ESTEVE to Acquire TerSera Therapeutics’ Infusion Specialty Therapies Business Unit, Expanding U.S. Presence

On January 13, 2026 ESTEVE and TerSera Therapeutics LLC reported that they have entered into an agreement in which ESTEVE will acquire TerSera’s Infusion Specialty Therapies Business Unit (IST). This strategic acquisition enables ESTEVE to expand its U.S. presence, with two highly specialized on-market assets and a dedicated team of sales, marketing and medical professionals.

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TerSera’s IST business unit includes two specialty medications, Prialt (ziconotide intrathecal infusion) and Quzyttir (cetirizine hydrochloride injection). Prialt is the only FDA-approved, non-opioid agent indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in adult patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatment, such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or intrathecal morphine.1 Prialt is currently marketed in Europe by ESTEVE.2 Quzyttir is the first and only injectable second-generation H1 antihistamine approved by the FDA for the treatment of acute urticaria in adults and children six months of age and older.3

With this transaction, ESTEVE will obtain worldwide rights for Quzyttir in all territories (except for China) and consolidates its rights for Prialt worldwide.

Staffan Schüberg, ESTEVE’s Chief Executive Officer stated: "We are excited to welcome the Infusion Specialty Therapies Business Unit and look forward to welcoming TerSera’s talented team to ESTEVE. This acquisition perfectly aligns with our strategic vision of providing highly specialized solutions where there is a significant unmet medical need. By adding Quzyttir to our portfolio and expanding to the US market with Prialt, we not only strengthen our expertise in highly specialized therapies but also accelerate our expansion in the United States—the world’s largest pharmaceutical market."

"ESTEVE has been our long-term partner for Prialt in Europe. Their expertise and core areas of focus make them the ideal future owner for IST," said Edward Donovan, Chief Executive Officer of TerSera. "We believe this transaction provides an excellent home for Prialt and Quzyttir to continue the strong momentum we have established with these medicines, while we sharpen our focus on our core therapeutic areas of oncology and rare disease."

This deal reinforces ESTEVE’s growth in the United States, a growth that began with the acquisition in 2024 of a business specialized in rare and ultra-rare diseases in the areas of endocrinology and onco-endocrinology. ESTEVE’s highly specialized portfolio has been further strengthened by the subsequent expansion in 2025: licensing-in for Ex US a biologic product used to treat children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years-old who suffer from severe primary insulin-like growth factor 1 deficiency4; an adjuvant treatment being investigated in the U.S. and considered standard of care outside of the U.S. where it is approved for high-grade resectable non-metastatic osteosarcoma in patients aged between 2 and 30 years5 ; and a medicine that is used in adults and children above 5 years of age to treat aggressive and symptomatic medullary thyroid cancer.6

The current transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory clearances.

Perella Weinberg Partners are the financial advisor to ESTEVE on this transaction, and Arnold & Porter are serving as legal counsel. Leerink Partners acted as the lead financial advisor to TerSera, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel.

About PRIALT (Ziconotide Intrathecal Infusion)

PRIALT is a non-opioid intrathecal analgesic indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatments. Derived from a marine snail peptide, ziconotide acts as a selective N-type calcium channel blocker, interrupting pain signal transmission in the spinal cord. Ziconotide is administered via continuous intrathecal infusion and is not associated with the risk of addiction or respiratory depression commonly seen with opioid therapies.1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: NEUROPSYCHIATRIC ADVERSE REACTIONS

PRIALT is contraindicated in patients with a preexisting history of psychosis. Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with PRIALT. Monitor all patients frequently for evidence of cognitive impairment, hallucinations, or changes in mood or consciousness. Discontinue PRIALT therapy in the event of serious neurological or psychiatric signs or symptoms.

Contraindications

PRIALT is contraindicated in patients with:

A known hypersensitivity to ziconotide or any of its formulation components.
Any other concomitant treatment or medical condition that would render intrathecal administration hazardous, such as the presence of infection at the microinfusion injection site, uncontrolled bleeding diathesis, and spinal canal obstruction that impairs circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
A pre-existing history of psychosis.
Warnings and Precautions

Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions

Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment. Monitor all patients frequently for cognitive impairment, hallucinations, or changes in mood or consciousness. PRIALT may cause or worsen depression, with the risk of suicide in susceptible patients.

