AstraZeneca has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Icosavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICVX), a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing differentiated, high-potential vaccines using an innovative, protein virus-like particle (VLP) platform.

The proposed acquisition will build on AstraZeneca's expertise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), strengthening AstraZeneca's Vaccines & Immune Therapies late-stage pipeline with Icosavax's lead investigational vaccine candidate, IVX-A12. IVX-A12 is a potential first-in- class, Phase III-ready, combination protein VLP vaccine which targets both RSV and human metapneumovirus (hMPV),

Salus Optima, a leading provider in AI-enabled digital health and wellness solutions, and the Consumer Health division of Bayer have launched a strategic partnership to empower people on their healthy aging journey. The partnership elevates the shared aspiration of both companies to transform self-care by offering precision health solutions to enable consumers to better understand and make informed decisions about their own personal health and lifestyle choices.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced topline data from the Phase 2b clinical trial (NCT04707313) investigating its oral Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) candidate, danuglipron (PF-06882961), in adults with obesity and without type 2 diabetes. The study met its primary endpoint demonstrating statistically significant change in body weight from baseline.

Hurdle, a pioneer in diagnostic testing, and the Consumer Health division of Bayer have launched a strategic partnership to advance consumer innovations in the emerging area of healthy aging. The partnership is designed to enhance the companies' shared ambition to transform self-care through personalized solutions.

Bayer has added a brand new manufacturing facility to its global supply chain network. The new production plant was inaugurated today at the company's global pharmaceutical headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The facility features state-of-the-art technology, innovative production, and automated processes.

Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, “Astellas”) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced that the companies received an approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a supplemental New Drug Application for XTANDI® (enzalutamide), following FDA expedited development and review programs (Priority Review designation, Fast Track designation, Real-time Oncology Review), based on results from the Phase 3 EMBARK trial.

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of subcutaneous (SC, or under the skin) Tecentriq® (atezolizumab). Tecentriq SC can be injected in approximately seven minutes, with most injections taking between four and eight minutes compared with 30-60 minutes for intravenous (IV) infusion, which can free up time for patients, healthcare teams and caregivers.