Core Viewpoint - Milestone Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced a public offering of common shares and warrants, aiming to raise approximately $52.5 million to fund the clinical development and commercialization of its lead drug, etripamil, for treating paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The public offering includes 31,500,000 common shares and accompanying Series A and Series B common warrants, priced at $1.50 per share and warrant [1]. - Additionally, pre-funded warrants to purchase 3,502,335 common shares are offered at a price of $1.499, which includes accompanying Series A and Series B common warrants [1]. - The offering is expected to close around July 14, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized alongside existing cash to support the clinical development and commercial launch of etripamil for PSVT, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes [2]. Group 3: Company Background - Milestone Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing and commercializing innovative cardiovascular medicines, with a recent New Drug Application (NDA) submitted to the FDA for etripamil targeting PSVT [5].

Core Insights - Merck (MRK) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Verona Pharma (VRNA) for approximately $10 billion, which will enhance its cardio-pulmonary pipeline with the addition of Ohtuvayre, a drug approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1][10] - Ohtuvayre's unique dual inhibition of PDE3 and PDE4 distinguishes it from existing COPD treatments, combining bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects in a single inhaled therapy [2][10] - The acquisition is part of Merck's strategy to diversify its business as it faces the upcoming patent loss of its blockbuster drug Keytruda, which currently accounts for around 50% of the company's pharmaceutical sales [3][4][12] Merck's Product Portfolio and Pipeline - Keytruda remains Merck's biggest strength, driving steady revenue growth, particularly in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer [4][5] - Merck is exploring innovative combinations and developing a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda to extend its patent life, with an FDA decision expected in September [6][7] - The company's phase III pipeline has nearly tripled since 2021, positioning it to launch around 20 new vaccines and drugs, including the promising Capvaxive and Winrevair [8][9] Challenges and Market Dynamics - Merck's reliance on Keytruda raises concerns about its ability to grow its non-oncology business ahead of the drug's loss of exclusivity in 2028 [12] - Competitive pressure is increasing, with potential challengers like Summit Therapeutics' ivonescimab showing promising results in clinical studies [13] - Sales of Gardasil, Merck's second-largest product, are declining in China due to weak demand, leading to a temporary halt in shipments [14][15] Financial Performance and Valuation - Merck's shares have underperformed the industry and the S&P 500, losing 14.0% so far this year [16][17] - The company's price/earnings ratio is currently at 8.99, lower than the industry average of 15.16, indicating potential attractiveness from a valuation standpoint [19] - EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have declined over the past 60 days, reflecting analysts' pessimistic outlook [22][24] Future Outlook - Despite current challenges, Merck's strong fundamentals and promising pipeline, along with the potential revenue from new products, suggest that long-term investors may find value in the stock [25][27] - The acquisition of Verona Pharma is expected to help fill the revenue gap created by Keytruda's upcoming loss of exclusivity, with Ohtuvayre already showing strong sales growth [26]

NEW YORK, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Organon & Co. ("Organon" or the "Company") (NYSE: OGN) of a class action securities lawsuit.CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Organon investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:https://zlk.com/pslra-1/organon-co-lawsuit-submission-form?prid ...

Core Viewpoint - Hims & Hers Health, Inc. is facing a class action securities lawsuit due to alleged securities fraud that occurred between April 29, 2025, and June 23, 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Allegations and Impact - The lawsuit claims that Hims was involved in the deceptive promotion and sale of illegitimate versions of Wegovy®, which jeopardized patient safety [2] - It is alleged that this situation posed a significant risk of termination of the Company's collaboration with Novo Nordisk [2] - The defendants' positive statements regarding the Company's business and prospects are claimed to be materially misleading and lacking a reasonable basis [2] Group 2: Legal Process and Participation - Investors who suffered losses during the specified timeframe have until August 25, 2025, to request appointment as lead plaintiff [3] - Participation in the lawsuit does not require serving as a lead plaintiff, and class members may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket costs [3] Group 3: Firm Background - Levi & Korsinsky, LLP has a history of securing hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States [4]

Core Insights - Cardinal Health has launched the Cardinal Health™ One Voice Initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to state pharmacy associations to support independent pharmacists' advocacy efforts [1][2][3] - The initiative is part of Cardinal Health's ongoing commitment to advocate for independent pharmacies and enhance their influence in healthcare policy discussions [2][3] - Financial contributions will be made to state pharmacy associations, with support for additional states contingent on advocacy opportunities for the independent pharmacy community [3][4] Company Overview - Cardinal Health operates as a distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of home-health and direct-to-patient products and services [5] - The company emphasizes a customer-centric focus that drives continuous improvement and innovation in solutions that enhance people's lives [5]

