Novartis Expands Protein Degradation Push with $5.7B Monte Rosa Alliance
Summary:
Novartis has struck a broad new partnership with Monte Rosa Therapeutics to develop “molecular glue” drugs that degrade disease-causing proteins for immune disorders. Monte Rosa will lead discovery and early testing, with Novartis taking over later-stage development. The deal includes $120 million upfront and could reach $5.7 billion in milestones and royalties. This move strengthens Novartis’ expanding commitment to targeted protein degradation.
AI Copilot CRISPR-GPT Promises Faster, Smarter Gene Editing
Summary:
Stanford Medicine has unveiled CRISPR-GPT, an AI “copilot” that streamlines gene-editing experiments and makes CRISPR more accessible. Trained on over a decade of scientific data, the tool designs experiments, predicts errors, and guides users – from novices to experts – through complex edits. By accelerating design and reducing trial and error, CRISPR-GPT could shorten the path to new gene therapies from years to months.
FDA Opens Door to Faster Approvals for Non-Opioid Pain Drugs
Summary:
The FDA has released draft guidance to encourage development of non-opioid pain treatments amid the ongoing opioid crisis. The agency outlines clinical trial expectations, offers advice for seeking broad pain indications, and signals openness to expedited review pathways. While challenges remain due to the complexity of pain research, the guidance aims to give innovators clearer regulatory routes and spur safer alternatives to opioids.
Targeted Therapies Ignite a New Era in Myasthenia Gravis Treatment
Summary:
A once stagnant field is now booming as new targeted therapies transform care for myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disease that disrupts nerve–muscle communication. In under a decade, five MG-specific drugs have been approved, with late-stage candidates from argenx, Regeneron, UCB and others racing toward market. These treatments target complement or FcRn pathways, offering more precise and durable options – and driving a market projected to exceed $10 billion by 2033.
UK Drug Pricing Disputes Trigger £2 Billion Big Pharma Pullback
Summary:
Big pharma companies have paused or scrapped nearly £2 billion in UK investments this year, dealing a blow to the government’s life sciences strategy. MSD, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly have all halted major research projects, citing high rebate rates and an unsupportive pricing environment. Industry leaders warn that stalled projects, job losses, and reduced R&D threaten patient access to new medicines unless drug pricing talks progress.