In clinical trials, 12% of patients reported hallucinations; other acute psychiatric events included paranoid reactions (3%), hostility (2%), delirium (2%), psychosis (1%), and manic reactions (0.4%).

Patients with pretreatment psychiatric disorders may be at increased risk. Management of psychiatric complications may need to include discontinuation of PRIALT, treatment with psychotherapeutic agents and/or short-term hospitalization.

In clinical trials, cognitive adverse reactions included confusion (33%), memory impairment (22%), speech disorder (14%), aphasia (12%), thinking abnormal (8%), and amnesia (1%). Cognitive impairment may appear gradually after several weeks of treatment. Reduce the dose of PRIALT or discontinue the use of PRIALT if signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment develop, but other contributing causes must also be considered. The cognitive effects of PRIALT are generally reversible within 2 weeks after drug discontinuation. The elderly (≥65 years) are at higher risk for confusion. Concomitant use of central nervous system (CNS) depressants with PRIALT may have additive effects.

Meningitis and Other Infections

Meningitis can occur due to inadvertent contamination of the microinfusion device and other means. In clinical trials, the rate of meningitis was 3% (40 cases) in the PRIALT group using either internal or external microinfusion devices and 1% (1 case) with placebo. In patients with external microinfusion devices and catheters, meningitis occurred in 38 out of 41 patients (93%), 37 of whom received PRIALT and one who received placebo. Patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers must be particularly vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis including, but not limited to, fever, headache, stiff neck, altered mental status (e.g., lethargy, confusion, disorientation), nausea or vomiting, and occasionally seizures.

Strict aseptic procedures must be used during the preparation of the PRIALT solution and refilling of the microinfusion device.

Reduced Level of Consciousness

In clinical trials, 2% of PRIALT-treated patients became unresponsive or stuporous. If reduced levels of consciousness occur, discontinue PRIALT until the event resolves, and other etiologies (e.g., meningitis) must be considered.

Elevation of Creatine Kinase

In clinical trials, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels above the upper limit of normal (ULN) were reported in 40% of patients, with 11% of patients having CK levels >3 times ULN. Incidences were higher during the first 2 months of treatment. Serum CK should be monitored periodically. In the setting of new neuromuscular symptoms, evaluate patients, obtain CK measurements, and if symptoms continue and CK levels remain elevated or continue to rise, reduce the dose or discontinue the use of PRIALT.

Withdrawal From Opiates

PRIALT is not an opiate and cannot prevent or relieve the symptoms associated with the withdrawal of opiates. To avoid withdrawal syndrome when opiate withdrawal is necessary, do not abruptly reduce or withdraw opioid medications.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Use of PRIALT has been associated with cognitive impairment and decreased alertness/unresponsiveness. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous activities that require complete mental alertness or motor coordination.

Most Common Adverse Reactions

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥25%) in clinical trials (n=1254 PRIALT-treated patients) were dizziness, nausea, confusional state, and nystagmus. Slower titration of PRIALT may result in fewer serious adverse reactions and discontinuations for adverse reactions.

Indication

PRIALT (ziconotide) solution, intrathecal infusion is indicated for the management of severe chronic pain in adult patients for whom intrathecal (IT) therapy is warranted, and who are intolerant of or refractory to other treatment, such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or IT morphine.

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.FDA.gov/medwatch. You may also contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 or [email protected].

Please see PRIALT Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED Warning.

About QUZYTTIR (Cetirizine Hydrochloride Injection)

QUZYTTIR is a second-generation intravenous antihistamine indicated for the treatment of acute urticaria in adults and children six months of age and older. As a selective H1 receptor antagonist, cetirizine works by blocking histamine activity, helping to rapidly relieve symptoms of allergic reactions. QUZYTTIR is administered via intravenous infusion and offers fast onset of action with less sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines.2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to QUZYTTIR or any of its ingredients, to levocetirizine, or hydroxyzine.

Warnings and Precautions

The occurrence of somnolence/sedation has been reported in some patients. Advise patients to exercise due caution when driving or operating potentially dangerous machinery. Avoid concurrent use of QUZYTTIR with alcohol or other CNS depressants because additional reduction in alertness and additional impairment of CNS performance may occur.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions (incidence <1%) with QUZYTTIR are dysgeusia, headache, paresthesia, presyncope, dyspepsia, feeling hot, and hyperhidrosis.

