VG-3927

Plus, news about Vigil Neuroscience, AC Immune and Athira Pharma: Capricor Therapeutics, Nippon Shinyaku expand commercial pact into Europe: The new deal builds off an existing partnership for a Duchenne muscular dystrophy candidate in the US and Japan. Nippon Shinyaku will now be in charge of distribution and commercialization in Europe, with Capricor earning $20 million upfront, $15 million in an equity investment and up to $715 million in milestone payments. Capricor’s stock $CAPR was up about 8% on Tuesday morning. — Max Bayer Ripple Therapeutics inks deal with AbbVie for eye treatment: The drugmaker is paying $21.8 million upfront to license RTC-620, an experimental implant that delivers a treatment that reduces intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. According to the deal, Ripple can get up to $290 million in fees and milestones, plus tiered royalties on net sales. — Jaimy Lee FDA lifts partial hold for Vigil Neuroscience asset: The biotech can now continue with a Phase 1 study testing VG-3927 as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Vigil said the agency decision was based on a “complete response submitted by the company.” — Max Bayer J&J makes a second milestone payment to AC Immune: The new lump sum, worth 24.6 million Swiss francs ($29 million), is thanks to the “rapid rate of prescreening” in a Phase 2b trial testing the companies’ Alzheimer’s treatment. The biotech has received 40 million Swiss francs ($47.2 million) in milestone payments from J&J to date. — Max Bayer Athira lays off 70% of staff after failure in Alzheimer’s disease: The company is now prioritizing an oral pill targeting hepatocyte growth factor for ALS and Alzheimer’s. The layoffs will result in a one-time $2.8 million charge, but will save roughly $13.4 million on an annualized basis. It had 65 full-time employees as of Dec. 31. Athira said the cuts will extend its cash runway into the first quarter of 2026. — Max Bayer Nuvalent upsized its public offering. It now plans to raise $500 million , up from $350 million . — Jaimy Lee