U.K. Science Sector Faces ‘Bleeding to Death’ Crisis, Lawmakers Warn
Summary:
A new House of Lords report warns that the U.K.’s science and technology sector is “bleeding to death” as startups and major firms flee abroad due to weak investment, high visa costs, and lack of government support. The report cites a wave of pharma companies halting U.K. investments and calls for urgent action to stop the exodus of talent and innovation. Lawmakers urge the creation of a National Council for Science, Technology and Growth to coordinate policy, reduce immigration barriers, and boost domestic funding. Without swift action, they warn, the U.K. risks becoming an “incubator economy” that loses its best companies and researchers to global competitors.
Biohaven Cuts R&D After FDA Rejection
Summary:
Following the FDA’s rejection of its rare disease drug Vyglxia, Biohaven will cut R&D spending by 60% and refocus on core programs in depression, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. The FDA raised concerns over the trial’s reliance on external control data, prompting a major setback and a 40% stock drop for the biotech.
FDA Approves First Treatment for Ultra-Rare Mitochondrial Disease
Summary:
The FDA has approved UCB’s Kygevvi, the first therapy for thymidine kinase 2 deficiency (TK2d) – a fatal mitochondrial disorder affecting fewer than 2 in a million people. The oral drug, a combination of doxecitine and doxribtimine, is indicated for patients whose symptoms begin before age 12 and will launch in the U.S. in early 2026.Clinical data from 82 patients showed Kygevvi reduced the risk of death by 86% compared to untreated controls. The approval marks a major milestone for TK2d patients and continues the FDA’s momentum in rare disease approvals this year.
Novo and Pfizer Escalate Bidding War for Metsera
Summary:
The battle for obesity biotech Metsera is intensifying as Novo Nordisk and Pfizer raise their bids. Pfizer has increased its offer to $8.1 billion, boosting upfront cash but lowering milestone payments, while Novo countered with a $10 billion “superior” proposal. Metsera has signaled intent to accept Novo’s offer unless Pfizer matches it within two business days. Pfizer has filed lawsuits accusing Novo of anticompetitive behavior, arguing the deal faces regulatory risks, but both pharma giants remain determined to secure the fast-growing obesity player.
Novo Nordisk Restructures R&D, Exits Oncology and Early-Stage MASH
Summary:
Novo Nordisk is overhauling its R&D portfolio, cutting early-stage programs in oncology, liver disease (MASH), and stem cells as part of a global restructuring that includes 9,000 job cuts and a $1.4 billion write-down. The company is ending its cell therapy work for Parkinson’s, heart failure, and Type 1 diabetes, and halting siRNA trials for MASH (NN6581, NN6582). Novo also dropped oncology and gout candidates, shifting focus to core areas like metabolic and rare diseases – bolstered by Wegovy’s new MASH label expansion.
