Akebia Therapeutics and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals (based in Cambridge and Boston, respectively) have announced a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine in an all-stock merger. The transaction will create a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company called Akebia Therapeutics focused on chronic kidney disease (CKD), with an implied pro forma equity value of approximately $1.3 […]

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Bayer are launching the Precision Cardiology Laboratory (PCL), a new endeavor that will pursue scientific insights aimed at developing new therapies for heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, more than 900,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure every year in the United States. The condition, […]

Bedford-based Kaleido Biosciences, a clinical-stage healthcare company developing novel chemistries to drive functions of the microbiome organ, has raised $101 million in an oversubscribed Series C financing. Kaleido plans to use the proceeds from this financing to advance its pipeline, including conducting multiple clinical studies across several therapeutic areas, and to expand its platform. “We […]

WuXi Biologics of Shanghai has announced that it plans to invest $60 million and hire approximately 150 employees to establish a state-of-the-art biologics clinical and commercial manufacturing facility in Worcester. The Worcester facility will be WuXi Biologics’ first overseas site in the U.S. WuXi Biologics is a leading global platform company providing end-to-end solutions for […]

Sage Therapeutics has announced its expedited development plan for SAGE-217 following a Breakthrough Therapy meeting with the FDA. This development plan is intended to support a potential filing for approval of SAGE-217 in the U.S. for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and postpartum depression (PPD). “Sage is excited to receive feedback from the […]

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has announced the establishment of the Henri A. Termeer Biotechnology Visionary Award – created in honor of the late Genzyme CEO who was instrumental in transforming Boston into a thriving hub of life science research, development and innovation. The award was presented yesterday in Boston at the 2018 BIO International Convention to Dr. Sue […]

In October 2017, the NIH and 11 leading biopharmaceutical companies launched PACT (the Partnership for Accelerating Cancer Therapies), a five-year public-private research collaboration totaling $215 million as part of the Cancer Moonshot.  PACT will initially focus on efforts to identify, develop and validate robust biomarkers — standardized biological markers of disease and treatment response — […]

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has presented Governor Charlie Baker with its 2018 Governor of the Year award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening the bioscience industry within Massachusetts. Governor Baker received the award in conjunction with the 2018 BIO International Convention being held in Boston this week. “The Commonwealth’s life sciences sector is successful […]

With construction slated to begin this spring, Alkermes’ new, 220,000-square-foot laboratory and office facility will enable the company to expand both its research and development capabilities and comfortably accommodate its growing staff. Davis Marcus Partners has announced they will develop the new building for Alkermes on the company’s Reservoir Woods Campus in Waltham. The new […]