Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
U.K. government to provide funding to science and tech sectors
- The U.K. government has committed to spending £86 billion in the science and technology industries by the end of the current Parliament in 2029.
- With a focus on biotech, the government hopes the package will increase and speed up drug discovery activities and secure the U.K.’s reputation for science on the world stage, the BBC writes.
$1.25 billion acquisition of mRNA company announced
- A large mRNA specialist has announced the acquisition of an mRNA vaccine developer in an all-stock deal valued at $1.25 billion. According to Fierce Biotech, this acquisition aims to strengthen research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy candidates.
- The deal will combine complementary scientific capabilities and proprietary technologies to advance innovative cancer treatments and establish new standards of care.
ASH pledges support to researchers who have lost federal funding
- The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has pledged over $12 million to support hematology research, addressing the recent cuts to federal research grants and programs.
- The funding includes nearly $9 million in research awards, targeting early-career researchers and providing bridge grants for those who applied to National Institute of Health’s R01 grant program, but were rejected. Per Fierce Biotech, ASH’s new Multifaceted Approach to Research and Regulatory Challenges to Hematology, or MARRCH, program aims to improve networking and fundraising, and advocates for the reinstatement of NIH funding.
New members appointed to CDC’s vaccine advisory
- The Health and Human Services secretary removed all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and appointed eight new members, including known vaccine critics.
- According to Fierce Healthcare, the decision has sparked criticism from medical associations and experts who worry about the lack of transparency and proper vetting in the selection process.
CDC reinstates hundreds of previously fired employees
- The CDC rehired approximately 460 previously terminated employees, including those from viral disease prevention efforts and sexual health testing labs.
- Per BioSpace, the reinstatement followed protests at the CDC headquarters where current and retired employees criticized recent staffing and budget cuts.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
