Among the newer modalities to tackle cancer, antibody-drug conjugates are fast emerging to rival targeted antibodies and China is fast emerging as a world class source of innovation in the field, as evidenced by a string of recent deals.

Emerging Company Profile: BioAge has Phase Ib proof-of-concept data in age-related muscle loss and is gearing up for its first Phase II study, but will need fresh cash or a partner for a potential weight loss-related muscle loss study.

South Korean firm AriBio is planning to expand global Phase III trials for its oral Alzheimer’s disease candidate following an IND approval at home. Patient enrolment in a US trial began late last year.

Plus deals involving ASLAN/Zenyaku Kogyo, AstraZeneca/Cholsegen, Astellas/Cullgen, AbCellera/Confo, Blue Water/WraSer, Solve/Cereius, Prime Medicine/Cimeio, Evox/Codiak, PharmaTher/Vitruvias and Adverum/Ray.