More than 100 biopharma executives and experts told Scrip their predictions for therapeutic area advances in the coming year. The recent commercial success of GLP-1s in diabetes and obesity and their potential in further disease areas fuelled excitement around the metabolic space. Expectations were also positive in neurology following the launch of Leqembi for Alzheimer’s disease in 2023, while the multiple opportunities to improve cancer treatment kept oncology top of the pile overall.

Novartis revealed detailed terms and a 4 October spin-off date for Sandoz’s standalone debut. Also, MIRA launched a small IPO, but two firms plan to go public in SPAC mergers. Also, Mirati’s $345m offering leads follow-ons offerings and Sangon Biotech raised $290m in venture capital.

Seattle biotech raised $36m series A in March, now obtains glaucoma and AMD drug candidates along with delivery technology. Alligator, Orion partner on bispecific antibodies for cancer.