On the heels of several big buys, Merck still has eyes for M&A—particularly in the oncology, immunology and cardiometabolic spaces—as the quest continues for a candidate that can top Keytruda.

Original title: “Merck drops early-stage TROP ADC, keeps deal doors open as Keytruda clock ticks”

Foundayo became available on April 9 and has already reached 20,000 patients as Eli Lilly builds its marketing machine for the weight loss pill.

Original title: “Lilly’s weight loss pill reaches brand new patients, even without full-court marketing press”

Despite updated study data that suggest Terns’ treatment may be less differentiated, company executives claimed Thursday that it still could be an important step forward in care.

Original title: “Merck still sees ‘compelling’ outlook for Terns leukemia drug”

A strong performance from Mounjaro overseas boosted Lilly’s results, and the company raised its guidance for the year for both profit and revenue.

Original title: “Lilly posts another ‘blowout quarter’ as focus turns to Foundayo launch”

While AstraZeneca has discontinued work on four assets—including one in asthma and another in acromegaly—the pharma has also elected to take forward a bispecific antibody that destroys the EGFR protein.

Original title: “AstraZeneca prunes asthma, rare disease pipeline, cultivates cancer portfolio”

Over the last two years, Alector has suffered three setbacks for its neurodegenerative disease pipeline, often forcing the company to downsize.

Original title: “GSK-partnered Alector hit with third neuro failure as Alzheimer’s asset disappoints”

Amylin drugs have become the next big thing in obesity. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, understandably, thinks his rivals don’t have a chance for one key reason.

Original title: “Lilly CEO shades amylin rivals AbbVie, Pfizer in cutthroat battle for obesity’s next act”

In this episode of Denatured, you'll be hearing from Yaniv Sneor, founder of the Mid Atlantic Bio Angels and Alex Pederson, an investor at Mid Atlantic Bio Angels and partner at Alloy Bio Consulting. We discuss why a life sciences-only angel group matters, how they evaluate opportunities, and the importance of strong teams, capital efficiency and a realistic path to exit.

Original title: “What makes life science angel investment work?”

Six biotechs based in California, Massachusetts, Washington and Denmark had to halt drug development efforts this year. One of their CEOs is now in an interim chief executive role at another biotech.

Original title: “6 biotechs that called it quits in Q1”

Looking for a biopharma job in North Carolina? Check out the BioSpace list of seven companies hiring life sciences professionals like you.

Original title: “7 companies hiring in North Carolina now”