Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

BioAge Labs halts mid-stage study of obesity drug azelaprag due to safety concerns, causing a 75% share price drop. Elevated liver enzyme levels in participants receiving azelaprag, either alone or with Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, led to the decision. BioAge plans to update on azelaprag's development in early 2025.

DelveInsight's report on the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) market forecasts a significant CAGR growth from 2020-2034, driven by increasing prevalence and awareness, and the launch of multiple-stage pipeline products. The market was valued at approximately USD 1000 million in 2023, with 12,082,000 prevalent cases of OCD across 7MM in 2022, expected to rise by 2034. Key companies include Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and others, with therapies such as Troriluzole, Fluvoxamine maleate, and BHV-4157. The report provides insights into epidemiology, market trends, and treatment scenarios in the US, EU4, and Japan.

Baird maintains Outperform rating and $60.00 price target for Biohaven Pharmaceutical despite Phase 3 SMA trial setback. Positive body composition changes observed in SMA study suggest promise for upcoming Phase 2 obesity trial. Biohaven's management expresses high confidence in degrader platform. BHVN stock shows strong performance over past year, though company remains unprofitable.

Eli Lilly and Laekna collaborate on an obesity drug, LAE102, targeting weight loss and muscle preservation. This move intensifies competition in the $150B obesity treatment market, dominated by Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Other companies like Regeneron and Scholar Rock are also developing muscle-preserving treatments, reflecting a growing focus on maintaining muscle mass during weight loss.

The Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Market is projected to grow from US$ 148.1 Million in 2024 to US$ 202.3 Million by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.5%. This growth is driven by the rising prevalence of MSA, increasing R&D activities, and advancements in diagnostic techniques. Key players include Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd., Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

Scholar Rock's apitegromab, a muscle-preserving therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, succeeded in a Phase 3 trial, showing significant motor function improvement when combined with standard SMA therapies. The company plans to seek approvals in the U.S. and Europe early next year. The drug's success has implications for ongoing research into muscle preservation and potential treatments for obesity.

Despite challenges, the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial continues with optimism, as Clene Nanomedicine and Prilenia Therapeutics progress their ALS treatments based on positive secondary endpoint data. The trial, initiated by a $40 million donation from Sean Healey and AMG, aims to efficiently test multiple therapies simultaneously. While primary endpoints have not been met, the trial's design allows for quick identification of non-viable treatments, and positive outcomes in subgroups have supported further development for some candidates.