The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥2%) with chronic dosing of oral cetirizine hydrochloride in adults are somnolence, fatigue, dry mouth, pharyngitis and dizziness. Adverse reactions observed in pediatric patients with chronic use of oral cetirizine hydrochloride are headache, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, coughing, somnolence, diarrhea, epistaxis, bronchospasm, nausea, and vomiting.

Indication and Usage

QUZYTTIR is indicated for the treatment of acute urticaria in adults and children 6 months of age and older.

Limitations of Use: QUZYTTIR is not recommended in pediatric patients <6 years of age with impaired renal or hepatic function.

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also contact TerSera Therapeutics at 1-844-334-4035 or [email protected].

Please see QUZYTTIR Full Prescribing Information.

(Press release, Esteve, JAN 13, 2026, View Source [SID1234662033])

Zai Lab Highlights Strategic Priorities and Global Pipeline Progress at 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

On January 13, 2026 Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) reported an update on the Company’s 2026 strategic priorities and clinical development progress. These updates will be discussed as part of the Company’s presentation at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PT / 6:00 p.m. ET.

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"Since our founding, we have intentionally built Zai Lab as a dual-engine company – combining a commercially profitable and scaling China business with a global innovation engine that is now reaching a pivotal inflection point," said Samantha Du, Founder, Chairperson, and CEO of Zai Lab. "With Zoci now in Phase 3 and multiple global programs advancing behind it, we are entering our next phase with a highly efficient, globally integrated R&D platform, a strong balance sheet, and the capabilities to execute at scale."

"Our regional business is built around a portfolio of high-impact, first- and best-in-class medicines that are driving durable, multi-year growth," said Josh Smiley, President and Chief Operating Officer of Zai Lab. "This engine provides a strong and growing financial foundation to support our long-term strategic priorities. At the same time, our dual-gateway model and partner-of-choice position enable us to consistently access high-quality innovation and advance those assets efficiently on a global stage."

Zai Lab’s Dual-Engine Strategy

Zai Lab’s differentiated dual-engine model is designed to drive both near-term performance and long-term global value creation. The Company’s commercially profitable and scaling China business provides a strong financial foundation to invest in global innovation. Its fully integrated cross-border R&D platform enables faster, more capital-efficient development of high-quality assets, as demonstrated by Zoci’s rapid advancement from first-in-human studies to global pivotal trials. Together, these two engines uniquely position Zai Lab to build a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company.

Advancing Differentiated Global Programs Across Oncology and Immunology

Zocilurtatug Pelitecan (Zoci or ZL-1310)

Zoci, the Company’s lead global asset and a potential first- and best-in-class DLL3-targeting ADC, is expected to be in three registrational studies by the end of 2026:

2L/3L SCLC (small cell lung cancer): Data demonstrated a 68% overall response rate (ORR) with a favorable safety profile, including low rates of Grade 3+ adverse events and no treatment-related discontinuations at 1.6 mg/kg. A registrational Phase 3 study has been initiated.
1L SCLC: An ongoing Phase 1 combination study with PD-L1 ± chemotherapy is expected to inform the design of a Phase 3 study anticipated to initiate by year-end. A novel combination Phase 1 study is expected to initiate in the first half of 2026.
NEC (neuroendocrine carcinoma): A Phase 1 study is ongoing, with results expected in the first half of 2026. A registration-enabling study is expected to initiate in the second half of 2026.
Other Global Oncology Assets

ZL-6201: A novel LRRC15-targeting ADC designed to disrupt the tumor microenvironment by targeting tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF), enabling potential for broad applicability across multiple solid tumors (sarcoma, breast cancer, NSCLC). Global Phase 1 initiation is expected in 1Q 2026.
ZL-1222: A next-generation PD-1/IL-12 immunocytokine that has demonstrated strong anti-tumor activity in preclinical models, including in PD-1-sensitive and resistant settings, with an improved systemic safety profile. IND-enabling studies are expected to complete this year.
ZL-1311: A next-generation T-cell engager (TCE) targeting MUC17, a promising and druggable antigen overexpressed in up to ~50% of gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. The program represents Zai Lab’s first globally owned TCE and strategically expands our immuno-oncology portfolio while leveraging our established expertise in GI cancers. ZL-1311 is expected to enter global clinical development this year.
Zai Lab is building capabilities in TCEs and exploring additional immunocytokines beyond IL-12, with further details to be provided throughout the year.

