German pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA confirmed Monday it is in advanced discussions regarding a potential acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics, though the company emphasized that key conditions remain unmet and no binding agreement has been reached. The talks were first reported by Reuters, causing SpringWorks shares to surge 34% Monday before declining 4% in early Tuesday trading.
In other industry news, BridgeBio Pharma received European Commission approval for Beyonttra (acoramidis) to treat patients with
transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The drug, marketed as Attruby in the United States where it gained approval in November, has seen stronger-than-anticipated initial sales. The European
authorization triggers a $75 million milestone payment from Bayer, which holds European commercial rights through a 2024 partnership agreement that guarantees BridgeBio royalties of at least “low thirties” percentage on European sales.
Biohaven announced the FDA has granted priority review for its experimental treatment troriluzole for spinocerebellar ataxia, setting up a potential decision within six months. If approved, troriluzole would become the first authorized treatment for this neurodegenerative condition affecting muscle coordination. Clinical testing demonstrated the drug’s ability to slow disease progression compared to untreated patients. The company indicates it is prepared for a potential launch this year pending regulatory clearance.
Meanwhile, Third Harmonic Bio revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 50% and discontinue all programs except THB335, which is being developed for chronic spontaneous urticaria. The company, which completed a $185 million IPO in 2022, announced it will explore “a full range of strategic transactions” as it advances THB335 into Phase 2 testing. With $285 million in cash and equivalents as of December 31, Third Harmonic is considering options including a potential merger, sale or licensing agreement to maximize shareholder value.
Additionally, Eli Lilly has expanded its existing collaboration with radiopharmaceutical developer AdvanCell, which recently secured $112 million in Series C financing. The enhanced partnership will focus on AdvanCell’s technology for producing the lead radioisotope Pb-212, though specific financial terms were not disclosed. This move aligns with Lilly’s ongoing investment strategy in radiopharmaceutical development through various partnerships and investments.
The developments reflect continued dynamism in the pharmaceutical industry, with companies pursuing strategic acquisitions, advancing novel therapies through regulatory milestones, and restructuring operations to optimize resources. The potential Merck KGaA-SpringWorks transaction highlights ongoing consolidation interest, while BridgeBio’s European approval demonstrates successful progression through regulatory pathways. Biohaven’s priority review status for troriluzole represents potential advancement in treating an currently untreatable condition, as Third Harmonic Bio’s strategic pivot and Eli Lilly’s expanded collaboration with AdvanCell illustrate different approaches to managing drug development portfolios and partnerships in the current market environment.
These various corporate moves and regulatory developments showcase the industry’s continued focus on bringing innovative treatments to market while pursuing strategic opportunities for growth and optimization. From potential M&A activity to regulatory milestones and strategic restructuring, the news reflects the multiple avenues companies are pursuing to advance their pipelines and create value in the
competitive pharmaceutical landscape.