July 15 - Competition for Zepbound, a China biotech buyout and Merck’s PrEP plans

Cancer drugmaker LaNova to sell to China’s Sino Biopharm; Biotech startups are built on venture capital. Track funding rounds here.; Vertex secures Alyftrek coverage in England; Merck starts Phase 3 trials of HIV drug; Takeda to seek approval of new kind of narcolepsy drug after study data

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Daily Dive

July 15, 2025 | Today’s news and insights for biopharma leaders

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Modern Pharma Market Tactics

Patent protection will expire soon for many blockbuster drugs, pushing pharma giants to seek new products and markets. Explore key trends shaping drugmakers’ strategies in this Trendline.

Hengrui, Kailera say dual-acting obesity shot succeeds in China study

The results position Hengrui to seek approval of the Zepbound-like drug in China, and Kailera, a well-funded startup, to begin global late-stage testing.

Cancer drugmaker LaNova to sell to China’s Sino Biopharm

Sino Biopharmaceuticals plans to pay up to $950.9 million to acquire LaNova Medicines, which previously licensed drugs to Merck and AstraZeneca.

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Biotech startups are built on venture capital. Track funding rounds here.

Kailera is one of at least six companies formed since the start of last year that were build around drugs originating from China.

Pharmaceutical waste: Avoid risks with secure disposal

A pharmaceutical waste disposal misstep can have severe consequences. Find out how to protect your business and what you need in a disposal partner. Download the article!

News roundup

Vertex secures Alyftrek coverage in England; Merck starts Phase 3 trials of HIV drug

NHS England agreed to reimburse Vertex's newest cystic fibrosis medicine. Meanwhile, Merck advanced a once-monthly PrEP pill into late-stage trials.

Takeda to seek approval of new kind of narcolepsy drug after study data

Positive late-stage study results position the company to file for clearance of what could be the first narcolepsy drug that targets orexin proteins.

How Pharma Leaders Can Maximize RWD Impact

Real-world data (RWD) is crucial for healthcare decision-making. Learn best practices for maximizing regulatory, payer, HEOR and commercial impact through strategic data management in this playbook.

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