Pharmaceutical Industry Roundup: Major Developments in HIV Treatment, Cancer Therapies, and Aging Research

Gilead Sciences has taken a significant step in global HIV prevention, while new cancer therapies and aging research collaborations are making waves in the pharmaceutical landscape. Meanwhile, leadership changes and strategic partnerships are reshaping several biotech companies.

Gilead's Landmark HIV Prevention Agreement

Gilead Sciences has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to supply its HIV prevention drug lenacapavir at no profit to low and lower-middle-income countries. This three-year deal will provide enough doses to treat up to 2 million people until generic versions become available.

The agreement builds on Gilead's previous efforts, including an October licensing deal for manufacturing and distribution rights in many of these countries. Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection, received FDA approval for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis last month, potentially redefining the PrEP market.

Advancements in Cancer and Aging-Related Therapies

The FDA has granted accelerated approval to Zegfrovy, an oral lung cancer drug developed by China-based Dizal Pharma. This treatment targets non-small cell lung cancer with an epidermal growth factor receptor exon 20 insertion mutation in patients whose disease has progressed following chemotherapy. Zegfrovy will be the only oral drug on the market for this specific patient population, following the withdrawal of Takeda's Exkivity.

In the field of aging-related diseases, Chugai Pharmaceutical has announced a collaboration with Singapore-based Gero, committing up to $250 million to develop antibody drugs. This partnership leverages Gero's discovery technology to identify biological targets active in aging-related diseases, while Chugai retains exclusive rights for drug development and commercialization.

Strategic Moves and Leadership Changes in Biotech

Arvinas CEO John Houston has announced his intention to step down following the search and appointment of a new CEO. Houston, who joined the company in 2017 and became CEO shortly after, will continue as chairman of the board. His tenure saw significant advancements in Arvinas's "PROTAC" drugmaking technology, including the development of vepdegestrant.

Recursion Pharmaceuticals is expanding its portfolio through a deal with RallyBio, paying $7.5 million upfront for shares and up to $25 million total for rights to jointly developed treatments for hypophosphatasia. This move gives Recursion control of the drug REV102 and a backup molecule, while extending RallyBio's operational runway through mid-2027.