Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
Life sciences vacancy rates rise in North Carolina’s Triangle region
- Life sciences building vacancy rates in North Carolina’s Triangle region has increased from 8.7% in the middle of last year to 14.3% in the second quarter of this year, reflecting a broader trend in commercial real estate, reports Axios.
- Despite the rise in vacancies, demand for biotech space remains strong, supported by the region’s continued growth in the life sciences sector.
Sustainability drives growth in biopharma despite challenges in measuring return on investment
- Per Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, a global Cytiva survey found that 63% of biopharma leaders view sustainability as a key differentiator for growth, yet 76% struggle to measure sustainability return on investment.
- The report highlights how strong sustainability performance boosts brand reputation and revenue, though collaboration across the value chain is essential to improve industry-wide environmental impact.
U.S. biopharma companies under scrutiny for collaborations with Chinese military
- BioSpace reports that U.S. lawmakers are raising concerns about biopharma companies collaborating with the Chinese military on clinical trials, citing ethical and intellectual property risks.
- The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate these partnerships, highlighting potential exploitation of Uyghur populations and the co-opting of U.S. intellectual property by China’s National Security Law.
Medtech sector sees renewed IPO and acquisition activity
- According to MedCity News, after a lull in exits, the second quarter had several medtech startups pursue initial public offerings and acquisitions.
- While IPOs are expected to increase by the end of the year, mergers and acquisitions are predicted to remain more prevalent, with significant deals likely delayed until next year until after the election cycle.
Roche expands mpox testing in response to WHO global emergency
- Following the World Health Organization’s recent declaration of mpox as a global health emergency, Roche is scaling up its diagnostic testing capabilities worldwide, with a focus on PCR tests for rapid detection, as reported by Fierce Biotech.
- Roche is collaborating with partners to strengthen laboratory infrastructure globally and provide crucial testing in regions heavily affected by the outbreak, especially in Africa.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
