The reimbursement decision clears the way for Irish patients with Friedreich’s ataxia to access the first treatment for the rare neurological disease, following prolonged negotiations over cost and clinical value. Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has approved reimbursement of Biogen’s Skyclarys (omaveloxolone) for people with Friedreich’s ataxia, reversing an earlier recommendation against public funding after Biogen submitted a substantially improved commercial offer. The final negotiated price remains confidential, but the decision follows a two-year access campaign and previous concerns that the medicine was not cost-effective at its proposed price. Field Content Alert Type Industry Update Topic Drug reimbursement; Market access Organisation(s) Health Service Executive (HSE); Biogen; National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) Affected Stakeholders People with Friedreich’s ataxia; neurologists; rare disease specialists; Irish healthcare system Therapy Area(s) Neurology; Rare disease Geography Ireland What Happened On 25 August 2026, the HSE approved reimbursement of Skyclarys (omaveloxolone) for people with Friedreich’s ataxia. The decision followed a substantially revised commercial proposal from Biogen that the HSE described as very different from the offer previously considered by its Drugs Group. The final price is commercially confidential. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the HSE to begin working with Biogen immediately to establish the process through which eligible patients can access treatment. (RTÉ) Why It Matters Skyclarys is the first treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare progressive neuromuscular disease affecting an estimated 200 people in Ireland. The reimbursement decision therefore moves the medicine from regulatory approval to publicly funded access for Irish patients, illustrating the separate roles played by marketing authorisation and national pricing and reimbursement decisions. (RTÉ) Supporting Context The decision represents a significant reversal in the medicine’s Irish reimbursement process. In December 2025, the NCPE recommended against reimbursement unless the price was reduced, and the HSE Drugs Group subsequently recommended against funding. Earlier estimates placed treatment at around €280,000 per patient annually, with a five-year budget impact of more than €130 million. Biogen subsequently made a substantially improved financial offer, although the final negotiated figure has not been disclosed. (RTÉ) Who Is Most Affected People living with Friedreich’s ataxia in Ireland are the immediate beneficiaries. Patients and families had campaigned for access for around two years, arguing that delays were particularly significant for a progressive disease in which lost neurological function may not be recoverable. (RTÉ) Industry Impact The case highlights the market-access challenge surrounding high-cost medicines for small rare-disease populations. It also demonstrates how confidential price negotiations can alter a reimbursement outcome even after an initial negative health-economic assessment, while prompting wider debate in Ireland about the speed of its reimbursement pathway for orphan medicines. (RTÉ) Key Takeaway HSE reimbursement turns Skyclarys’ existing regulatory approval into a route to funded patient access in Ireland after Biogen substantially improved its commercial offer. What to Watch The timing and eligibility arrangements for patient access are now the immediate next steps, with the HSE and Biogen expected to work together to make treatment available as quickly as possible. (RTÉ) Primary Source RTÉ News – HSE reimbursement decision Relevant Date 25 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The collaboration will establish a START clinical trial site inside AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital, connecting patients across the region with START’s portfolio of nearly 1,000 active early-phase oncology studies. Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and The START Center for Cancer Research have entered a strategic collaboration to establish a new early-phase oncology clinical trial site within the AHN Cancer Center at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The site will become part of START’s international research network and provide AHN patients with local access to its portfolio of industry-sponsored early-phase cancer trials, reducing the need for patients to travel outside Western Pennsylvania to participate. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies Allegheny Health Network (AHN); The START Center for Cancer Research (START) Deal Type Strategic clinical research collaboration Asset or Company New START early-phase oncology clinical trial site at the AHN Cancer Center Therapy Area(s) Oncology; Cancer Technology or Modality Early-phase clinical trials; Investigational oncology therapies Deal Value Financial terms were not disclosed. Development Stage Early-phase clinical development Geography Western Pennsylvania, United States What Happened On 25 August 2026, AHN and START announced a strategic collaboration to establish a dedicated START early-phase clinical trial site within the AHN Cancer Center at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The site will be fully integrated into START’s network and will have access to its global trial portfolio from launch. The collaboration combines START’s early-phase oncology research infrastructure with AHN’s existing cancer specialists and clinical-care network. (www.ahn.org) Why It Matters Patients in Western Pennsylvania have historically had limited local access to community-based early-phase oncology studies, potentially requiring travel to participate. Embedding a dedicated trial site within AHN means eligible patients can potentially access investigational treatments as part of their existing cancer-care pathway, reducing a practical barrier to trial participation. Pennsylvania records approximately 89,000 new cancer cases annually, according to the