ZL-1503: A Novel Dual-Targeting Approach for Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

ZL-1503 is a first-in-class bispecific antibody dual-targeting IL-13 and IL-31R designed to provide rapid itch relief and broad disease control.

The Company anticipates reporting First-in-Human (FIH) data from healthy volunteers in the second half of 2026, paving the way for Phase 2 development in AD patients.
Key Near-Term Regional Launches to Drive Steady Growth

Today, Zai Lab has eight commercial products in China, forming a diversified and durable commercial portfolio. COBENFY is expected to launch in the first half of 2026 through a focused, high-impact commercial strategy, emphasizing physician education, real-world evidence generation, and preparation for potential NRDL inclusion in 2027. Additional near-term launches, including povetacicept and VRDN-003, are expected to add further layers of growth to the regional business. As China’s regulatory and market access environment continues to evolve, Zai Lab is well positioned to deliver long-term growth.

Catalyst-Rich 2026: Granular Milestones to De-Risk Pipeline and Drive Value

2026 is expected to be a defining year for Zai Lab, with multiple high-impact milestones across its global pipeline. Key catalysts include the continued execution of Zoci’s pivotal program, the advancement of multiple novel oncology and immunology assets into the clinic, several anticipated IND filings, and data readouts designed to further validate the Company’s integrated R&D platform. On the regional front, the expected launch of COBENFY and continued growth of existing product franchises are expected to further strengthen the Company’s financial foundation. Together, these milestones are expected to continue to de-risk the pipeline, accelerate value inflection points, and support Zai Lab’s next phase of global growth.

(Press release, Zai Laboratory, JAN 13, 2026, View Source [SID1234662032])

Tahoe Therapeutics and Alloy Therapeutics to Form Joint Venture and Develop First-in-Class Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Hard-to-Treat Cancers

On January 13, 2026 Tahoe Therapeutics and Alloy Therapeutics reported that they are forming a jointly seeded new company focused on developing first-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

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The joint venture will advance two ADC programs directed at novel tumor targets discovered by Tahoe using its proprietary Mosaic platform and large-scale, perturbative single-cell datasets. The collaboration reflects a strong strategic fit between Tahoe’s ability to identify high-confidence, tumor-selective targets using its AI-powered virtual cell models and Alloy’s end-to-end capabilities in biologic drug engineering, ADC design, and company creation through its venture studio 82VS.

Over the past year, Tahoe analyzed a subset of its proprietary multi-million-cell datasets and identified tens of tumor-specific surface antigens, many of which had taken decades to discover previously, and most of which are novel. Tahoe subsequently validated the most promising targets across multiple independent assays and clinical samples. After rigorous evaluation, Alloy recognized the exceptional therapeutic potential of these targets, catalyzing the decision to jointly spin out a dedicated ADC development company around two of them.

"We are excited to partner with Tahoe and were immediately impressed by the depth and quality of biological insight generated by the Mosaic platform," said Errik Anderson, Founder and CEO of Alloy Therapeutics. "With our track record of 20 clinical programs discovered with Alloy platforms and services, including multiple drugs in Phase III, we are well positioned to translate the cutting-edge biology from world-class target rich companies like Tahoe into optimized therapeutics."

Under the structure of the joint venture, Tahoe and Alloy will co-invest, co-build, and co-lead the new company. Tahoe will contribute its novel targets and biomarker insights, while Alloy will provide its ADC engineering platforms, translational development expertise, and 82VS company creation infrastructure. Together, the team aims to efficiently advance both ADC programs to key value-inflection points suitable for independent financing or pharma partnerships.

"Our datasets and AI models are enabling the discovery of novel targets," said Nima Alidoust, co-founder and CEO of Tahoe Therapeutics. "Alloy, which has had a strong track record in developing first-in-class biologics, shares this excitement with us, and that is a strong validation of the biology discovered by our platform. This joint venture is also a preview of the business model our platform enables: building new companies alongside partners with complementary capabilities."

