The XinThera deal gives Gilead multiple PARP1 and MK2 inhibitors. Also, Roche licenses a HER2 kinase inhibitor from Zion, Amgen partners with TScan in Crohn’s disease and Baxter sells the last of its biopharma operations – a CDMO business – for $4.5bn.

Pfizer’s InnoPharma unit finally overcame US FDA’s concerns about injectable acetaminophen GMPs and leachables. Meanwhile, Azurity resolved zonisamide manufacturing issues, Amphastar overcame doubts about naloxone’s nasal spray device, Incyte reused Zynyz CMC data, Cidara showed Rezzayo vials had enough powder, Pharming showed equivalence between Joenja tablets and capsules, and Orphalan avoided half-tablet stability testing of its functionally scored Cuvrior tablets.

Cross-border deals are down and investment has dried up, while geopolitical tensions have started hitting the Chinese biotech sector in unprecedented ways. Biopharma firms are expecting more rainy days ahead and are embracing new fundraising and deal-making approaches to survive and thrive.

Agreement with Alexion is JCR’s first international deal for its blood-brain barrier drug delivery technology. Sartoris buys PolyPlus from private equity investors.