organisations. (www.ahn.org) Supporting Context AHN is a 16-hospital health system, while its Cancer Center employs more than 200 physicians and 500 oncology professionals across 24 affiliated oncology clinics and serves more than 20,000 new patients annually. START operates across 16 locations in the US and Europe, with more than 40 principal investigators and nearly 1,000 active studies. (www.ahn.org) Strategic Rationale START gains access to AHN’s substantial regional cancer population and established clinical infrastructure, extending its community-based trial network into Western Pennsylvania. AHN gains a dedicated early-phase research capability and access to START’s international portfolio of industry-sponsored trials, strengthening the range of investigational treatment opportunities it can offer patients. Potential Impact The collaboration could increase participation in early-phase oncology trials across Western Pennsylvania and neighbouring regions while giving biopharma sponsors another community-based site through which to recruit patients. Its impact will ultimately depend on the studies activated at the new centre, patient eligibility and enrolment. Key Takeaway AHN is bringing START’s early-phase oncology trial network directly into its flagship cancer centre, creating a new local route into investigational cancer studies for patients across Western Pennsylvania. What to Watch Opening of the new START site, the first studies activated at Allegheny General Hospital, patient enrolment levels and whether the partnership expands the range and volume of early-phase oncology trials available through AHN. Primary Source Allegheny Health Network / The START Center for Cancer Research (www.ahn.org) Relevant Date 25 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The approval introduces the first RAS(ON) inhibitor for previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with a KRAS G12X mutation, establishing a new biomarker-directed option for one of the hardest-to-treat cancers. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved daraxonrasib for adults with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) whose tumours harbour a KRAS G12X mutation, making it the first approved RAS(ON) inhibitor and the first targeted therapy for this patient population. The decision establishes a new treatment option for patients whose disease has progressed following earlier systemic therapy and makes molecular testing for eligible KRAS mutations increasingly relevant to treatment selection. Field Content Alert Type Drug Approval Drug Name Daraxonrasib Indication Treatment of adults with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma harbouring a KRAS G12X mutation Therapy Area(s) Oncology; Pancreatic cancer Geography United States (FDA) What Happened The FDA has approved daraxonrasib, a first-in-class RAS(ON) inhibitor, for adults with previously treated metastatic PDAC whose tumours contain a KRAS G12X mutation. The approval establishes the first targeted treatment specifically available for this molecularly defined pancreatic cancer population. Daraxonrasib is designed to inhibit multiple oncogenic RAS variants in their active, or “ON”, state, distinguishing its mechanism from earlier mutation-specific KRAS inhibitors. Why It Matters KRAS alterations are found in the large majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, but historically there have been few opportunities to directly target the underlying RAS biology. Approval of daraxonrasib provides a biomarker-directed treatment for a subset of patients with metastatic disease after prior therapy and represents an important clinical validation of targeting active RAS signalling in pancreatic cancer. Supporting Context Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult solid tumours to treat, particularly once disease becomes metastatic. Daraxonrasib was developed to target active RAS proteins across several KRAS G12X variants rather than a single mutation, potentially allowing treatment of a broader molecular population than mutation-specific KRAS therapies. Patients must undergo appropriate molecular testing to determine whether their tumours carry an eligible KRAS G12X alteration. Key Takeaway Daraxonrasib’s approval establishes the first targeted therapy for KRAS G12X-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer and marks the first regulatory approval for the RAS(ON) inhibitor class. What to Watch Commercial rollout and adoption of daraxonrasib, the effect of the approval on routine KRAS molecular testing in pancreatic cancer, and ongoing studies evaluating RAS(ON) inhibition in earlier treatment settings, additional tumour types and combination regimens. Primary Source US Food and Drug Administration Relevant Date 26 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The acquisition moves Switchboard beyond specialty-care navigation into direct care delivery by integrating Livara’s virtual-first, value-based MSK model, alongside more than $5 million in new financing. Switchboard Health has acquired Livara Health, combining its specialty referral and care-navigation platform with Livara’s virtual orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care model for health plans, providers and employers. Alongside the acquisition, Switchboard closed an oversubscribed equity financing of more than $5 million to support its expansion into care delivery and further growth. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies Switchboard Health; Livara Health Deal Type Acquisition with concurrent equity financing Asset or Company Livara Health Therapy Area(s) Musculoskeletal care; Orthopaedics; Physical therapy Technology or Modality Virtual care; Value-based healthcare; Care navigation; Digital health Deal Value Acquisition terms were not disclosed. In conjunction with the transaction, Switchboard closed an oversubscribed equity financing of more than $5 million. The financing included existing Switchboard and Livara investors as well as new backers including First Trust Capital Partners, Route 66 Ventures, A1 Health Ventures, Allumia Ventures and Martin Ventures. (Switchboard Health) Development Stage Commercial Geography United States What Happened On 25 August 2026, Switchboard Health announced the acquisition of Livara Health, formerly known as SpineZone, a virtual-first MSK management company. Switchboard will integrate Livara’s virtual MSK programme into its referral-management and automated care-navigation platform, allowing provider and health-plan customers to enrol eligible patients directly into Livara care. The deal marks an expansion of Switchboard’s business model from connecting patients with specialty providers to also delivering care. (Switchboard Health) Why It Matters The acquisition gives Switchboard an established clinical-care capability rather than limiting its role to referral and navigation infrastructure. Livara combines care planning, virtual treatment and navigation using a multidisciplinary model involving physicians, physical therapists and psychosocial providers, including services for complex and higher-cost MSK patients. (Switchboard Health) Supporting Context Switchboard cites an independent 2024 Validation Institute review reporting that participants in Livara’s programme achieved a 43% reduction in musculoskeletal spending, driven largely by lower surgical utilisation. Switchboard also reported that patient volumes moving through its own platform have increased 500% over the past nine months, providing the commercial backdrop for its expansion into direct care delivery. (Switchboard Health) Strategic Rationale Switchboard can combine its existing referral-management infrastructure and provider relationships with Livara’s clinical MSK services, creating a more integrated pathway from patient identification and referral through virtual treatment. Livara gains access to Switchboard’s provider and health-plan distribution channels, potentially allowing its MSK model to reach a larger patient population. Potential Impact The combination could enable Switchboard to capture a larger part of the specialty-care pathway while giving health plans and risk-bearing providers a single platform for identifying, navigating and treating MSK patients. The commercial impact will depend on successful integration and adoption of Livara services across Switchboard’s existing customer base. Key Takeaway The Livara acquisition transforms Switchboard from primarily a specialty-care navigation platform into a company that can also directly deliver virtual MSK care. What to Watch Integration of Livara into Switchboard’s platform, adoption among existing provider and health-plan customers and how Switchboard deploys the $5 million-plus financing to expand its care-delivery capabilities. Primary Source Switchboard Health acquisition announcement Relevant Date 25 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The non-exclusive agreement gives SignalChem access to Monod Bio’s LuxSit luciferase and NovoBodies technologies for custom research assays and protein-fusion services, extending the commercial reach of its AI-designed protein platform. Monod Bio has granted SignalChem Biotech a non-exclusive licence to incorporate its AI-designed LuxSit luciferase technology and NovoBodies into custom luminescent assays and protein-fusion services for third-party research customers. The agreement provides Monod Bio with another commercial channel for its de novo protein-design platform while expanding SignalChem and parent company Sino Biological’s AI-enabled drug discovery and life-science research capabilities. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies Monod Bio; SignalChem Biotech; Sino Biological Deal Type Non-exclusive technology licensing agreement Asset or Company LuxSit de novo luciferase technology and NovoBodies Therapy Area(s) Drug discovery; Life sciences research; Diagnostics Technology or Modality AI-designed proteins; De novo protein design; Luminescent biosensors; Engineered binding proteins Deal Value Financial terms were not disclosed. SignalChem’s parent company Sino Biological said revenue associated with the business is not expected to have a material impact on its overall financial performance. (PR Newswire) Development Stage Commercial research-use technology platform Geography United States; Canada; Global What Happened On 26 August 2026, Monod Bio and SignalChem Biotech, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sino Biological, announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement covering Monod Bio’s LuxSit de novo luciferase technology and NovoBodies. SignalChem can incorporate the technologies into custom luminescent assay development and protein-fusion services offered to third-party customers for research use. The companies did not disclose financial terms. (PR Newswire) Why It Matters The agreement moves Monod Bio’s AI-designed proteins beyond internal technology development by embedding them within commercial research services available to external drug discovery customers. For SignalChem, the licence adds AI-designed protein components that could support development of specialised assays and discovery tools for complex biological targets. (PR Newswire) Supporting Context LuxSit is an AI-designed luciferase engineered for use in luminescent biosensors, while NovoBodies are compact and highly stable binding proteins designed to recognise different biological targets. Monod Bio develops novel proteins using AI-powered de novo protein design and commercialises the technology through its “Monod Inside” partnership model. (PR Newswire) Strategic Rationale Monod Bio gains access to SignalChem and Sino Biological’s customer base and global life-science services infrastructure without granting exclusive rights to its technologies. SignalChem expands its CRO offering with AI-designed protein capabilities, supporting Sino Biological’s broader strategy of integrating AI-enabled technologies into its research tools and services portfolio. (PR Newswire) Potential Impact The partnership could increase adoption of AI-designed proteins within