Combining Tahoe’s AI-powered approach to understanding novel tumor biology with Alloy’s fully integrated drug discovery, development, and company creation capabilities creates a highly efficient path to translate novel biologic insights into first-in-class drugs for patients in need.

(Press release, Tahoe Therapeutics, JAN 13, 2026, View Source [SID1234662031])

Modella AI Announces Acquisition by AstraZeneca to Advance AI-Driven Oncology R&D at Global Scale

On January 13, 2026 Modella AI, a leader in artificial intelligence for life sciences, reported that it has been acquired by AstraZeneca, expanding the companies’ existing collaboration to advance the application of multi-modal AI foundation models and AI agents across AstraZeneca’s global oncology portfolio.

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The acquisition follows a multi-year agreement with AstraZeneca announced in July 2025 and will integrate Modella AI’s generative and agentic AI platform into AstraZeneca’s oncology research and development organization, supporting efforts to accelerate clinical development, enhance biomarker discovery, and enable the next wave of data-driven decision-making across the pipeline.

"Oncology drug development is becoming more complex, more data-rich, and more time-sensitive, and our companies expect AI solutions that are not only powerful but truly deployable in global trials and clinical settings," said Gabi Raia, Chief Commercial Officer of Modella AI. "By joining AstraZeneca, we can apply our multimodal foundation models and agentic AI platform across a world-class oncology pipeline to accelerate development and help improve outcomes for patients with cancer," added Jill Stefanelli, PhD, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Modella AI.

"Modella AI was built at the intersection of pathology, clinical data, and advanced generative AI to tackle some of the hardest problems in oncology," said Faisal Mahmood, PhD, co-founder of Modella AI and Professor at Mass General Brigham. "Integrating our foundation models directly into AstraZeneca’s research ecosystem will help translate methodological advances into real-world impact faster."

"AstraZeneca is transforming its drug discovery and clinical development through the deployment of innovative and impactful AI solutions. The acquisition of Modella AI provides state-of-the-art frontier pathology foundation models and AI agents that will continue to enable the development of targeted therapeutics along with diagnostics in our oncology portfolio," said Jorge Reis-Filho, Chief of AI for Science Innovation at AstraZeneca.

The acquisition will embed Modella AI’s multi-modal foundation models and AI agents into AstraZeneca’s oncology R&D environment, enabling the generation of new biological and clinical insights, as well as greater automation, scalability, and consistency across data-intensive workflows. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

(Press release, AstraZeneca, JAN 13, 2026, View Source [SID1234662030])

Bayer Accelerates Pharma Growth on High-Value Portfolio

On January 13, 2026 Bayer AG reported the strategic focus for its Pharmaceuticals Division in 2026 on the occasion of the 44th J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.

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Capitalizing on new launch momentum, the company will drive significant global regulatory expansions and market penetration across its pharmaceutical portfolio. High-value commercial products and an accelerating modality-rich pipeline across oncology, cardiology, neurology, and immunology have firmly cemented the Pharmaceuticals Division’s growth for the coming years. Five pivotal worldwide approvals in 2025 underscore a landmark year of strategic execution, validating the successful advancement of Bayer’s ambitious pharmaceutical growth strategy.

"We are now clearly seeing the success of our strategy. We have fundamentally accelerated Bayer Pharmaceutical’s growth runway with multiple high-impact launches across oncology, cardiology, and women’s health," said Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management, Bayer AG, and President of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. "Our strategic focus remains on delivering transformative medicines to patients faster, powered by our cutting-edge R&D expertise, dynamic operating model, partnership-driven innovation, AI-enabled development, and commitment to commercial excellence. Our Pharmaceuticals Division is poised for sustainable growth over the coming years."

Innovating to capture additional market opportunity in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular medicine

Bayer is advancing its global leadership in cardiovascular disease management through world-class science, strategic partnerships, and a high-value pipeline designed to deliver both patient and shareholder impact.

