Merck KGaA bets on RNAi with $1.3B Silence buyout
Summary:
Merck KGaA has agreed to buy UK RNAi specialist Silence Therapeutics for about $1.3 billion, or $20 in cash per US-listed share, a 130% premium. The deal centres on divesiran, an siRNA that produced positive Phase 2 data in the rare blood disorder polycythaemia vera. Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Roche inks $15B ADC pact with Hansoh
Summary:
Roche will pay China’s Hansoh Pharma $400 million upfront in an antibody–drug conjugate pact worth up to $15 billion including milestones. Hansoh contributes two preclinical ADCs and will develop more against targets Roche proposes. Neither the drugs nor the diseases were disclosed. It is Roche’s sixth China deal since late August.
Lilly allies with METiS in $1.1B AI nanoparticle discovery deal
Summary:
Eli Lilly has partnered with Hong Kong-listed METiS TechBio to use its AI-driven ionisable-lipid platform to design tissue-specific lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for programmes Lilly selects. METiS receives an upfront payment in the low double-digit millions of dollars, up to about $1.1 billion in milestones, and tiered single-digit royalties.
FDA approves immunotherapy that may spare rectal cancer patients chemotherapy, radiation and surgery
Summary:
The FDA granted accelerated approval to GSK’s Jemperli (dostarlimab) as the sole treatment for previously untreated stage II–III mismatch repair-deficient or MSI-high locally advanced rectal cancer. In the Phase 2 AZUR-1 trial of 154 patients, almost three-quarters needed no surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy after a median follow-up of more than two years.
FDA launches Rare Disease Framework Initiative
Summary:
The FDA’s new initiative aims to replace a one-size-fits-all evidence standard with condition-specific approaches, from preclinical engagement to post-marketing requirements. A public meeting is set for 28 October. About 30 million Americans have a rare disease, yet only around 5% of rare conditions have an approved treatment.
