On July 1, 2026 Nona Biosciences ("Nona"), a global biotechnology company advancing biologics discovery and development through innovativetechnology platforms, reported a strategic collaboration with Lonza to develop best-in-class single-domain antibody–based blood-brain barrier (BBB)-crossing technology for central nervous system (CNS) diseases.

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This collaboration will leverage Nona Biosciences’ proprietary Harbour Mice fully human HCAb platform to discover and develop next-generation single-domain antibody-based blood-brain barrier (BBB)-crossing technologies. Leveraging the platform’s proven ability to generate fully human HCAbs and VHH binders with exceptional affinity and developability, the partnership aims to establish a best-in-class BBB-crossing technology capable of enabling the delivery of a diverse range of therapeutic modalities into the central nervous system (CNS) and unlocking new opportunities in CNS drug development and technology licensing. As part of the collaboration, Lonza’s protein development expertise, world-leading GS Gene Expression System and GlycoConnect bioconjugation technology will complement Nona’s platform by supporting the optimization and broader application of selected BBB-crossing candidates.

Under the terms of the agreement, Nona is entitled to receive upfront and option payments from Lonza. The parties will also share revenues generated from future licensing agreements pursuant to the collaboration.

Dr. Jingsong Wang, Chairman of Nona Biosciences, commented: "This partnership reflects validates Nona’s platform and strategic focus in next-generation delivery technologies. Lonza’s global reach, regulatory expertise, and commercial manufacturing capabilities will help accelerate the advancement of our BBB-crossing-technology. Beyond technology development, the collaboration creates opportunities for licensing, commercialization and long-term value creation, while strengthening our position in the CNS delivery space and supporting better outcomes for patients."

Dr. Di Hong, Chief Executive Officer of Nona Biosciences, added: "We are excited to partner with Lonza to develop and commercialize best-in-class BBB-crossing technologies for CNS diseases. This collaboration underscores the power and versatility of our HCAb Harbour Mice platform and its ability to generate differentiated, fully human single-domain binders that can tackle the most challenging delivery barriers in drug development. By combining our platform with Lonza’s services and development and manufacturing expertise, we are confident to offer next-generation BBB-crossing solutions that can unlock new treatment paradigms for patients suffering from devastating CNS disorders."

Peter Droc, Head of Licensing, Lonza, commented: "With the acquisition of IP rights to Nona’s BBB-crossing technology and through our continued collaboration, we are immediately enabling our customers to translate promising CNS assets into viable therapeutics. By combining this with flexible CDMO services, we allow partners to engage with us at any stage of their journey – from technology licensing to fully integrated development and commercial manufacturing – reducing complexity and helping accelerate the path to patients."

(Press release, Nona Biosciences, JUL 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234669036])

On July 1, 2026 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) and Memo Therapeutics AG reported they have entered into a definitive share purchase agreement under which Ipsen has agreed to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Memo Therapeutics AG. The anticipated acquisition is focused on potravitug, which is a Phase II clinical-stage antibody against the BK polyomavirus (BKPyV). BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is a serious and frequent clinical complication in renal transplanted patients that can lead to graft loss and transplant failure. Potravitug was granted fast-track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2023 and orphan drug designation in the European Union in December 2025.

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"This acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering transformative solutions for patients with significant unmet needs," said Christelle Huguet, PhD, EVP, Head of R&D, Ipsen. "With potravitug, we have the opportunity to add a promising first-in-class asset to our rare disease pipeline and address the significant clinical consequences of BK virus–associated nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients, where current standards of care can compromise transplant success and graft outcomes."

Potravitug is a monoclonal antibody directed against the BK virus VP1 capsid protein. It acts by blocking viral attachment and cellular entry, thereby preventing infection of host cells and subsequent viral replication. The Phase II SAFE Kidney II triali is the largest placebo-controlled clinical trial for the treatment of BKPyVAN in kidney transplanted patients with 95 patients across 22 sites in the U.S. Topline results demonstrated efficacy with potravitug, including higher rates of ≥1-log10 viral load reduction or undetectable levels compared to placebo at week 20 alongside histological improvement in BKPyVAN. The totality of data showed strong clinical value with potravitug demonstrating a sustained and significant antiviral effect and reduced the incidence of BKPyVAN. 24.4% of treated patients achieved undetectable BKPyV-DNAemia by week 38 versus 13.0% in the placebo group, with >2-log10 viral load reductions occurring in 40.3% versus 24.7% of patients, respectively. By week 20, biopsy-proven BKPyVAN had declined from 51.2% to 31.6% in the potravitug group, with no change observed in the placebo group. Potravitug was well tolerated, with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported. Following the update at the European Renal Association Congress last month, the full SAFE KIDNEY II dataset presented at ATC 2026 further strengthen the clinical rationale for potravitug ahead of the planned SAFE KIDNEY III trial initiation later this year.

