China vs. the US: The New Biotech Power Struggle
Summary:
China is rapidly closing in on – and in key areas overtaking – the US in biotechnology, driven by massive advances in manufacturing, clinical trial volume, and global industry presence. US leaders warn that political turbulence, weakened industrial policy, and funding cuts are slowing American competitiveness, while China aggressively expands its supply-chain dominance. Experts say that without renewed focus, the US could fall behind within just a few years.
NIEHS Welcomes New Director: Dr. Kyle Walsh Takes the Helm
Summary:
Dr. Kyle Walsh, a leading neuro-epidemiologist known for his work on glial senescence and environmental risk factors in disease, has been appointed director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program. Previously at Duke University, Walsh brings a deeply interdisciplinary vision to understanding how environment, genetics, and biology interact to shape health across the lifespan. NIH leaders say his appointment marks a new era for NIEHS, with a strengthened focus on rigorous, translational research to prevent chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and dementia.
Solve Therapeutics Secures $120M to Push Next-Gen ADCs Forward
Summary:
Solve Therapeutics has raised $120 million – part of a total $321 million to date – to advance its next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), powered by a novel linker technology designed to keep ADCs intact in the bloodstream and activate only inside tumors. With early clinical programs underway for its first candidates, SLV-154 and SLV-324, the new funding will support completion of Phase 1b trials and broader operational expansion. The company aims to overcome key limitations of earlier ADCs and deliver more precise, safer cancer therapies across multiple solid tumors.
Eli Lilly Deal Turns ABL Bio’s Founder into South Korea’s Newest Biotech Billionaire
Summary:
A $2.6 billion licensing and joint research deal with Eli Lilly sent ABL Bio’s stock soaring nearly 80%, pushing founder and CEO Lee Sang-hoon’s net worth past $1 billion. ABL Bio’s bispecific antibody platform, including its blood – brain barrier – penetrating Grabody-B technology, has now attracted major partnerships with Lilly, GSK, and Sanofi – fueling rapid revenue growth driven entirely by technology transfer deals. With rising global recognition and continued investment in next-gen therapeutics, ABL Bio strengthens South Korea’s position among leading biotech innovators.
J&J Acquires Halda for $3B to Power a New Era of Precision Cancer Cell Killing
Summary:
OpenAI’s new reasoning tools enhance research capabilities while raising questions about computation costs and proprietary limitations.
