Biotech
PE funds vie for a majority stake in medical devices maker Sensa Core
Several private equity firms, including KKR and TPG, are considering acquiring a majority stake in Sensa Core Medical Instrumentation. The deal could value the Indian medical device manufacturer at around $300 million. Sensa Core is a major producer of in-vitro diagnostic analysers. The medical device sector in India is attracting significant investor interest.
Civil society organisations urge govt to scrap animal testing in biosimilar development
Civil society organizations are urging the health ministry to eliminate animal studies in biosimilar development to lower production costs and expedite the process. They emphasize that removing these tests will enhance affordability and uphold ethical standards. The government is revising biosimilar regulations, potentially restricting animal use and prioritizing in-vitro studies, aligning with global standards to ensure safety and efficacy.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to buy 3% stake in Micro Life Sciences for $200 mn
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) is set to acquire a 3% stake in the Indian medical device company, Micro Life Sciences Pvt Ltd (Meril), for USD 200 million. This investment values Meril at USD 6.6 billion, pending regulatory approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Meril plans to use the funds to accelerate growth and strengthen clinical research.
Biocon Biologics gets USFDA nod for diabetes medication
Biocon Biologics has secured USFDA approval for Kirsty. Kirsty is an interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog, used for diabetes treatment. It is a rapid-acting insulin analog. The medication will be available in prefilled pens and vials. This approval expands Biocon's insulin portfolio. Kirsty has been available in Europe and Canada since 2022. The US market for Insulin Aspart is significant.
Panacea Biotec, Apotex settle dispute over breach of collaboration agreement
Panacea Biotec settles arbitration disputes with Apotex Inc., with Panacea Biotec Pharma Ltd. set to receive a net USD 2 million. The settlement, finalized on July 9, 2025, resolves ICC arbitrations initiated by both companies. The agreement modifies profit-sharing arrangements for Paclitaxel supply in Canada and the USA, enhancing profitability for Panacea Biotec.
Karnataka CM's remarks on covid vaccines 'factually incorrect,' says Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw refuted Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's claim. Siddaramaiah linked covid-19 vaccines to heart attack deaths in Hassan. Shaw stated the vaccines followed rigorous safety protocols. She said the vaccines saved lives. The Union Health Ministry dismissed Siddaramaiah's statement. Studies show no link between vaccines and sudden deaths. The ministry cited various factors for cardiac deaths.
Bharat Biotech, GSK join hands to develop vaccine for severe diarrhoea
Bharat Biotech and GSK plc have partnered to develop a vaccine for Shigellosis, a severe bacterial diarrhea. The altSonflex1-2-3 vaccine candidate, developed by GSK, will be further developed by Bharat Biotech, including Phase 3 trials and manufacturing. This collaboration aims to address the urgent need for a Shigella vaccine due to rising antimicrobial resistance.
UAE based Shaiva Group, Taranis Capital to invest Rs 2,125 Cr in Telangana
Shaiva Group and Taranis Capital from UAE will invest Rs 2,125 crore in Telangana. They signed MoUs with five Telangana companies. Revelations Biotech, Manakin Bio and others will receive investments. This partnership will create 5,020 jobs for the youth. The firms may invest an additional Rs 24,000 crore in sectors like biotech and AI in the next three years.
Dr Reddy's, Alvotech join hands to develop biosimilar for cancer treatment
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has partnered with Alvotech to co-develop and commercialize a biosimilar for pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a crucial cancer treatment with USD 29.5 billion in 2024 sales. The collaboration aims to expedite development and broaden global access to this biosimilar. Both companies will share development, manufacturing costs, and commercialization rights.
Biocon plans ₹4,500-cr QIP to raise stake in Biologics unit: Kiran Shaw
Biocon is planning a ₹4,500 crore fundraise to increase promoter stake in Biocon Biologics and convert structured venture debt into equity, aiming to improve profitability. The company is also considering a merger with its parent company as an alternative to an IPO due to market uncertainties.
Must Watch
Biocon Biologics secures market entry for Yesafili in US
Biocon Biologics has reached a settlement and licensing agreement with Regeneron, clearing the way for the US commercialization of Yesafili, its biosimilar to Eylea. The agreement allows Biocon Biologics to launch Yesafili in the US by the second half of 2026, or earlier under certain conditions. Yesafili, already approved by the USFDA, is intended for treating various ophthalmology conditions.
Bharat Biotech invests Rs 600 cr to expand into cell, gene therapies
As per Bharat Biotech, the facility will tackle scientific challenges such as targeted gene expression, immune system modulation, and long-term cell survival. Work will span from boosting immune responses against cancer to ensuring that therapeutic proteins are safely accepted in patients with genetic diseases like haemophilia.
Bharat Biotech launches cell gene therapy facility, eyes product launch by 2028
Bharat Biotech has invested $75 million in its first cell and gene therapy facility in Telangana, India, aiming to launch new therapies in three years. The company is targeting oncology and rare diseases, and is working on cost-effective treatments for the Indian market. They are also considering exporting these advanced therapies.
India's Syngene International acquires first US biologics facility for $36.5 million
India's Syngene International has agreed to acquire its first biologics facility in the U.S. from Emergent Manufacturing for $36.5 million. This move aims to expand Syngene's capabilities in the Northeast U.S. and reduce dependence on China, with the facility expected to be operational by mid-2025.
States to set up centres for effective implementation of BioE3 policy: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasizes the importance of establishing BioE3 Cells in states as interconnected knowledge hubs. These cells will link state and national stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the BioE3 policy, promoting biomanufacturing initiatives aligned with local priorities and national objectives.
Competition Commission of India penalises investment manager of Goldman Sachs AIF for failing to notify Biocon deal
The Competition Commission of India has imposed a Rs 40 lakh penalty on Goldman Sachs AIMPL for not notifying the regulator about a deal involving optionally convertible debentures issued by Biocon Biologics. CCI ruled the deal was strategic and required prior approval.
