March 2025 is marked by significant deal-making, promising clinical trial results, and innovations across small molecules, biologics, and gene therapies.
Major Biotech Deals Drive Pipeline Expansion
March witnessed several high-value mergers and licensing deals, reflecting a vibrant investment climate. AstraZeneca finalized its $1 billion acquisition of Belgian biotech EsoBiotec, whose lentiviral ENaBL platform offers promising immuno-oncology and immune modulation applications. Bristol Myers Squibb extended its footprint in CAR-T therapies by acquiring all outstanding shares of 2seventy bio for $286 million. French pharma Sanofi added antibody developer Dren Bio to its oncology pipeline with a $600 million upfront payment.
Promising Clinical Trial Results
Up-and-coming companies reported exciting clinical updates. For example, CervoMed delivered positive Phase 2b data on neflamapimod for dementia with Lewy bodies, a rare neurodegenerative condition. Gilead Sciences’ lenacapavir showed promise as a once-yearly PrEP in early Phase 1 trials. Protagonist Therapeutics and Johnson & Johnson announced encouraging Phase 2b results for icotrokinra in ulcerative colitis, highlighting advances in immune modulation.
Innovation Across Therapeutic Modalities
Small molecule and bispecific antibody drug development remain vibrant, with Merck and Hengrui Pharma collaborating on an oral lipoprotein(a) inhibitor aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. Novartis and Japan’s Kyorin partnered to develop an antagonist for chronic spontaneous urticaria, capturing industry interest in mast cell diseases. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca and Roche pursued antibody technology deals with Harbour BioMed and Oxford BioTherapeutics, respectively, to fuel their oncology and immunology pipelines.
Expanding RNA and Gene Therapy Collaborations
Japanese pharma Ono Pharmaceutical secured exclusive global rights from Ionis Pharmaceuticals for sapablursen, an antisense oligonucleotide in Phase 2 for polycythemia vera. Daiichi Sankyo partnered with U.S. startup Nosis Biosciences to harness AI for RNA medicine discovery. These deals underscore RNA-based therapeutics’ growing role in chronic and rare disease treatment strategies.
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