French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has finalized an agreement to transfer a 50% stake in its consumer health division Opella to private equity firm CD&R, with France’s state investment bank Bpifrance acquiring a 2% minority position. The transaction, initially announced in October, is anticipated to conclude in Q2 2025, enabling Sanofi to redirect resources toward its prescription drug development
initiatives.
In separate industry news, Supernus Pharmaceuticals encountered a significant setback as its investigational treatment for
treatment-resistant depression failed to meet expectations in a Phase 2 clinical trial. The oral medication, designated as SPN-820, which targets a protein complex believed to influence brain cell
communication and functionality, did not demonstrate meaningful superiority over placebo in reducing depressive symptoms during a four-week treatment period. While the drug showed favorable safety characteristics, the disappointing efficacy results prompted a substantial decline in Supernus’s stock value on Wednesday morning. The company’s chief executive Jack Khattar indicated plans to conduct further data analysis and engage in discussions with development partner Navitor Pharmaceuticals regarding the program’s future direction.
Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences has opted not to exercise its licensing option for Arcus Biosciences’ cancer drug candidate casdatifan, a HIF-2a inhibitor similar to Merck & Co.’s recently approved Welireg. This decision stems from the companies’ 10-year collaboration agreement established in 2020. In response, Arcus has launched a $150 million stock offering to independently advance the drug’s development for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Gilead also announced progress with its HIV medication lenacapavir, as the FDA accepted its application for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, setting a decision deadline of June 19, 2025. If approved, lenacapavir would become the first twice-yearly preventive option for HIV, expanding upon its existing approval in multiple countries for treating multi-drug resistant HIV in combination with other
medications.
In gene therapy developments, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical awaits an FDA decision by mid-August on its treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, a rare and fatal lysosomal storage disorder. The therapy, known as UX111, employs an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver a functional gene that produces an enzyme lacking in affected
individuals. The treatment, which originated at Abeona Therapeutics before being acquired by Ultragenyx in 2022, is progressing through regulatory review without an anticipated advisory committee meeting requirement.
These developments reflect ongoing dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry, from strategic business restructuring to clinical trial outcomes and regulatory milestones. The sector continues to see significant movement in areas ranging from consumer health to innovative therapeutic approaches for challenging medical conditions. The various announcements highlight both the opportunities and challenges inherent in drug development and commercialization, as companies navigate clinical trial results, regulatory pathways, and strategic partnerships to advance their pipelines and market positions.