Client News

Character Biosciences, a precision medicine company transforming drug development for polygenic diseases, announced today an oversubscribed $93 million Series B financing round to accelerate the advancement of its pipeline of precision therapies to treat degenerative eye diseases, starting with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The funding was co-led by new investors aMoon and Luma Group, with additional participation from Bausch + Lomb and Jefferson Life Sciences, alongside existing investors Innovation Endeavors, Catalio Capital Management, S32, and KdT Ventures.

As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure patients who need Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg can access it, Novo Nordisk launched NovoCare® Pharmacy, a direct-to-patient delivery option that offers cash-paying patients all dose strengths of Wegovy® at a reduced cost of $499 per month. This offer is available for uninsured patients or eligible patients with commercial insurance who do not have coverage for obesity medicines.

Crown Laboratories, Inc. (“Crown”), a privately held, global innovative leader in the skincare industry, today announced the successful closing of its acquisition of Revance Therapeutics, Inc. (“Revance”) (NASDAQ: RVNC), a biotechnology company aimed at setting the new standard in healthcare with innovative aesthetic and therapeutic offerings.

A long career in drug development led Peyton Howell to her biggest role yet. Now, she must find ways to reach more patients while navigating various geopolitical challenges — and a headquarters move to Raleigh.

Moderna (MRNA) stock surged roughly 15% this week after regulatory filings showed several executives — including Chief Executive Stephane Bancel — bought shares on the open market.

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bancel purchased about 160,000 shares worth $5 million on Monday. The same day, board member Paul Sagan bought almost 32,000 shares at a value of roughly $1 million.

PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB), a leading developer of high-quality, highly accurate sequencing solutions, today announced Jim Gibson will join and be appointed as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective as of his start date, which is expected to be March 31, 2025. With over three decades of financial leadership experience at some of Silicon Valley’s most iconic and innovative companies, Mr. Gibson brings a deep track record of operational excellence, strategic financing, and scaling global organizations.

Stifel analyst Rick Wise said the financing, a combination of private stock placement and new loans, should help the dialysis device maker return to revenue growth.

Outset Medical expects to receive $168.8 million in financing through a private placement of convertible preferred stock, the company said Monday. The agreement with mutual funds and institutional investors prices 843,908 shares of preferred stock at $200 per share.

Gilead Sciences is expanding its research and development presence in China, aiming to synchronize the global launch of innovative drugs to provide Chinese patients with faster access to treatments, according to the general manager of the American company’s local arm.

Rice University today introduced the Rice Biotech Launch Pad, a Houston-based accelerator focused on expediting the translation of the university’s health and medical technology discoveries into cures. Supported by federal grants and philanthropic gifts, the new accelerator will bring together local researchers with a national network of industry executives, additional funding sources and about 15,000 square feet of accelerator space.

Moffitt Cancer Center has appointed Josh Carpenter as president of SPEROS FL, the cancer center’s 775-acre global innovation campus, in Pasco County. Carpenter will also serve as Moffitt’s chief integration officer, overseeing strategic alignment between the cancer center and its research and commercial partners.

Carpenter will guide SPEROS FL’s expansion as a biotechnology and life sciences hub, working to advance cancer prevention and treatment.