research assays and discovery workflows by making the technologies accessible through an established CRO provider. Its commercial significance will depend on customer adoption, and Sino Biological has cautioned that the business is not currently expected to have a material impact on its overall financial performance. (PR Newswire) Key Takeaway Monod Bio is using a licensing model to put its AI-designed proteins directly into SignalChem’s commercial discovery services, extending its platform into third-party drug research workflows. What to Watch Adoption of LuxSit and NovoBodies by SignalChem customers, expansion into additional assay and protein-fusion applications and whether Monod Bio signs further “Monod Inside” licensing partnerships with life-science tools and services companies. Primary Source Monod Bio / SignalChem Biotech licensing announcement Relevant Date 26 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The commercial partnership combines 4basebio’s cell-free hpDNA platform with Genezen’s viral vector CDMO capabilities to provide cell and gene therapy developers with an alternative to conventional plasmid DNA manufacturing. 4basebio and Genezen have expanded their non-exclusive collaboration to provide cell and gene therapy developers with access to 4basebio’s synthetic hpDNA technology through Genezen’s viral vector development and manufacturing services. The partnership is intended to support programmes from early development through clinical and commercial manufacturing by combining cell-free DNA production with Genezen’s viral vector process and manufacturing infrastructure. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies 4basebio; Genezen Deal Type Strategic commercial collaboration Asset or Company 4basebio’s hpDNA synthetic DNA platform integrated with Genezen’s viral vector development and manufacturing services Therapy Area(s) Cell and gene therapy; Genetic medicines Technology or Modality Synthetic cell-free DNA; AAV and other viral vector manufacturing Deal Value Financial terms were not disclosed. Development Stage Platform collaboration supporting programmes from research and early development through clinical and commercial manufacturing Geography Global What Happened On 26 August 2026, 4basebio and Genezen announced an expanded, non-exclusive commercial collaboration giving drug developers access to 4basebio’s Research Use Only, High-Quality and GMP-grade hpDNA through Genezen’s viral vector development and manufacturing services. Genezen will offer 4basebio’s synthetic DNA for viral vector applications, creating an integrated route from DNA starting material through vector manufacturing. The companies did not disclose financial terms or identify individual therapeutic programmes covered by the collaboration. (GlobeNewswire) Why It Matters Plasmid DNA is widely used as a starting material in viral vector production, making its manufacturing timeline, purity, material requirements and scalability relevant to cell and gene therapy development. 4basebio’s enzymatic process produces DNA without bacterial backbone sequences or antibiotic resistance genes and offers Genezen customers an alternative starting material that could streamline vector manufacturing, although programme-level benefits will need to be demonstrated in individual applications. (GlobeNewswire) Supporting Context In AAV production, 4basebio says its hpDNA template has demonstrated titres comparable with plasmid DNA while requiring approximately 30% less DNA mass and transfection reagent. The company also says its cell-free process can shorten DNA production timelines compared with conventional plasmid manufacturing; these performance claims come from 4basebio and should not be interpreted as guaranteed outcomes for every manufacturing programme. (GlobeNewswire) Strategic Rationale 4basebio gains an additional commercial channel for its synthetic DNA technology through an established viral vector CDMO, while Genezen expands the manufacturing options it can offer cell and gene therapy developers. The partnership is designed to allow developers to incorporate synthetic DNA into manufacturing strategies from early development while retaining a route towards GMP and commercial-scale production. (GlobeNewswire) Potential Impact Wider use of cell-free synthetic DNA could reduce dependence on traditional bacterial plasmid manufacturing in some viral vector programmes and potentially improve manufacturing efficiency and scalability. The extent of any benefit will depend on individual vector processes and successful adoption by Genezen customers. Key Takeaway The expanded collaboration integrates 4basebio’s synthetic DNA technology with Genezen’s viral vector CDMO services, giving gene therapy developers another manufacturing route from early development through commercial scale. What to Watch Adoption of hpDNA by Genezen customers, disclosure of specific programmes using the integrated platform and evidence showing whether the reported material and timeline efficiencies translate into clinical and commercial-scale viral vector manufacturing. Primary Source 4basebio / Genezen collaboration announcement Relevant Date 26 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

