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Industry Daily Summary

Industry Daily Summary: What Happened on October 19, 2026

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics names Catherine Jennings president

The FDA outlined a rare-disease framework as drugmakers struck research deals and Bausch + Lomb changed CEOs.

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Today in brief

Catherine Jennings will lead Beckman Coulter Diagnostics after more than 20 years in healthcare leadership.1 The FDA set out priorities for adapting drug development and review to rare diseases.2

Also worth knowing

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    Jennings previously led Boston Scientific’s Vascular Therapies business, which generated about $2 billion in annual revenue.1

  • Saudi Arabia’s biotech strategy has identified partners, locations and capital.3

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    AstraZeneca and insitro agreed to a drug-discovery collaboration in MASH and cardiomyopathies. insitro will receive $40 million upfront and may earn up to about $1.46 billion in milestones.2

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    Bausch + Lomb named Thomas J. Appio interim CEO after Brent Saunders left by mutual agreement. The companies said preliminary third-quarter results support an expected increase to 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance.2

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    On October 16, the FDA approved Roche’s Enspryng for adults with thyroid eye disease.2

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    The European Medicines Agency’s committee recommended marketing authorization for Lilly’s Foundayo for weight management and type 2 diabetes in adults. The European Commission will make the final decision.2

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    Chai Discovery and GSK began a drug-discovery collaboration. GSK’s lab tests found binders for every target tested during its evaluation of Chai’s protein design and folding models.4

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    India’s Technology Development Board agreed to provide Peptris Technologies ₹86 crore for a project intended to advance four drug candidates through preclinical work.4

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