AbbVie will present new lung cancer data at WCLC 2026, including Phase 1b results for ABBV-1480 showing high response rates in NSCLC and safety updates for ABBV-706 in SCLC. The company also reported progress in dermatology, obesity, and Crohn's disease programs.
China's lab monkey prices nearly doubled to 178,000 yuan as drug development demand surges. The shortage is delaying preclinical studies, and the annual shortfall could reach 20,000 monkeys.
Recent studies have uncovered new cancer therapeutic targets and strategies, including self-assembling antibody-drug conjugates, a dual-action metabolic drug, and a BRAF protein structure. Research also advanced on dendritic cell vaccines, the origins of a rare childhood leukemia, and cancer cachexia treatment.
AI is transforming drug discovery across target ID, molecule design and trial optimization. Milestones include regulatory qualification of digital-twin controls and positive Phase 2a data, though 90-95% of candidates still fail.
China has become the dominant source of external drug innovation, with pharma licensing deals reaching $135.7 billion in 2025 and China developing 30% of the world's new innovative drugs. Meanwhile, India is expanding AI use in drug discovery and strengthening its CRDMO and IP infrastructure, though investment gaps persist.
A global investment firm agreed to acquire a medical device maker for $5.7 billion, while Juvisé Pharmaceuticals secured a $652 million refinancing and Pharmacelera raised $7.1 million. A biotech company also completed a $289 million IPO, and the MHRA issued AI guidance.
The FDA has cleared Telomir Pharmaceuticals' IND for Telomir-Zn in advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The company plans to initiate a first-in-human Phase 1/2 trial in the first half of 2026.
Amgen detailed its T-cell engager and precision therapy strategy at Citi's 2026 summit. GT Biopharma, Onco-Innovations, Oncotelic, and Samsung Biologics also advanced AI and organoid platforms in drug development.
Novartis acquires UK biotech Myricx Bio for up to $1.5B, gaining a novel NMTi ADC payload platform and two lead assets targeting B7-H3 and HER2. The deal includes $1.1B upfront with $400M in milestones, expected to close in H2 2026.
The Gyrolab automated immunoassay platform from Gyros Protein Technologies addresses reproducibility and throughput challenges in biotherapeutic development for ADCs and bispecifics. Case studies show measurable improvements in assay consistency and efficiency for titer and impurity testing workflows.