BMS concluded that Cellares’ automated Cell Shuttle platform could not meet the specific requirements for commercial Breyanzi production, prompting Cellares to cut around 100 positions. Bristol Myers Squibb has terminated its manufacturing partnership with Cellares after determining that the Cell Shuttle automated manufacturing system could not meet the requirements necessary to produce commercial batches of its approved CAR-T therapy Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel). The termination ends a global capacity reservation and supply agreement originally valued at up to $380 million and has led Cellares to plan approximately 100 job cuts as it resizes its operations. Field Content Alert Type Industry Update Topic Cell therapy manufacturing; Partnership termination; Workforce Organisation(s) Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS); Cellares Affected Stakeholders Cellares employees; BMS cell therapy manufacturing operations; CAR-T manufacturing partners Therapy Area(s) Oncology; Haematology; Cell therapy Geography United States What Happened BMS has ended its partnership with Cellares following an evaluation of the Cell Shuttle automated cell therapy manufacturing platform for production of Breyanzi. BMS said the system could not meet the necessary requirements for manufacturing commercial Breyanzi and stressed that its conclusion was specific to Breyanzi and the therapy’s established, regulatory-approved manufacturing process. Cellares said it strongly disagrees with BMS’s characterisation and noted that Cell Shuttle has produced GMP drug product for an FDA-regulated clinical programme. The companies originally entered a global capacity reservation and supply agreement in 2024 valued at up to $380 million. (BioSpace) Why It Matters The termination illustrates the practical difficulty of introducing a different manufacturing platform for an already approved autologous cell therapy with an established regulatory manufacturing process. For Cellares, the loss is commercially significant because BMS represented a major Cell Shuttle partnership; for BMS, the decision means Breyanzi production will continue without the planned Cellares manufacturing route. (BioSpace) Supporting Context Cell Shuttle is designed to automate end-to-end CAR-T manufacturing at clinical and commercial scale. BMS entered the Cellares agreement in 2024 as part of its manufacturing strategy, while Breyanzi has been FDA approved since 2021 and is currently produced through BMS facilities and specialist external manufacturers. (BioSpace) Who Is Most Affected Cellares and its workforce face the most immediate impact. A California WARN filing indicates that the company plans to permanently eliminate approximately 100 positions on 20 October 2026, spanning engineering, commercial operations, recruitment, software and other functions. (BioSpace) Industry Impact The setback highlights a key challenge for cell therapy manufacturing: technologies designed to automate and scale production must still fit the specific manufacturing and regulatory requirements attached to individual therapies. BMS emphasised that its decision relates specifically to Breyanzi, so it should not be interpreted as establishing that Cell Shuttle is unsuitable for other cell therapy programmes. (BioSpace) Key Takeaway BMS’s decision ends a major commercial validation opportunity for Cellares’ automated manufacturing platform and shows the barriers involved in changing production processes for an already approved CAR-T therapy. What to Watch Cellares’ implementation of the approximately 100 planned job cuts, whether the company secures additional commercial-scale manufacturing customers and how its other clinical and commercial Cell Shuttle programmes progress following the loss of BMS. Primary Source Bristol Myers Squibb and Cellares statements reported by BioSpace Relevant Date 26 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The agreement gives a newly formed company backed by Population Health Partners and ARCH Venture Partners ex-China rights to Haisco’s Phase II-ready oral THR-β agonist for obesity and metabolic disorders. Haisco Pharmaceutical has granted a newly established US biotechnology company founded by Population Health Partners and ARCH Venture Partners exclusive ex-China rights to develop and commercialise HSK47388, an oral thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) agonist being developed for obesity and related metabolic diseases. Haisco will receive $120 million upfront and near-term payments and is eligible for development and commercial milestones that could take total payments above $1.12 billion, plus royalties on future net sales. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies Haisco Pharmaceutical; newly formed US biotechnology company founded by Population Health Partners and ARCH Venture Partners Deal Type Exclusive licensing agreement Asset or Company HSK47388 Therapy Area(s) Obesity; Metabolic disease Technology or Modality Oral small-molecule thyroid hormone receptor beta (THR-β) agonist Deal Value Haisco will receive $120 million in upfront and near-term payments and is eligible for additional development and commercial milestone payments that could bring total payments to more than $1.12 billion, plus tiered royalties on future net sales. The milestone component is contingent and should not be treated as guaranteed consideration. Development Stage Phase II-ready Geography Worldwide excluding Greater China What Happened On 26 August 2026, Haisco announced an exclusive licensing agreement covering HSK47388 with a newly formed US biotechnology company founded by Population Health Partners and ARCH Venture Partners. The new company receives exclusive rights to develop and commercialise HSK47388 outside Greater China, while Haisco retains rights in Greater China. Haisco will receive $120 million in upfront and near-term payments, with development and commercial milestones potentially taking total payments above $1.12 billion, in addition to royalties on net sales. Why It Matters The agreement moves a China-originated metabolic programme into a separately financed US company backed by experienced life-sciences investors and provides a route for global development outside Greater China. HSK47388 targets THR-β rather than the incretin pathways used by established GLP-1-based obesity medicines, potentially providing a complementary approach to weight management if its early clinical profile is confirmed in larger studies. Supporting Context HSK47388 is a selective oral THR-β agonist designed to increase energy expenditure and improve lipid metabolism while limiting unwanted THR-α-associated effects. Haisco has reported early clinical findings supporting further development in obesity, but the candidate remains investigational and its efficacy and safety require confirmation in later-stage trials. Strategic Rationale The new