NEW YORK, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AVXL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and rare diseases, including Rett syndrome, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced the appointment of Wolfgang Liedtke, MD PhD, as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Neurology. Dr. ...

Taipei, Taiwan, Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YD Bio Limited (“YD Bio” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: YDES), a biotechnology company advancing DNA methylation-based cancer detection technology and ophthalmologic innovations, today announced that the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) to merge with EG BioMed, a biotechnology company specializing in DNA methylation–based cancer diagnostics and AI-driven biomarker analytics. The proposed merger represents a strategic step in bui ...

Core Insights - Natera, Inc. announced new data from the ALTAIR trial will be presented at the 2026 ASCO GI Symposium, highlighting advancements in precision medicine and cell-free DNA technology [1] Group 1: ALTAIR Trial Findings - The ALTAIR trial, a randomized, double-blind, phase III study, demonstrated a statistically significant disease-free survival (DFS) benefit for Trifluridine/Tipiracil (FTD/TPI) compared to placebo in Signatera-positive patients with stage I-IV colorectal cancer, with median DFS of 9.23 months versus 5.55 months (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.55-0.98; P=0.0406) [2] - This analysis represents a significant update from previous ALTAIR findings, which did not show a statistically significant DFS improvement in the full study population [2] Group 2: Prognostic Studies - Natera will present a large-scale study on Signatera velocity as a prognostic marker for relapse risk, indicating that CRC patients with Signatera levels doubling in one month or less had approximately 40% shorter recurrence-free survival compared to those with slower doubling times [3] - The prognostic association of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) increase and recurrence risk was significant for both patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy and those who did not [3] Group 3: Company Positioning and Future Directions - Natera's extensive evidence across various tumor types positions the company to define ctDNA dynamics, translating them into actionable clinical insights for cancer management [4] - The company aims to integrate personalized genetic testing and diagnostics into standard care, supported by over 325 peer-reviewed publications demonstrating excellent performance [10]

Core Insights - Recent research has identified 410 genetic factors associated with gout, including 149 new factors, which supports the link between genetic predisposition and the over-expression of xanthine oxidase (XO) in gout and related diseases [3] - XORTX Therapeutics is focused on developing therapies that inhibit XO to treat gout and progressive kidney diseases, leveraging these genetic insights to guide treatment decisions [4][10] Company Updates - XORTX has appointed Krysta Davies Foss as a director, bringing over 25 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical strategy [5][6] - The company clarified details regarding a US$1.1 million Registered Direct Offering, correcting the number of pre-funded warrants issued [7] - XORTX is in the process of acquiring the Renal Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic Program from Vectus Biosystems, with a closing date expected by January 13, 2026, pending ASX approval [8]

GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:WGS) is among the 12 Best Genomics Stocks to Invest In. What Do Analysts Think About GeneDx Holdings Corp. (WGS)? TheFly reported that on December 22, 2025, GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:WGS) lifted its price objective at Canaccord from $160 to $170. Canaccord continued to rate the shares as a Buy. The firm stated that the industry’s momentum, which started in the second half of 2025, can continue into 2026 and gave a preview of its coverage of life science instruments and d ...

Group 1 - Advanced Biomed Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell 100% of its Hong Kong subsidiary for a total purchase price of US$23,000 based on a valuation report [1] - The transaction includes the transfer of all intellectual property owned by the Hong Kong subsidiary, including that of its wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai Sglcell Biotech Co., Ltd. [2] - The CEO of Advanced Biomed stated that the divestment is part of a strategic realignment to centralize clinical trials in Taiwan due to evolving regulatory requirements in China [3] Group 2 - The company operates through its Taiwan subsidiary, which has developed a proprietary microfluidic platform for advanced circulating tumor cell detection and analysis [4] - The product portfolio includes devices and biochips designed for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment selection, and prognosis assessment, with regulatory clearances in progress in Taiwan and plans for global expansion [4]

