Pharmaceutical Industry Roundup: Major Collaborations, Clinical Advances, and Regulatory Updates

Eli Lilly Expands Purdue Alliance in Landmark Deal

Eli Lilly and Purdue University have announced a significant expansion of their long-standing collaboration, with Lilly committing up to $250 million over the next eight years. This extension, which prolongs the partnership until 2032, is poised to become one of the largest industry-academic agreements in the United States. The enhanced alliance aims to accelerate drug discovery and development while improving manufacturing processes.

As part of the agreement, Lilly researchers will gain access to dedicated space on Purdue's campus, while university researchers will collaborate at Lilly's Indianapolis sites and the Indiana LEAP Research and Innovation District. This integrated approach is expected to foster innovation and streamline the transition from academic research to clinical application.

Gene Editing and Clinical Advances

CRISPR Therapeutics has reported promising results from an early-stage clinical trial of its experimental "in vivo" gene editing treatment targeting the ANGPTL3 gene. The therapy, designed to regulate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels, demonstrated significant reductions in both markers without severe adverse events.

Initial data from the first 10 patients with at least 30 days of follow-up revealed impressive outcomes:

• Triglyceride reductions of up to 82%
• LDL reductions of up to 81%

These results mark a potential breakthrough in the treatment of lipid disorders and showcase the advancing capabilities of gene editing technologies in addressing complex metabolic conditions.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Investment Trends

European Medicines Agency Investigates Valneva's Chikungunya Vaccine

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has temporarily suspended the use of Valneva's chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq, in individuals aged 65 and older. This decision follows reports of 17 severe adverse effects, including two deaths, in patients aged 62 to 89 with underlying medical conditions or co-medications.

Key points of the EMA's action:

• Maintained recommendation for use in people aged 12 to 65
• Urged physicians to avoid using Ixchiq in immunocompromised individuals
• Initiated a review of data to reassess recommendations

The agency's swift response underscores the importance of post-market surveillance in ensuring vaccine safety, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Industry Investments and Strategic Reviews

Vivo Capital Raises $740 Million for Public Biotech Investments

Vivo Capital has successfully raised over $740 million for its third evergreen public fund, the Vivo Opportunity Fund. This fund focuses on investing in publicly traded, preclinical, or clinical-stage drug companies, with a particular emphasis on small- and mid-cap firms positioned for value creation.

The fund's three-year investment cycle and strategic focus on companies approaching significant milestones have previously yielded successful outcomes, including investments in Soleno Therapeutics, RayzeBio, and Verona Pharmaceuticals.

Charles River Laboratories Announces Strategic Review

In response to evolving market conditions, Charles River Laboratories' board of directors has initiated a strategic review of its contract development and manufacturing group. This decision comes as the company seeks to enhance shareholder value and adapt to potential changes in the industry, including the FDA's plans to phase out certain animal testing requirements.

As part of this process, Charles River has:

• Appointed four new directors to its board
• Agreed to cooperate with activist investor Elliott Investment Management
• Seen a significant recovery in its share price following the announcement

These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the pharmaceutical services sector and the ongoing need for strategic adaptation in response to regulatory and market pressures.