Core Insights - Daré Bioscience, Inc. has received a $6 million non-dilutive funding installment, increasing total funding to approximately $37.8 million out of a potential $49 million for the development of DARE-LARC1, a contraception-focused application of its intelligent drug delivery system [1][10] - DARE-LARC1 is a preclinical-stage long-acting reversible contraceptive utilizing a programmable drug delivery device to administer levonorgestrel, with broader applications in various chronic conditions [2][6] - The DARE-IDDS platform, originally developed at MIT, has been enhanced by Daré to improve its functionality and is capable of delivering multiple doses over extended periods without the need for recharging or surgical replacement [3][4] Funding and Development - The recent funding milestone will support the advancement of DARE-LARC1 and the development of a versatile drug delivery platform across high-value therapeutic areas [3][10] - Daré is eligible for additional non-dilutive funding of up to approximately $11.2 million, contingent on achieving specified technical milestones [10] Market Potential - The DARE-IDDS platform has potential applications beyond reproductive health, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, which could significantly improve patient adherence and reduce healthcare costs [6][7] - The platform's features include precision dosing, extended duration of action, and remote programmability, making it suitable for various therapeutic areas [9] Strategic Partnerships - Daré is actively exploring strategic partnerships to expand the evaluation of the DARE-IDDS platform into additional therapeutic categories [2][10] - The company aims to leverage its innovative technology to address unmet needs in women's health and enhance treatment options [11]

Group 1 - Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will report its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 7, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call will be held at 4:30 p.m. ET on the same day to discuss the financial results and provide a business update [1][2] - The conference call can be accessed via dial-in numbers or a live webcast, with a recommendation to connect 15 minutes prior to the start [2] Group 2 - Crinetics Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and related tumors [4] - The lead development candidate, PALSONIFY (paltusotine), is in clinical development for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome associated with neuroendocrine tumors [4] - Other drug candidates include Atumelnant, which is in development for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, with all candidates being orally delivered small molecules [4]

Core Insights - Cerevance is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and obesity, with presentations scheduled at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025 [1] Group 1: Upcoming Presentations - Cerevance will present a Phase 1 study on CVN293, an investigational inhibitor targeting NLRP3-mediated neuroinflammation, on July 28, 2025 [2] - Another presentation will focus on the NETSseq platform, revealing insights into astrocyte function in Alzheimer's disease, scheduled for July 30, 2025 [2] Group 2: NETSseq Platform - The NETSseq platform allows for the identification of subtle molecular changes driving disease progression by analyzing brain tissue from over 20,000 donors aged 8 to 104 [3] - This platform aids in identifying low-level expressed targets and rare cell types, enhancing the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases [3] Group 3: CVN293 Overview - CVN293 is a selective oral inhibitor of KCNK13, aimed at reducing neuroinflammation and potentially modifying disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders [4] - The mechanism of CVN293 may also provide therapeutic benefits for obesity, identified through the NETSseq platform [4] Group 4: Company Pipeline - Cerevance's lead investigational treatment, solengepras, is in Phase 3 development for Parkinson's disease, while CVN766 targets binge eating disorder and schizophrenia [5] - CVN293 represents a novel intervention point for both neurodegenerative disorders and obesity [5]

BOSTON, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ikena Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: IKNA, “Ikena,” the “Company”) today announced that Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) and Glass, Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) recommend that stockholders vote FOR the issuance of shares in connection with the previously disclosed proposed merger with Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals (“Inmagene”) at Ikena’s upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders on July 15, 2025. ISS and Glass Lewis are leading U.S. institutional voting advisory ...

Core Viewpoint - Helix Acquisition Corp. II is set to hold an extraordinary general meeting on August 4, 2025, to discuss the business combination with TheRas, Inc. (BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics), following the SEC's declaration of the registration statement as effective [1][2][3]. Company Overview - Helix Acquisition Corp. II is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that raised $184 million in its initial public offering on February 9, 2024, and is sponsored by Cormorant Asset Management [5]. - TheRas, Inc. (BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel small molecule therapeutics targeting RAS and PI3Kα malignancies [4]. Business Combination Details - The business combination agreement was finalized on February 28, 2025, and is subject to various conditions before closing [6]. - Upon completion of the transaction, the company will be renamed "BridgeBio Oncology Therapeutics" [6]. - The proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to Helix's shareholders of record as of June 30, 2025, for their consideration [2][6].