Erik van den Berg, CEO of Memo Therapeutics AG commented, "Today marks a pivotal moment in the Memo Therapeutics AG journey and validates years of scientific innovation. We are thrilled to have attracted Ipsen to take this important medicine forward. With its deep expertise in developing and commercializing medicines for rare diseases, Ipsen can ensure that this breakthrough asset reaches its full potential to deliver a life changing difference for thousands of kidney transplant patients with BKPyV infection."

"BK polyomavirus associated nephropathy is a significant clinical challenge in kidney transplant recipients," said Darshana Dadhania, MD, MS, FAST, medical director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program, assistant director of the Immunogenetics and Histocompatibility Lab and an associate professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. "With no approved targeted treatment, clinicians are forced to reduce immunosuppressive therapy which increases the risk of graft rejection and graft loss. Given the frequency and serious consequences of BK virus reactivation, there remains an urgent need for effective therapy that avoids this trade-off."

Transaction details
Under the terms of the agreements, shareholders of Memo Therapeutics AG will receive a 200 million EUR payment on a cash-free and debt-free basis at closing of the transaction, and deferred payments contingent upon the achievement of specified development, regulatory approval and sales-based milestones, for a total potential consideration in excess of 700 million EUR. As a condition precedent to closing the transaction, Memo Therapeutics AG’s assets and employees not related to potravitug, will be transferred to a newly incorporated company, Memorises Bio, retained by Memo Therapeutics AG’s shareholders.

The transaction is expected to close during Q3 2026, subject to fulfilment of customary closing conditions. The impact of this proposed mid-stage acquisition is factored into Ipsen’s current full-year guidance.

Advisors
Kate Romain, Anne Robert and Juliette Grouzet of Bredin Prat (Paris) and Andreas Rötheli, Floran Ponce and Federico Trabaldo Togna of Lenz & Staehelin (Switzerland) were acting as legal counsel to Ipsen. Centerview Partners is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Memo Therapeutics AG with Goodwin (London) and Baker McKenzie (Switzerland) acting as legal counsel.

About potravitug
Potravitug is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) reactivation in kidney transplant recipients. It has shown promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating a significant viral response and resolution of BKPyV associated nephropathy. These findings are based on the Phase II SAFE KIDNEY II trial, the largest placebo-controlled study conducted in this patient population, with additional analyses presented at leading international renal and transplant congresses further supporting its clinical profile and the next stages of clinical development.

About BK polyomavirus
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a common virus that most people are exposed to in childhood and usually remains inactive in the body.ii However, in people with a weakened immune system, including kidney transplant recipients taking anti-rejection medication, the virus can reactivate and multiply. Around 90% of kidney transplant recipients are positive for BKPyV serotype,iii and high levels of BKPyV in the blood affect approximately 30% of patients within the first year after transplant indicating reactivation of the virus.iv BK polyomavirus reactivation and associated nephropathy (BKVAN) can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of graft loss and the need for dialysis or re-transplantation. There are currently no approved targeted therapies for BKPyV and clinical management is focused on balancing graft protection with BKPyV control through reducing the immunosuppression.v,vi Over 100,000 kidney transplants are performed each year worldwide, and in the U.S. >28,000 are performed each year, with a further >90,000 patients on the waiting list for a transplant.

(Press release, Ipsen, JUL 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234669035])

On July 1, 2026 Valerio Therapeutics (FR0010095596 – ALVIO), a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation precision-guided RNA therapeutics ("Valerio" or the "Company"), reported that it has signed a binding offer for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of etherna immunotherapies NV ("etherna") (the "Acquisition").

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etherna is a leading technology platform company pioneering the development of mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies, including manufacturing up to GMP. With over a decade of expertise, etherna has built an integrated suite of proprietary technologies, including customizable lipid nanoparticles (cLNPs) and advanced mRNA chemistry, enabling the development and delivery of differentiated RNA therapeutics.

The Creation of a Global Leader in Targeted RNA Medicines
The Acquisition marks a major milestone in Valerio’s strategy to become a global leader in targeted nucleic acid medicines. By uniting three complementary technology platforms – nucleic acid chemistry, LNP delivery and targeted moiety engineering – within a fully integrated biotech supported by in-house manufacturing capabilities, the Acquisition positions Valerio to accelerate the development of next-generation RNA medicines targeting cells beyond the liver.

