mental health treatments, including ketamine infusion therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, for both veteran and civilian populations.
  • Lupin Healthcare (Slough, United Kingdom) has acquired Renascience Pharma Limited (Luton, United Kingdom), a UK-based pharmaceutical company and sole supplier of four specialty products targeting unmet medical needs in the UK. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Lupin’s branded medicine portfolio and strengthen its presence in the UK healthcare market.
  • Jerome Stevens Pharmaceuticals (NY, USA) has acquired Thyquidity® (Levothyroxine Sodium Oral Solution) from Azurity Pharmaceuticals (MA, USA) to enhance its endocrine portfolio. This acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to offer diverse treatment options for patients with hypothyroidism.
  • Organon (United States) has acquired the U.S. regulatory and commercial rights to TOFIDENCE™ (tocilizumab-bavi), a biosimilar to ACTEMRA® (tocilizumab) intravenous infusion, from Biogen Inc. (MA, USA) This acquisition aims to enhance Organon’s immunology portfolio by providing a multi-indication arthritis treatment.
  • Lynch Regenerative Medicine (TN, USA) has acquired exclusive rights to REGRANEX® gel and recombinant purified platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from Smith & Nephew (Watford, United Kingdom) aiming to enhance treatments for skin rejuvenation, regeneration, and soft tissue wound healing. This acquisition positions Lynch Regenerative Medicine to become the exclusive manufacturer and seller of REGRANEX in the U.S. starting August 2025, addressing the significant need for effective diabetic foot ulcer treatments.
  • GE HealthCare (United States) has acquired the remaining 50% stake in BiBio (Tokyo, Japan) from Sumitomo Chemical (Tokyo, Japan) , gaining full ownership of the leading Japanese radiopharmaceutical company. This acquisition aims to enhance GE HealthCare’s presence in Japan’s molecular imaging market and expand access to advanced radiopharmaceuticals for disease detection and diagnosis.
  • Qualigen Therapeutics (CA, USA) has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to acquire Marizyme (FL, USA) , aiming to enter the $10B Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) market. This acquisition would leverage Marizyme’s FDA-cleared DuraGraft technology, designed to improve outcomes in CABG surgeries.

Partnerships

  • ABL Bio (Seongnam, South Korea) and GSK (United Kingdom) entered into a ~$2.574M multi-program agreement to develop novel medicines for neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging ABL Bio’s Grabody-B platform to deliver molecules across the blood-brain barrier.
  • Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (CA, USA) and Eli Lilly and Company (IN, USA) announced a ~$1.4B exclusive license agreement for STAC-BBB, a neurotropic AAV capsid for genomic medicines targeting central nervous system diseases, with Lilly obtaining worldwide rights for one initial target and the option for up to four additional targets.
  • Nurix Therapeutics (CA, USA) and Sanofi (Paris, France) announced a ~$570M collaboration agreement to develop targeted protein degraders for autoimmune diseases, with Nurix deploying its DEL-AI platform to identify novel agents, and Sanofi obtaining exclusive rights for clinical development and commercialization of licensed drug candidates.
  • Apollomics (CA, USA) and LaunXP Biomedical (Taiwan) announced a ~$60M development and commercialization agreement for vebreltinib in combination with an EGFR inhibitor for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Asia (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau).
  • OncoHelix (Calgary, Canada) and AstraZeneca Canada (Mississauga, Canada) announced a collaboration to offer cutting-edge liquid biopsy testing for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in provinces lacking public funding for this diagnostic test, providing critical genomic insights to guide targeted treatments.
  • Unlearn (CA, USA) and Trace Neuroscience (CA, USA) announced a collaboration to support Trace Neuroscience’s upcoming Phase 1/2 clinical trial in ALS, leveraging Unlearn’s Digital Twin Generator (ALS DTG) and platform to optimize trial design and accelerate the development of therapies targeting the UNC13A protein.
  • Spanios (TX, USA) and GlioGuard (TX, USA) announced a strategic partnership to advance the discovery and validation of therapeutic options for Glioblastoma (GBM), utilizing Spanios’s patient-derived tumoroid platforms and GlioGuard’s disease-specific preclinical models to guide drug development and patient selection.
  • Biotia (NY, USA) and Mayo Clinic (MN, USA) announced a joint development agreement to advance precision medicine in infectious disease diagnostics, combining Mayo Clinic’s clinical expertise with Biotia’s AI-powered microbial analytics platform to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
  • Lunit (MA, USA) and the National Cancer Institute (MD, USA) announced a collaboration to advance AI-powered biomarker research, with Lunit providing AI tools to analyze clinical trial data from NCI’s Center for Cancer Research to accelerate personalized cancer care.
  • Bio-Techne (MN, USA) and Leica Biosystems (Nussloch, Germany) announced an expanded collaboration to automate Bio-Techne’s RNAscope™ Multiomic LS Assay and protease-free workflows on Leica’s BOND RX instrument, advancing spatial biology research capabilities.
  • ERBC (Baugy, France) and Menarini Biotech (Pomezia, Italy) announced a strategic partnership to streamline the transition of biopharmaceuticals from research to First-In-Human clinical trials, combining ERBC’s preclinical expertise with Menarini Biotech’s CMC capabilities to accelerate development and regulatory submission processes.
  • Flagship Pioneering (MA, USA) and Pfizer (NY, USA) announced a collaboration through Flagship’s Pioneering Medicines unit to discover compounds for next-generation autoimmune disease therapeutics, leveraging Valo Health‘s Logica® platform and Charles River‘s drug discovery expertise.
  • Peijia Medical (Suzhou, China) and dsm-firmenich (NJ, USA) announced a strategic innovation partnership to advance the research and development of polymer heart valve materials, using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), aiming to transform the field of high-end medical devices for heart disease.
  • ESTEVE (Barcelona, Spain) has signed a license and supply agreement with Eton Pharmaceuticals (IL, USA) for global rights to Increlex®, except for the USA, a biologic product used for the long-term treatment of growth failure due to severe primary insulin-like-growth-factor-1 deficiency (SPIGFD).
  • Parse Biosciences (WA, USA) and SCRUM Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) announced a partnership to expand Parse’s presence in Japan, granting local researchers access to its Evercode single-cell sequencing solutions and related technologies, with SCRUM distributing Parse’s portfolio across Japan.
  • Cagent Vascular (PA, USA) and 3comma Medical (MI, USA) announced a strategic partnership for 3comma to exclusively distribute Cagent’s Serranator® PTA Serration Balloon Product Family in the EU and MENA regions, expanding access to innovative treatments for peripheral artery disease and chronic limb-threatening ischemia.
  • Xcellbio (CA, USA) granted bluebird bio (MA, USA) a commercial license and entered into a supply agreement for its AVATAR™ cell manufacturing technology to support the commercialization of LYFGENIA® gene therapy for sickle cell disease in patients aged 12 and older.
  • Hoth Therapeutics, Inc (NY, USA) and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (MO, USA) announced a collaboration to advance Alzheimer’s disease research through a NIH grant proposal focused on studying HT-ALZ, an FDA-approved NK-1 receptor antagonist, for its potential to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s.
  • MultiOmic Health (London, United Kingdom) and Alloy Therapeutics Inc. (MA, USA) announced a collaboration to develop first-in-class renal tissue-targeting drugs, combining MOH’s AI-driven patient stratification platform with Alloy’s bispecific antibody and genetic medicine technologies.

