Aerovate

Semaglutide shows promise in treating osteoarthritis, potentially paving the way for FDA approval. Ozempic and Wegovy, both semaglutide-based drugs, are now listed as available by the FDA, potentially impacting compounding pharmacies. CRISPR gene editing continues to advance with notable researchers like Alexis Komor and Patrick Hsu. AstraZeneca's top executive in China is under investigation. A small study indicates TMS may slow Alzheimer's progression.

Pharma layoffs attributed to patent cliffs and US election uncertainty; CROs benefit from pharma downsizing; historical R&D layoffs contrast with past commercial-focused cuts; core functions like study monitoring and CMC targeted; future trends unpredictable due to global political and economic factors.

Spero Therapeutics halted development of antibiotic SPR720 after it failed to differentiate from placebo in a Phase IIa trial for non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). The company plans to lay off 39% of staff and focus on its other antibiotic programs, tebipenem HBr and SPR206. Spero's stock dropped 17% in premarket trading.