The family-owned German group is the market leader in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with Ofev but the big-selling drug has significant side effects and only slows, but does not stop, the progression of the disease. It is hoping that the Phase III-ready compound BI 1015550 will offer a significant improvement.

Among recent highlights, SK Bioscience files for approval of recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine GBP510, Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Chinese subsidiary continues to report strong earnings, led by cold drug sales, while Yuhan’s novel peptide drug candidate for degenerative disc disease is set to move into a Phase III trial in the US.

Sio Gene, Genocea, Solid Biosciences, Saniona and Black Diamond join First Wave, Zosano, Vallon, Finch, Magenta, ProQR and Imara on the growing list of biopharma firms reducing headcount to make their cash last until valuations return to a level that may support new fundraising. 

AstraZeneca licenses bispecific cancer antibody candidate from Harbour Biomed. Regeneron seeks new approach to gene therapy delivery in deal with ViGeneron.