The week in pharma: action, reaction and insight – week to March 28

30 March 2025

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Editor

Last week’s deal-making news included US biotech Alumis signing a licensing agreement with Japan’s Kaken Pharma for its dermatology candidate ESK-001 in Japan. On the regulatory front, US biotech Exelixis gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Cabometyx as a treatment for advanced neuroendocrine tumors. Among research news, Wave Life Sciences released positive Phase II data on its investigational Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug WVE-N531, while Equillium reported disappointing Phase III results for its graft-versus-host disease candidate itolizumab.

Alumis/Kaken deal unlocks ESK-001 Japan value

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