Asundexian, an investigational, once daily, oral Factor XIa inhibitor, has been investigated as a potential treatment for secondary stroke prevention. Each year, approximately 12 million people worldwide will experience a stroke. Of these, 20-30% will be a recurrent stroke.1,2 Despite available secondary stroke prevention options, the risk of secondary stroke remains high; one in five stroke survivors will have another stroke within five years.3 Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, and recurrent ischemic strokes tend to be more disabling and carry a higher mortality risk than the first stroke.2,4,5 Topline data from the Phase III OCEANIC-STROKE study showed it met its primary safety and efficacy endpoints. OCEANIC-STROKE is the first successfully completed Phase III study of a Factor XIa inhibitor and these results underscore the blockbuster potential of asundexian in secondary stroke prevention. Asundexian has been granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a potential treatment for stroke prevention in patients after a non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke.

Additionally, Bayer is driving forward its global leadership in cardiovascular and renal disease, leveraging integrated capabilities and robust partnerships to unlock new value streams. The FDA and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), among other regulatory authorities, have approved finerenone (marketed as Kerendia) for patients with heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥40%, based on the positive results from the pivotal Phase III study FINEARTS-HF, further building on its established efficacy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes. Applications in HF with LVEF ≥40% are under review in additional markets, including the EU and China. Ongoing, dedicated Phase III heart failure and chronic kidney disease programs (MOONRAKER and THUNDERBALL) continue to evaluate Kerendia’s potential across a broad spectrum of patients and clinical settings of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) conditions. In November 2025, late-breaking, topline data from the Phase III study FINE-ONE presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Kidney Week showed it met its primary safety and efficacy endpoints. For important risk and use information about KERENDIA, please see the full Prescribing Information.

The European Commission granted marketing authorization for Beyonttra (acoramidis), marketed by Bridge Bio in the U.S., to treat wild-type or variant transthyretin amyloidosis in adult patients with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Beyonttra slows the amyloidogenic process that results in ATTR-CM.

Beyond current successes, Bayer is actively shaping the future of cardiology with a robust and diversified pipeline, strategically positioned to address critical unmet needs and drive significant long-term value. This includes AB-1002, an investigational single-dose gene therapy in development for congestive heart failure (CHF) developed together with AskBio Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bayer. AB-1002 is progressing well in Phase II. Its Phase I results were published in Nature Medicine and it has been granted Pioneering Regenerative Medical Product designation (SAKIGAKE) by Japan’s MHLW.

Additionally, Bayer has initiated the Phase II SIRIUS study of BAY-3018250, a first-in-class anti–alpha-2 antiplasmin (α2AP) antibody designed to enable targeted thrombolysis in deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and a Phase I clinical study of BAY-3670549, an investigational, highly selective G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (GIRK4) inhibitor, with the potential to help control the electrical activity of heart cells in patients with atrial fibrillation. Bayer’s commitment to cutting-edge science is further underscored by the company’s licensed dilated cardiomyopathy program with Dewpoint Therapeutics, which leverages condensate biology to develop genotype-guided therapies for dilated cardiomyopathy patients with specific genetic mutations. Concurrently, securing exclusive rights in Japan to aficamten from Cytokinetics—a cardiac myosin inhibitor in development for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—strengthens Bayer’s precision cardiology footprint and expands its strategic market access.

Oncology growth engine: Leveraging blockbuster assets and precision pipeline for future leading position

Bayer’s oncology portfolio is delivering significant patient benefit and commercial success, with blockbuster Nubeqa (darolutamide) continuing its exceptional global uptake, progressing towards a market-leading position. With over 200,000 patients treated worldwide and a third approval in prostate cancer in both the U.S. and Europe, Nubeqa continues its strong growth trajectory. Total global sales are on the rise in all markets. Third approval in China is anticipated in 2026. Its comprehensive clinical development program is exploring Nubeqa’s potential in earlier prostate cancer settings, with two additional Phase III readouts expected in 2027 and 2028. Darolutamide, under the brand name Nubeqa is approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) in combination with ADT, with or without chemotherapy, and with ADT alone in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) in patients who are at high risk of developing metastatic disease. For important risk and use information about Nubeqa, please see the full Prescribing Information.