US company gains exclusive ex-Greater China rights to a Phase II-ready metabolic asset without having to build the programme from discovery, while Haisco receives substantial near-term consideration and retains Greater China rights alongside milestone and royalty participation in international markets. The involvement of Population Health Partners and ARCH Venture Partners provides dedicated capital and development expertise for the programme’s global advancement. Potential Impact If later-stage trials confirm meaningful weight loss and metabolic benefits, HSK47388 could provide a differentiated oral approach within the rapidly expanding obesity market and potentially be evaluated alongside incretin-based therapies. Its eventual clinical and commercial role remains dependent on successful development and regulatory approval. Key Takeaway Haisco’s licensing agreement puts more than $1.12 billion of potential economics behind an ex-China obesity programme built around an oral, non-incretin mechanism. What to Watch Formation and naming of the new US company, initiation of Phase II development for HSK47388 and clinical evidence showing whether THR-β activation can deliver meaningful weight loss with an acceptable safety profile. Primary Source https://en.prnasia.com/releases/global/haisco-enters-into-exclusive-license-agreement-with-new-us-venture-founded-by-population-health-partners-and-arch-venture-partners-545132.shtml Relevant Date 26 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The acquisition adds clinical research, biomarker, laboratory, market access and commercialisation capabilities to McKesson’s Oncology & Multispecialty business, extending its services across the drug-development pathway. McKesson has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Precision Medicine Group for approximately $2.25 billion, with the clinical research and biopharma commercialisation business set to join its Oncology & Multispecialty segment following completion. The transaction expands McKesson’s capabilities beyond specialty distribution and provider services by adding infrastructure supporting biopharma companies from biomarker-led development and clinical trials through market access and commercialisation. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies McKesson Corporation; Precision Medicine Group, LLC Deal Type Acquisition Asset or Company Precision Medicine Group Therapy Area(s) Multiple, with significant clinical research activity in oncology Technology or Modality Clinical research and biopharma commercialisation services, including biomarker intelligence, laboratory services and technology-enabled products Deal Value Approximately $2.25 billion acquisition consideration. (investor.mckesson.com) Geography Global What Happened On 25 August 2026, McKesson announced a definitive agreement to acquire Precision Medicine Group for approximately $2.25 billion. Precision provides biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with biomarker intelligence, laboratory services, global clinical research organisation capabilities, market access consulting and commercialisation support. Following completion, Precision will report within McKesson’s Oncology & Multispecialty segment. The acquisition has been announced but has not yet completed and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances; McKesson did not disclose an expected completion date. (investor.mckesson.com) Why It Matters Precision gives McKesson additional capabilities across the medicine-development and commercialisation pathway, complementing its existing oncology, specialty-care and biopharma services. In particular, the acquisition adds clinical trial execution, biomarker and laboratory capabilities alongside market access and commercialisation services, allowing McKesson to support biopharma customers across a broader range of activities. (investor.mckesson.com) Supporting Context Precision Medicine Group was founded in 2012 and provides services spanning clinical testing, complex trial design, biomarker identification and commercialisation support. Its clinical trial activities are heavily concentrated in oncology, aligning with the segment into which McKesson plans to integrate the business. (fiercepharma.com) Strategic Rationale McKesson gains an established global clinical research and commercialisation platform that complements its existing relationships with biopharma companies and oncology providers. The company specifically identified strengthening clinical trial execution, expanding clinical services and enhancing commercialisation capabilities as objectives of the acquisition. (investor.mckesson.com) Potential Impact Following completion and successful integration, Precision could broaden the range of services McKesson provides to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies from development through commercialisation, particularly within oncology. The extent of any operational or financial benefit will depend on integration and growth following completion. (investor.mckesson.com) Key Takeaway The $2.25 billion acquisition moves McKesson further into clinical research and biopharma commercialisation by adding Precision Medicine Group’s development, biomarker, laboratory and market access capabilities. What to Watch Regulatory clearances and transaction completion, followed by McKesson’s integration of Precision into its Oncology & Multispecialty segment and evidence of how the combined clinical research and commercialisation capabilities are deployed across its biopharma business. (investor.mckesson.com) Primary Source McKesson acquisition announcement Relevant Date 25 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The transaction combines Valerio’s targeted delivery technologies with Etherna’s mRNA, lipid nanoparticle and GMP manufacturing capabilities to build an integrated targeted RNA therapeutics platform. Valerio Therapeutics has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Etherna Immunotherapies based on an enterprise value of €30 million, funded through a combination