Billion-Dollar Molecules: M4 Modulators, GLP-1 Biased Agonists, and an SSTR2 Radiotherapy

In 2022, Turning Point Therapeutics ($TPTX) was acquired by BMS for a whopping $4.1 billion in cash. In November 2023, the most advanced molecule from Turning Point, repotrectinib, was approved for the treatment of ROS1+ NSCLC. This article explores the science behind repotrectinib, what made Turning Point so valuable, how we know, and what's next. [...]

In April 2024, there were promising examples of drug repurposing, significant clinical and regulatory milestones for therapies aimed at rare and pediatric diseases, the initiation of a rolling NDA submission for suzetrigine, substantial billion-dollar acquisitions, and positive trial results were reported for both a D1/D5 receptor agonist and a PARP1 inhibitor. However, the industry also had setbacks as demonstrated by the failed clinical trials for an MNK inhibitor and an NMDA receptor modulator. In case you missed anything, here’s a recap of the most notable news highlights from April 2024!

Among the small molecule highlights in January’s news were a $100M+ Series A for a PARP1 + PI3Kα-focused company, clinical data with an SLC inhibitor for PKU, a 5-HT2C superagonist for seizures, and a NK1,3 dual antagonist for women’s health. A novel anti-obesity agent from phenotypic screening also made headlines, and the close of a major acquisition may bring relief to the industry. You can read about these notable scientific highlights and more below.

It’s always nice to see a small molecule making the front page of the news , especially when it’s a Molecule of the Month from last year! Pfizer and ReViral announced an agreement for Pfizer to acquire ReViral for up to $525 million, including milestones (amount upfront not disclosed). ReViral’s lead molecule sisunatovir, is an oral [...]

In May 2024, several significant transactions worth millions and billions of dollars took place to advance next-generation neuroplastogens, KRAS G12C inhibitors, Pompe disease treatments, and molecular glues. We also highlight positive clinical readouts for hot targets such as tetrameric transthyretin (TTR) stabilizers, Hedgehog pathway inhibitors, plasma kallikrein inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP-1) inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Here's a recap of the most notable news highlights from May 2024!