Adding to this momentum in oncology, the FDA granted accelerated approval for Bayer’s Hyrnuo (sevabertinib) for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who have received prior systemic therapy. Approval followed Breakthrough Therapy Designations from both the FDA and China’s CDE and was based on results from the SOHO-01 study. Bayer received Breakthrough Therapy Designation in the US and China for sevabertinib as a first-line treatment for patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. The Breakthrough Therapy Designations are supported by preliminary clinical evidence from cohort F (patients who had not previously received treatment) of the ongoing Phase I/II SOHO-01 study. Sevabertinib addresses unmet needs for a patient population with limited treatment options. In addition to SOHO-01 the clinical program for sevabertinib includes ongoing trials evaluating its effectiveness as a first-line treatment for HER2-mutant NSCLC and in patients with metastatic solid tumors harboring HER2 activating mutations, excluding advanced NSCLC. For important risk and use information about Hyrnuo, please see the full Prescribing Information.

As pioneers in Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT), Bayer was instrumental in helping establish Targeted Alpha Therapies (TATs) as a standard of care for patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastases. The EORTC PEACE III study evaluating radium-223 dichloride (marketed as Xofigo) in combination with enzalutamide met its primary endpoint. An additional Phase III clinical study with radium-223 dichloride will be completed in 2026 and will guide decisions regarding future regulatory steps. Radium-223 dichloride is approved under the brand name Xofigo in over 50 countries for mCRPC patients with symptomatic bone metastases and no known visceral metastatic disease. For important risk and use information about Xofigo, please see the full Prescribing Information.

Bayer’s oncology pipeline is advancing precision-driven therapies, making pivotal progress by targeting challenging tumor types and previously undruggable mechanisms, proteins or pathways resistant to current therapies. This includes multiple investigational agents for KRAS-mutant cancers (an internal SOS1 inhibitor, and a partnership with Kumquat for a KRAS G12D inhibitor), next-generation TATs (225Ac-GPC3 for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma), and a PRMT5 inhibitor (from Suzhou Puhe BioPharma) for MTAP-deleted tumors, all of which have entered Phase I. Further strengthening its discovery engine, Bayer secured worldwide rights to the clinical-stage Werner helicase inhibitor (VVD 214) via Vividion, whose R&D capabilities were expanded through new facilities and the acquisition of Tavros Therapeutics. These strategic investments underscore Bayer’s commitment to driving groundbreaking innovation and securing long-term growth in oncology.

Menopause management: advancing care for women with diverse needs

Bayer achieved a big step forward in women’s health with the recent regulatory approvals of Lynkuet (elinzanetant) for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause. It is the only hormone-free therapy approved in the EU for both moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause or caused by adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer. These milestones follow consistent positive results across all four Phase III clinical studies (OASIS 1- 4). For important risk and use information about Lynkuet, please see the full Prescribing Information.

Developing a comprehensive cell and gene therapy (CGT) portfolio

Multiple regulatory priority designations granted by authorities in the U.S., Europe and Japan and across Bayer’s CGT portfolio reflect the potential of these programs to deliver transformative patient impact. Bemdaneprocel, an investigational cell therapy designed to replace the dopamine producing neurons that are lost in Parkinson’s disease, developed with Bayer’s wholly owned subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics, entered pivotal evaluation in a Phase III study. AskBio’s ametefgene parvec (AB-1005), an investigational gene therapy, is being assessed in a Phase II study in moderate stage Parkinson’s disease. The first participant has been randomized in Germany while recruitments in the U.S., UK and Poland are ongoing. In ophthalmology, BlueRock’s OpCT-001, an iPSC-derived photoreceptor cell therapy for primary photoreceptor diseases, received FDA Fast Track designation and is progressing in its Phase I/IIa study.

Radiology: Advancing innovation and expanding into Molecular Imaging

Bayer continues to advance innovation in medical imaging with gadoquatrane, its investigational low-dose magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) contrast designed to reduce the gadolinium dose by up to 60% compared to other macrocyclic MRI contrast agents. Building on positive Phase III results, Bayer has submitted marketing authorization applications in key markets worldwide, including the U.S., EU, Japan, and China. Complementing progress in its existing portfolio, Bayer announced the strategic acquisition of two investigational radiotracers – AT-01 (a Positron Emission Tomography or PET tracer in Phase III of clinical development) and AT-05 (a tracer for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography, or SPECT, currently in Phase I) – for the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. This step marks Bayer’s entry into diagnostic tracers and underscores its ambition to expand in molecular imaging, aiming to broaden diagnostic options and enhance patient outcomes.

(Press release, Bayer, JAN 13, 2026, View Source [SID1234662029])