The Acquisition combines Valerio’s proprietary sdAb-targeting and conjugation technologies with Etherna’s mRNA and LNP capabilities. Together, these technologies enable targeted delivery of nucleic acid payloads to specific cell types and tissues, while in-house GMP manufacturing and CMC capabilities address a key bottleneck many nucleic acid companies face when scaling programs into the clinic.

The Acquisition would create a fully integrated RNA medicines company with a proprietary pipeline and the capabilities to discover, develop and manufacture its own product candidates, with the ambition to advance at least two programs in immunological indications through IND-enabling studies and into the clinic within 18 to 24 months. The lead program demonstrates the potential of the combined platform, focused on the development of an in vivo CAR-T approach to target and modulate pathological B- and T cells in immunological diseases. Furthermore, the company aims to unlock substantial partnership, co-development, and licensing opportunities with major pharmaceutical companies seeking to extend nucleic acid medicines beyond the liver and into a broader spectrum of tissues and indications, while continuing to support existing collaborations and partnerships through its manufacturing capabilities.

Today’s announcement follows the appointment of Gilles Besin as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Besin brings more than 20 years of experience in drug discovery, immunology, and RNA-based medicine, and has played a key role in building and scaling several biotechnology companies. Most recently, he served as Chief Scientific Officer at Orbital Therapeutics, an in vivo CAR‑T company that leveraged targeted LNP technology and was acquired by BMS in 2025. Following the acquisition, he led BMS’s RNA and in vivo CAR‑T programs. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Affinivax, playing a key role in the acquisition by GSK, and Moderna.

"The acquisition of Etherna is a transformative moment for Valerio, propelling us toward our vision of building a fully integrated RNA therapeutics company. By bringing together Etherna’s cutting-edge science with our proprietary targeted delivery technologies, we are creating a powerful engine for innovation. Together, these capabilities position us to efficiently and confidently advance the next generation of RNA medicines beyond the liver, opening new therapeutic frontiers and expanding what is possible for patients worldwide." said Gilles Besin, Ph.D., CEO of Valerio.

"This transaction represents a natural next step in Etherna’s mission to unlock the full potential of nucleic acid-based medicines. Together with Valerio, we will have the scientific capabilities, leadership and ambition to translate these technologies into a growing pipeline of targeted medicines, building long-term value while advancing novel therapies for patients – while continuing to support our partners in discovery, development and manufacturing." said Bernard Sagaert, CEO of etherna.

Terms and Conditions of the Acquisition
The acquisition of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of etherna is contemplated for a total enterprise value of €30 million, subject to customary adjustments.
The Acquisition would be settled through a mix of:
(i) a cash consideration, fully backed by committed financing from Valerio’s existing shareholders; and
(ii) a share consideration consisting of contribution in kind of etherna shares (the "Contributions") to the Company.

The Acquisition is supported by leading life sciences investors, with key etherna shareholders becoming Valerio shareholders as part of the transaction, reflecting confidence in the strategic vision and value creation.
Completion of the Acquisition remains subject to (i) applicable regulatory approvals in the relevant jurisdictions, including foreign direct investment control, (ii) finalizing of the transaction documentation (iii) completion of a financing pursuant to outstanding shareholders’ resolutions, fully secured by subscription undertakings from Valerio’s existing shareholders up to the cash consideration, and (iv) the approval by Valerio’s shareholders of the Contributions at an extraordinary general meeting to be convened for that purpose, secured by voting undertakings from shareholders representing more than 70% of the voting rights, whose decision shall be based in particular on a report by a contributions auditor assessing the fairness of the contribution transaction.
The parties have entered a 6-week exclusivity period to finalize the definitive transaction documentation required in the context of the contemplated Acquisition, in accordance with the provisions of the binding offer.

The binding offer has received the unanimous approval of etherna’s board of directors.

Advisors
Van Lanschot Kempen NV is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Valerio Therapeutics with Goodwin Procter LLP serving as legal counsel.
Moelis & Company is serving as financial advisor to etherna with Deloitte serving as legal counsel.

(Press release, eTheRNA, JUL 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234669034])

On July 1, 2026 Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: CPIX), a U.S. biopharmaceutical company, reported the closing on an agreement with subsidiary of Apotex Health Corp. ("Apotex"), the largest Canadian-based pharmaceutical company, to integrate their branded U.S. businesses. Under the terms of the agreement, Apotex has acquired Cumberland’s line of branded pharmaceuticals for cash consideration of $100 million funded at closing, which followed approval by Cumberland’s shareholders.

