Katherine Davis

1 day ago | axios.com | Katherine Davis

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Gabriella Turrisi/AxiosPathos AI, a New York drug development startup, raised $365 million in a Series D at a $1.6 billion valuation. Why it matters: The round represents investors' continued interest in platforms using AI for drug development. Follow the money: The financing brings Pathos AI's total funding to around $467 million, per PitchBook data. Pathos AI did not disclose Series D investors.

2 days ago | axios.com | Katherine Davis

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Victoria Ellis/AxiosNovo Nordisk is partnering with Septerna to develop oral pills for obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases, in a deal worth up to $2.2 billion. Why it matters: The transaction further signals Big Pharma's interest in oral GLP-1s — which could be a cheaper and easier way to take the medicines. Follow the money: Septerna is eligible for $200 million in upfront and near-term payments.

2 days ago | axios.com | Katherine Davis

President Donald Trump's new drug pricing executive order is the latest headwind brewing in biotech's cataclysmic Q2. Why it matters: The EO undermines the hopes of biotech investors and entrepreneurs that private capital would fill R&D gaps created by dwindling NIH funding. What they're saying: In the near-term, biotech investors could put deals on pause as they try to parse the order, Tomas Philipson, a professor at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy, tells Axios.

1 week ago | axios.com | Katherine Davis

Lenz Therapeutics, a San Diego biotech developing an eye drop to improve near vision, signed a licensing agreement with Taiwan-based Lotus worth up to $125 million. Why it matters: The FDA is reviewing Lenz's lead candidate, LNZ100, with its decision expected in August. Zoom in: Lotus, whose upfront payment to Nasdaq-listed Lenz was not disclosed, will commercialize LNZ100 in Korea and other countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam.

1 week ago | axios.com | Katherine Davis

Deerfield Management raised a new $600 million fund to invest in life sciences and health care companies, but it wasn't easy amid a turbulent IPO market, managing partner Jim Flynn tells Axios. Why it matters: Fundraising began about 18 months ago, Flynn says, signaling investors' hesitancy to invest in the life sciences sector amid market challenges being worsened by uncertain tariffs and FDA activity.