Registered Direct Offering (RDO)

  • Calidi Biotherapeutics (CA, USA) raised $3.9M through a registered direct offering, with proceeds to be used for working capital, general corporate purposes, and advancing its pre-clinical and clinical programs.
  • Sunshine Biopharma (Montréal, Canada) raised $2.46M through a registered direct offering, with proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes and working capital.
  • Aptevo Therapeutics (WA, USA) raised $2.1M through a registered direct offering, with proceeds to be used for the continued clinical development of its product candidates, working capital, and general corporate purposes.
  • Citius Pharmaceuticals (NJ, USA) raised $2M through a registered direct offering, with proceeds to support the commercial launch of LYMPHIR™ and general corporate purposes.
  • Ensysce Biosciences (CA, USA) raised $1.1M through a registered direct offering, with proceeds to be used for the continued development of its TAAP™ and MPAR® programs and for working capital.
  • NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corporation (MN, USA) raised an undisclosed amount through a registered public offering of common stock, with proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes and advancing its neurological disorder treatments.

Closures and Layoffs

  • Carisma Therapeutics (PA, USA) has laid off approximately 84% of their employees as they look to sell the company, as they are in process of winding down all operations. 
  • GiLead Sciences (CA, USA) has laid off another 149 employees, affecting employees at the Foster City facility, as they prepare for their product launches, affected employees were informed to apply at other positions.
  • Inspirna (NY, USA) is in the process of winding down after a decade as a biotech company in New York.
  • LifeMine Therapeutics (MA, USA) has laid off an unknown number of employees as the company prioritizes focus into clinical development of their lead program LIFE-001.
  • Organon (NJ, USA) has laid off 93 employees at their headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey as they implement restructuring initiatives which are part of the 5% workforce layoffs.
  • Relay Therapeutics (MA, USA) will be laying off another 70 employees at their Cambridge, MA facility, after all these layoffs they have approximately cut annual research by 75%.
  • Sail Biomedicines (MA, USA) has laid off 12 employees after a restructuring of their organization.
  • Tenaya Therapeutics (CA, USA) has announced layoffs of between 30-40% of their employees as a result of organizational restructuring to keep afloat to the second half of 2026.
  • DyNAbind (Dresden, Germany) has shut down over eight years of being in the business.

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