of cash and shares, alongside a €40.25 million PIPE financing from new and existing investors. The acquisition brings together Valerio’s nucleic acid chemistry and targeted moiety engineering with Etherna’s mRNA, lipid nanoparticle delivery and manufacturing capabilities, supporting development of RNA medicines targeting tissues beyond the liver. Field Content Alert Type Deal Companies Valerio Therapeutics; Etherna Immunotherapies Deal Type Acquisition Asset or Company 100% of Etherna Immunotherapies NV Therapy Area(s) Multiple; initial proprietary programmes include immunological indications Technology or Modality mRNA; lipid nanoparticles (LNPs); nucleic acid chemistry; targeted RNA delivery; GMP manufacturing Deal Value The acquisition is based on an enterprise value of €30 million, on a debt-free, cash-free basis and subject to customary adjustments and contingent earn-out payments. Consideration comprises cash and Valerio shares. Separately, Valerio has priced a €40.25 million PIPE financing to fund the cash component and support development of the combined company; the financing should not be treated as acquisition consideration. Development Stage Platform and preclinical pipeline; Valerio intends to use financing proceeds to advance VTX-001, VTX-002 and VTX-003, including IND-enabling activities for VTX-001. Geography France; Belgium; global development and partnering scope What Happened On 24 August 2026, Valerio Therapeutics announced definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Etherna Immunotherapies for an enterprise value of €30 million, following the binding offer announced in July. The consideration comprises cash, funded through the PIPE, and Valerio shares issued in exchange for Etherna shares. Valerio simultaneously priced a €40.25 million PIPE through the issuance of 68,220,333 new shares at €0.59 per share. The share consideration remains subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting expected around 6 October 2026; shareholders representing more than 70% of voting rights have provided irrevocable voting undertakings supporting the transaction. Why It Matters Etherna adds established mRNA chemistry, customised LNP delivery and in-house GMP manufacturing to Valerio’s targeted RNA capabilities. Combining these technologies gives Valerio greater control across discovery, delivery and manufacturing and is intended to support development of nucleic acid medicines targeting tissues beyond the liver, an important technical challenge for expanding RNA therapeutics into additional diseases. Supporting Context Etherna has more than a decade of experience developing mRNA and LNP technologies and provides platforms and manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. Valerio’s strategy centres on precision-guided RNA therapeutics using complementary nucleic acid chemistry and targeted delivery technologies. Strategic Rationale Valerio gains Etherna’s mRNA and LNP technologies, technical expertise and GMP manufacturing infrastructure, creating a more vertically integrated RNA development platform. Financing proceeds are expected to support integration and expansion of Etherna’s Niel manufacturing facility alongside advancement of Valerio’s proprietary pipeline. Potential Impact Successful integration could enable Valerio to move targeted RNA programmes from discovery towards clinical development with greater internal control over delivery, CMC and manufacturing. The combined capabilities could also support future partnering and licensing opportunities, although their clinical and commercial value will depend on successful programme development. Key Takeaway The €30 million Etherna acquisition gives Valerio an integrated mRNA, LNP and manufacturing platform, while the accompanying €40.25 million financing provides capital to combine the businesses and advance its targeted RNA pipeline. What to Watch Shareholder approval of the share consideration, completion of the acquisition, integration and expansion of Etherna’s GMP manufacturing capabilities, and progress of VTX-001 towards IND-enabling development. Primary Source Valerio Therapeutics acquisition announcement Relevant Date 24 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The approvals introduce zanidatamab-based first-line options for adults with HER2-positive unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction or oesophageal adenocarcinoma, with treatment determined by HER2 status. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy plus Tevimbra (tislelizumab-jsgr) as first-line treatment for adults with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+) unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction or oesophageal adenocarcinoma, while Ziihera plus chemotherapy was approved for the HER2 IHC 3+ population. The decisions establish zanidatamab-based treatment in the first-line setting, supported by HERIZON-GEA-01 data showing significant progression-free and overall survival improvements for the Ziihera, Tevimbra and chemotherapy regimen versus trastuzumab plus chemotherapy. Field Content Alert Type Drug Approval Drug Name Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii); Tevimbra (tislelizumab-jsgr) Indication Ziihera plus Tevimbra and fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy: first-line treatment of adults with HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+) unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction or oesophageal adenocarcinoma, as detected by an FDA-approved test. Ziihera plus fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy: first-line treatment of adults with HER2-positive (IHC 3+) disease in the same settings. (fda.gov) Therapy Area(s) Oncology; Gastrointestinal cancers Geography United States (FDA) What Happened On 25 August 2026, the FDA approved two Ziihera-based first-line regimens for HER2-positive advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Ziihera plus Tevimbra and fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy was approved for HER2 IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+ tumours, while Ziihera plus fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy was approved for HER2 IHC 3+ tumours. The FDA simultaneously approved Roche Diagnostics' PATHWAY anti-HER-2/neu (4B5) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody and VENTANA HER2 Dual ISH DNA Probe Cocktail as companion diagnostics for identifying eligible patients consistent with the Ziihera label. (fda.gov) Why It Matters The approval moves zanidatamab into first-line treatment for HER2-positive advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction and oesophageal adenocarcinoma and provides a treatment option combining HER2-directed therapy with PD-1 inhibition and chemotherapy for eligible patients. HER2 testing is central to treatment selection because eligibility for the two approved regimens differs according to IHC and ISH status. (fda.gov) Supporting Context Approval was supported by the global HERIZON-GEA-01 trial. In patients with HER2 IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH+ tumours, Ziihera plus Tevimbra and chemotherapy produced median overall survival of 26.4 months versus 19.2 months with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy (HR 0.72), while median progression-free survival was 12.4 versus 8.1 months (HR 0.63). Ziihera plus chemotherapy also significantly improved PFS versus the trastuzumab regimen, with exploratory analysis indicating that this effect was primarily attributable to patients with IHC 3+ tumours. (fda.gov) Key Takeaway The FDA approvals establish Ziihera-based first-line treatment for HER2-positive advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, with the addition of Tevimbra extending the regimen to eligible IHC 2+/ISH+ as well as IHC 3+ disease. (fda.gov) What to Watch The review was conducted through Project Orbis in collaboration with Health Canada and the UK's MHRA, where reviews remain ongoing, making subsequent regulatory decisions in Canada and the UK the principal near-term developments to watch. (fda.gov) Primary Source FDA approval announcement Relevant Date 25 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com

The conditional marketing approval introduces a new intravenous abatacept biosimilar for patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis or active psoriatic arthritis who have responded inadequately to other disease-modifying treatments. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has granted Dr Reddy’s Laboratories approval to manufacture and market its abatacept biosimilar 250 mg intravenous formulation for moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis and active psoriatic arthritis in patients with an inadequate response to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The approval adds a biosimilar alternative to reference abatacept, while requiring Dr Reddy’s to conduct a Phase IV study in India and submit the study protocol within three months. Field Content Alert Type Drug Approval Drug Name Dr Reddy’s abatacept biosimilar, 250 mg intravenous formulation Indication Treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis and active psoriatic arthritis in patients who have responded inadequately to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. (pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com) Therapy Area(s) Rheumatology; Immunology Geography India (CDSCO) What Happened India’s central licensing authority, CDSCO, has approved Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to manufacture and market its 250 mg intravenous abatacept biosimilar for moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis and active psoriatic arthritis following inadequate response to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. The company secured approval for both the finished formulation and active pharmaceutical ingredient, with manufacturing at its Bachupally biologics facility. The marketing authorisation is conditional on a Phase IV study in India, with Dr Reddy’s required to submit the trial protocol within three months. CDSCO records also show clinical development of a subcutaneous abatacept presentation, but the current marketing approval concerns the 250 mg IV formulation. (pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com) Why It Matters Abatacept provides a biologic treatment option for patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis whose disease has not responded adequately to other disease-modifying therapies. Approval of a biosimilar introduces an additional abatacept option in India, although the regulatory decision alone does not establish its pricing, availability, uptake or comparative access relative to the reference medicine. (pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com) Supporting Context Abatacept is a fusion protein that modulates T-cell activation by interfering with the CD80/CD86 and CD28 co-stimulatory pathway. Dr Reddy’s has also been developing intravenous and subcutaneous abatacept presentations for other markets; its US biologics licence application for the IV presentation was submitted in December 2025. (pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com) Key Takeaway CDSCO approval gives Dr Reddy’s a 250 mg intravenous abatacept biosimilar for the Indian rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis market, subject to a post-marketing Phase IV study. (pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com) What to Watch Submission and subsequent conduct of the required Indian Phase IV study, commercial launch of the IV biosimilar, and regulatory progress for Dr Reddy’s abatacept programme in other markets, including the United States. (pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com) Primary Source Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) Relevant Date 25 August 2026 Discover how nuaxia can support your next medical education initiative: Find out more about our specialist services - Moore's Outcome Assessments, Educational Needs Assessments and Patient Impact Studies for the Medical Education sector Contact us on: support@nuaxia.com