Biotech entrepreneurs tend to be an optimistic group, and there were many pockets of hope for 2024. However, the consensus remains that depressed valuations and paucity of fresh funds will continue to pose a challenge for the sector, and companies will need to prioritize carefully and work even harder to demonstrate and create value.

French pharma gets global rights at the start of Phase II for the US biotech’s preclinical program for inhibiting the STAT6 protein in respiratory and dermatologic disorders.

The acceleration of efforts to increase diversity among clinical trial subjects is expected to continue in 2023. Furthermore, many executives hope for greater inclusivity within companies, from new recruits to leadership.

Private Company Edition: Recent VC financings across biopharma sectors include three major mega-rounds as Generate Biomedicines bringing in $370m, followed by $250m for Acelyrin and $125m for Chroma Medicine. Also, Treadwell raised a $91m series B and Ncardia brought in $60m-plus.