Credit: Roche
Sanofi to Acquire Blueprint Medicines
Sanofi intends to acquire Blueprint Medicines in a transaction valued at up to $9.5 billion, comprising $129.00 per share in cash and a contingent value right of up to $6.00 per share tied to regulatory milestones. The acquisition will give Sanofi full rights to Ayvakit (avapritinib), currently the only approved treatment for both advanced and indolent systemic mastocytosis, which generated $479 million in revenue in 2024. The deal also includes elenestinib, a next-generation KIT inhibitor in development, and BLU-808, a selective oral KIT inhibitor targeting a broader range of immunological diseases. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Blueprint’s assets will be integrated into Sanofi’s immunology portfolio following the completion of the acquisition.
In a statement, Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, said: “"The proposed acquisition of Blueprint Medicines represents a strategic step forward in our rare and immunology portfolios. It enhances our pipeline and accelerates our transformation into the world's leading immunology company. This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategic intent to strengthen our existing therapeutic areas, to bring relevant and differentiated medicines to patients and to secure attractive returns to our shareholders. It complements recent acquisitions of early-stage medicines that remain our main field of interest. Sanofi still retains a sizeable capacity for further acquisitions.”
Roche’s Itovebi improves breast cancer survival
Roche’s Itovebi (inavolisib), when combined with palbociclib and fulvestrant, significantly improves survival in patients with PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, according to data from the phase III INAVO120 study, which showed a 30 percent reduction in the risk of death compared to standard treatment. Progression-free survival also more than doubled, from 7.3 to 17.2 months. The regimen delayed the need for chemotherapy by approximately two years and maintained a favorable safety profile. The findings were presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Novartis breakthrough in prostate cancer therapy
Novartis says that its radioligand therapy, Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan), demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in radiographic progression-free survival for patients with PSMA-positive metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. This marks the first time a targeted radioligand therapy has shown such benefits in this patient population. The phase III PSMAddition trial revealed that combining Pluvicto with standard androgen deprivation therapy significantly delayed disease progression. Pluvicto could become a new treatment option for patients earlier in their prostate cancer journey, potentially delaying the need for chemotherapy and improving overall outcomes.
Sandoz launches osteoporosis biosimilars
Sandoz has announced the US launch of WYOST and Jubbonti, the first FDA-approved interchangeable biosimilars to denosumab for patients with osteoporosis and cancer-related bone conditions. The biosimilars are approved for all indications of the reference drugs XGEVA and Prolia, sharing identical dosage forms and administration methods. Sandoz intends to provide comprehensive support resources, including reimbursement and financial assistance, to facilitate patient access. Keren Haruvi, President Sandoz North America, said: “Denosumab is a vital medicine for conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer-related skeletal events. Providing an additional high-quality, cost-effective treatment option helps improve access and affordability for US patients.”
Argentina ratifies WHO withdrawal during RFK Jr. visit
Argentina has officially confirmed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) during a visit by US Health Secretary RFK Jr to Buenos Aires. President Javier Milei's administration criticized the WHO for prioritizing political agendas over scientific evidence, citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as "disastrous".
During his visit, Kennedy met with Argentine Health Minister Mario Lugones to establish a collaborative agenda aimed at enhancing transparency and trust in health systems. Kennedy, known for his vaccine skepticism, has been vocal in urging other nations to leave the WHO, accusing the organization of being influenced by China, gender ideology, and pharmaceutical industry interests.
Welch Chemistry Award goes to Scripps and Harvard researchers
The Welch Foundation has named Peter G. Schultz of Scripps Research and Stuart L. Schreiber of Harvard University as the co-recipients of the 2025 Welch Award in Chemistry. Each will receive $500,000 for their pioneering contributions to chemical biology. Schultz is recognized for expanding the genetic code by incorporating synthetic amino acids, enabling the creation of novel biomolecules and materials and helping to advance drug discovery and materials science. Schreiber is noted for developing chemical tools, such as molecular glues, that elucidate and manipulate cellular processes, leading to new therapeutic strategies. Their complementary research has improved academic understanding of biological systems and facilitated the development of innovative treatments and materials. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 2025.
Expanded cells bring new insights into aging and progeria
Scientists at the Broad Institute have created a new method called “expansion in situ genome sequencing” that enables them to sequence DNA and see how it’s arranged inside cells at high resolution. By placing cells in a gel that expands them, it becomes easier to study their internal structures. Using this technique on cells from people with progeria – a rare disease that causes early aging – the researchers found that changes in certain proteins cause the nucleus to form strange shapes, which may shut down important genes. Similar changes were also seen in older people’s cells, linking these effects to aging.
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