In this video, we take a closer look at the newest updates in Neuroscience: partnerships, trial results, and new launches shaping the next wave of treatments.
Watch Our Video Summary Capturing Top Neuroscience News from the Last Two Weeks
Top Stories Covered in This Video
🧠 Obexelimab hits Phase 2 RMS primary endpoint [1] [US • 27 Oct 2025]
Context: MoonStone Phase 2, weeks 8–12 imaging; safety in line with prior trials, mostly mild injection-site reactions.
Key point: 95% relative reduction in new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions vs placebo, p=0.0009; T2 lesion burden also reduced.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.
💊 BridgeBio BBP-418 interim success in LGMD2I/R9 Phase 3 FORTIFY [2] [27 Oct 2025]
Context: Late-stage, interim readout; comparisons to Sarepta programs noted by analysts; safety with no new signals stated.
Key point: Primary biomarker endpoint at 3 months met, secondary endpoints positive; company guides NDA in H1 2026.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.
🤝 Lundbeck–Contera RNA-targeting collaboration announced [3] [EU • 20 Oct 2025]
Context: Platforms include AttackPoint discovery, OligoDisc, SpliceMatrix; Lundbeck option to advance and commercialize.
Key point: Contera to receive upfront and fully funded research per target, plus milestones and tiered royalties.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
🧬 Novartis to acquire Avidity Biosciences for USD 12bn [4] [EU • 26 Oct 2025]
Context: Adds AOCs for DM1, FSHD, DMD; SpinCo to hold precision cardiology assets prior to close.
Key point: Cash deal at USD 72/share, ~46% premium; closing targeted H1 2026, subject to approvals and SpinCo separation.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
🏷️ Viatris completes Aculys acquisition, gains Japan CNS rights [5] [US • 15 Oct 2025]
Context: Exclusive Japan rights to pitolisant and Spydia nasal spray; broader APAC rights for Spydia.
Key point: MHLW filings planned by end of 2025 for narcolepsy EDS/cataplexy and OSAS EDS, based on recent Phase 3 in Japan.
Implication: Introduces competition that may affect pricing and formulary access.
🔬 Evotec earns USD 25m in BMS neuroscience alliance [6] [EU • 27 Oct 2025]
Context: Collaboration since 2016 on neurodegeneration; EVT8683 (BMS-986419) completed Phase 1.
Key point: Payment reflects scientific progress and supports continued joint pipeline advancement.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
🧪 Bexorg raises USD 23m Series A, USD 42.5m total to date [7] [US • 15 Oct 2025]
Context: AI trained on whole-human brain wet-lab datasets; partnerships include Biohaven and UK collaborators.
Key point: Funds to scale platform, partnerships, and internal CNS programs; board adds Engine Ventures and Amplify Partners.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.
📱 SK Biopharm and Eurofarma launch Mentis Care JV [8] [21 Oct 2025]
Context: AI EEG and wearables, real-time seizure detection and prediction; HQ at MaRS, Toronto.
Key point: JV to commercialize integrated epilepsy platform; CEO appointed, clinical validation planned.
Implication: Could streamline initiation and adherence via remote prescribing and logistics.
Why it matters
- Imaging-positive MS data [1] add competitive B-cell–targeting option signals in RMS pending durability and disability outcomes.
- LGMD biomarker and function gains [2] could shift a modality race away from gene therapy toward oral small molecules.
- RNA-targeting momentum spans BD and research deals [3][4], consolidating neuromuscular and neuro strategies.
- Regional CNS commercialization moves [5][8] may accelerate access and digital support in Japan and the Americas.
- Tool-builder funding and alliances [6][7] suggest continued investment in platforms for de-risking CNS R&D.
FAQ
What did Zenas report in RMS?
Zenas said obexelimab met the Phase 2 MoonStone primary imaging endpoint with a 95% relative reduction in new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions vs placebo, p=0.0009, with supportive T2 findings and a consistent safety profile [1]. Full 24-week data are planned in 2026 per the release.
How strong is BridgeBio’s FORTIFY interim readout?
Per the report, the Phase 3 interim met the primary biomarker endpoint at 3 months and key secondary endpoints, with additional 12-month functional gains noted; the company is targeting an NDA in H1 2026. Specific FDA endpoints beyond those cited were not specified in the article [2].
What are the terms of the Lundbeck–Contera deal?
Contera receives an upfront and full research funding per target, plus milestones and tiered royalties. Lundbeck holds options to advance candidates and commercialize globally; specific target lists were not disclosed [3].
What does Novartis gain from acquiring Avidity?
A muscle-directed AOC platform and late-stage programs in DM1, FSHD, and DMD. The USD 12bn all-cash deal at USD 72/share targets closing in H1 2026, pending customary conditions and a SpinCo separation of cardiology assets [4].
What rights did Viatris obtain via Aculys?
Exclusive rights in Japan to pitolisant and to Spydia nasal spray in Japan and certain APAC markets. Viatris plans Japan filings by end of 2025 for narcolepsy EDS/cataplexy and OSAS EDS, based on recent Phase 3 in Japan [5].
What milestone did Evotec announce with BMS?
A USD 25m payment for scientific progress in their neuroscience partnership, which includes programs like EVT8683 (BMS-986419) that completed Phase 1 [6].
Entities / Keywords
Zenas BioPharma; obexelimab; RMS; Gd-enhancing T1 lesions | BridgeBio; BBP-418; LGMD2I/R9; αDG; creatine kinase | Lundbeck; Contera Pharma; oligonucleotides; RNA-targeting | Novartis; Avidity Biosciences; AOCs; DM1; FSHD; DMD | Viatris; Aculys; pitolisant; Spydia; Japan | Evotec; Bristol Myers Squibb; neurodegeneration | Bexorg; AI; whole-human brain platform | SK Biopharmaceuticals; Eurofarma; Mentis Care; epilepsy; AI EEG.
References
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/27/3174445/0/en/Zenas-BioPharma-Announces-Positive-Results-from-Phase-2-MoonStone-Trial-of-Obexelimab-in-Relapsing-Multiple-Sclerosis.html
- https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/bridgebio-pops-on-late-stage-limb-girdle-muscular-dystrophy-data
- https://news.cision.com/h–lundbeck-a-s/r/lundbeck-and-contera-pharma-announce-research-collaboration-to-advance-rna-targeting-medicines-for-s,c4252714
- https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-agrees-acquire-avidity-biosciences-innovator-rna-therapeutics-strengthening-its-late-stage-neuroscience-pipeline
- https://newsroom.viatris.com/2025-10-15-Viatris-Completes-Acquisition-of-Aculys-Pharma-Including-Exclusive-Rights-to-Pitolisant-in-Japan-and-to-Spydia-R-in-Japan-and-Certain-Other-Markets-in-the-Asia-Pacific-Region
- https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/evotec-announces-progress-in-preclinical-neuroscience-partnership-wit-1091982
- https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/15/3166924/0/en/Bexorg-Raises-42-5M-to-Transform-CNS-Drug-Development-with-World-s-First-Integrated-AI-and-Whole-Human-Brain-Platform.html
- https://technode.global/prnasia/sk-biopharmaceuticals-launches-joint-venture-with-eurofarma-for-ai-based-epilepsy-management-platform/