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"We are pleased to complete this value-creating transaction, which was strongly supported by our shareholders with over 99% of the votes cast in favor of the transaction," said A.J. Kazimi, CEO of Cumberland. "This milestone significantly strengthens our financial position, enabling us to focus on the large market opportunities associated with our pipeline programs. Our goals are to deliver innovative new products to improve patient care, while continuing to build value for our shareholders."

Cumberland has retained its robust portfolio of innovative product candidates and its majority ownership position in Cumberland Emerging Technologies Inc. Following the closing, Cumberland will focus its resources on developing ifetroban, a potent thromboxane antagonist currently being studied across clinical programs targeting serious rare and progressive diseases:

· Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy:
Cumberland announced breakthrough results in a Phase II clinical study of ifetroban in patients with cardiomyopathy associated with this rare, fatal genetic neuromuscular disease. Interactions with the FDA have been underway regarding study results and requirements for approval. The program has received FDA Orphan Drug, Rare Pediatric Disease and Fast Track designations.

· Systemic Sclerosis:
Cumberland has conducted a Phase II clinical study evaluating the safety of ifetroban in patients with this debilitating autoimmune disorder. Evaluation of the study data is underway with top-line results anticipated as the next milestone.

· Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis:
A Phase II study evaluating ifetroban in patients with the most common form of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease is actively enrolling at medical centers across the U.S.. Favorable interim safety findings have been announced and the next milestone is the announcement of the efficacy results.

· Cancer Metastasis:
Cumberland, in collaboration with Vanderbilt Health, recently announced the results of a Pilot Study of ifetroban in patients with high-risk solid tumors. The findings suggests the potential to block cancer metastasis, as a favorable trend was identified with fewer deaths due to metastatic disease in those receiving ifetroban rather than a placebo. The Phase 2 clinical trial also found ifetroban to be safe and well tolerated in the oncology patients, supporting further development of the drug to prevent cancer metastasis.

(Press release, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, JUL 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234669033])

On July 1, 2026 Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs targeting oncological and inflammatory diseases, reported that its Phase 2a study evaluating Namodenoson in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma achieved its primary safety endpoint and demonstrated durable overall survival outcomes.

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The open-label Phase IIa study enrolled 20 patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who had progressed following standard therapies. Fourteen patients received Namodenoson as third-line treatment, five as second-line treatment, and one as fourth-line treatment. Namodenoson was well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with prior clinical trials.

Following extended follow-up, an updated survival analysis was performed in the third-line population, focusing on the eight patients who survived at least two months after treatment initiation, thereby excluding patients with rapidly progressive disease unlikely to derive benefit from systemic therapy.

Among the eight evaluable third-line patients:

● Median overall survival exceeded 5 months

● 62.5% of patients survived five months or longer

● 37.5% survived seven months or longer

● Two patients remain alive at the data cutoff, including one patient continuing treatment and another followed for almost nine months

● Durable disease control was observed, including progression-free survival extending beyond seven months.

The findings identify a subset of heavily pretreated pancreatic cancer patients achieving prolonged survival despite receiving Namodenoson as third-line therapy, supporting further clinical development of Namodenoson.

Notably, among the five patients treated in the second-line setting, one patient remains alive more than 18 months after initiation of Namodenoson therapy, representing the longest survivor in the study.

Prof. Salomon Stemmer, who is leading the Phase 2a study and is an oncology key opinion leader and Professor at the Davidoff Institute of Oncology, Rabin Medical Center, Israel, commented: "Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult malignancies to treat, particularly after failure of standard therapies. The results of Namodenoson monotherapy are impressive and the favorable safety profile together with the prolonged survival observed in a subgroup of patients, suggest biological activity worthy of further investigation. Based on these findings and the growing preclinical evidence demonstrating enhancement of chemotherapy activity, I believe the next logical step is evaluation of Namodenoson in combination with chemotherapy."

Based on these findings and discussions with the study’s principal investigator, Can-Fite plans to advance Namodenoson into a Phase 2b combination study with chemotherapy. The decision follows recently published peer-reviewed preclinical data demonstrating that Namodenoson (2-Cl-IB-MECA) enhances the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic agents in pancreatic cancer models by simultaneously inhibiting multiple tumor proliferation and drug-resistance pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin and Hedgehog signalling, while reducing expression of multidrug-resistance proteins. The publication further demonstrated that Namodenoson increased chemosensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells, providing a strong mechanistic rationale for combination therapy

About Namodenoson

Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for advanced liver cancer, concluded successfully a Phase 2a study in pancreatic cancer and is enrolling patients in a Phase 2b trial for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential expression may be one of the important factors that accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug.

(Press release, Can-Fite BioPharma, JUL 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234669032])