Core Insights - The biotech industry has shown strong performance in 2025 despite macroeconomic uncertainties, driven by new drug approvals and pipeline progress [1][2] - Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have surged in 2025, with large companies expanding their portfolios through strategic collaborations and acquisitions [2][9] - Smaller biotech firms leveraging breakthrough technologies are gaining attention, contributing to overall sector momentum [2] Industry Overview - The Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry includes biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that develop innovative drugs using advanced technologies [4] - The industry has outperformed both the Zacks Medical sector and the S&P 500, with a 22.1% gain over the last six months compared to 12.5% and 16.5% respectively [18] - The current valuation of the industry, based on the trailing 12-month price-to-sales ratio, is 2.47X, lower than the S&P 500's 5.96X and the Zacks Medical sector's 2.66X [19] Trends and Challenges - Key trends shaping the industry include a focus on innovation, the use of AI in drug discovery, and the rise of precision medicine [6][12] - Successful commercialization remains a challenge for smaller biotechs, often leading to collaborations with larger firms for shared sales or royalties [7] - Pipeline setbacks and potential tariffs pose risks, as developing drugs is costly and time-consuming, with many therapies taking years to gain approval [13][14] Notable Companies - Amicus Therapeutics has seen strong performance with its lead drug Galafold, which is approved for Fabry disease, and has settled patent litigation to fend off generic competition [21][22] - ANI Pharmaceuticals has a diversified focus on rare diseases and generics, with a notable 70% year-over-year sales increase for its ACTH-based injection [23][24] - Arcutis Biotherapeutics is focused on treating inflammatory skin diseases, with its lead product Zoryve performing well and expanding its label [25][26] - Tango Therapeutics is developing precision medicine for oncology, with promising data from its ongoing studies [27][28] - Pacira BioSciences is expanding its lead drug Exparel's label and has seen a 36.4% gain in shares over the past year [29][30]

The volatile biotech industry has put up a strong performance in 2025 despite the uncertain macroeconomic environment. While the tariff saga hit the pharma/biotech industry earlier in the year, the sector held up well, driven by solid momentum from new drug approvals and encouraging pipeline progress. Given the continuous need for innovative medical treatments (regardless of the state of the economy), the dynamic biotech industry will continue to capture investors’ interest going forward.2025 saw a surge in ...

Core Insights - Illumina and MyOme have announced a collaboration to enhance precision medicine through the integration of Illumina's sequencing technology and MyOme's AI-driven risk models, focusing on early detection and prevention of diseases [1][3] Collaboration Details - The partnership includes an investment from Illumina into MyOme, aimed at advancing MyOme's strategic roadmap, particularly the Proactive Health (MPH) Trial, which will assess the benefits of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) combined with AI-integrated risk models for chronic conditions and rare diseases [1][2] - The MPH trial is set to begin enrollment in 2026 and is expected to demonstrate improved patient outcomes and significant cost savings in healthcare [2] Economic Impact - The U.S. healthcare expenditure is approximately $5 trillion annually, and the adoption of clinical WGS with MyOme's risk models could potentially save over $200 billion per year by enabling earlier detection and intervention [2] - Early intervention is projected to prevent or delay the onset of various chronic and age-related conditions, thereby reducing overall treatment costs [2] Technological Advancements - MyOme's approach is seen as a significant evolution in genomics for preventive care, combining Illumina's sequencing technologies with MyOme's risk models to transform disease detection and management [3] - The collaboration will enhance MyOme's product offerings, including proactive health and rare disease diagnostic tests, and aims to provide more accurate risk assessments for major health issues [3][4] Strategic Support - MyOme's financing is bolstered by support from Natera, a leader in genetic testing, along with participation from Sequoia Capital and The Duquesne Family Office, indicating strong backing from established partners in the healthcare sector [5]

Core Insights - Novartis announced that one in four patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer remained progression-free for four or more years after treatment with Kisqali plus endocrine therapy [1][4] - The median progression-free survival for patients treated with Kisqali was reported at 6.8 years, with significant long-term benefits observed across various patient demographics [2][5] Patient and Biomarker Characteristics - The analysis identified characteristics associated with long-term responders, including a lower frequency of liver involvement (16% in long-term responders vs. 26% in non-responders) and fewer patients with three or more metastatic sites (30% vs. 43%) [6][8] - Long-term responders had a mean circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) fraction of 0.05 compared to 0.13 in non-responders, indicating a potential biomarker for treatment response [8] Clinical Trial Results - Kisqali has shown statistically significant overall survival across all three Phase III MONALEESA trials, reinforcing its efficacy in treating metastatic breast cancer [3][7] - The NATALEE trial's five-year data demonstrated sustained improvement in distant disease-free survival when Kisqali was combined with a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, supporting its use in early breast cancer patients [9] Regulatory and Clinical Position - Kisqali is approved in over 100 countries, including the U.S. and Europe, for various indications in HR+/HER2- breast cancer, making it a preferred treatment option [12][13] - The drug has received high ratings on the European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale, indicating its strong clinical benefit in both early and advanced breast cancer settings [14]