Life Sciences Daily Summary: What Happened on October 9, 2026

FDA clears Tecentriq after surgery for stage III dMMR colon cancer

The FDA approved Roche’s Tecentriq, or its subcutaneous version Tecentriq Hybreza, with fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin after surgery for stage III colon cancer with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR).1 It is the first immunotherapy-based option authorized for this patient group and postsurgical setting.1

In the Phase III ATOMIC trial, Tecentriq plus modified FOLFOX6 cut the risk of recurrence or death by half compared with chemotherapy alone.1 Roche is pursuing additional European filings for Tecentriq in dMMR colon cancer.1

Taladegib meets Phase IIb endpoint in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Endeavor BioMedicines said taladegib met the primary and several key secondary endpoints in the Phase IIb WHISTLE-PF trial in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).2 Among 213 participants, the drug significantly improved percent-predicted forced vital capacity versus placebo at week 24.2

The study also found advantages over placebo in absolute forced vital capacity and several lung-imaging measures.2 Improvement on a pulmonary fibrosis questionnaire was numerical and not statistically powered.2 Serious adverse events occurred at comparable rates in the treatment and placebo groups, and tolerability was described as consistent with earlier research.2

Newron proposes screening to address FDA hold on evenamide trial

Newron plans to ask the FDA to lift its pause on U.S. enrollment in the Phase 3 ENIGMA-TRS 2 trial by screening participants for Brugada syndrome and other sodium-channel disorders, potentially with genetic tests.3 The FDA first halted enrollment in April after a reported sudden death at a non-U.S. site, then maintained the pause in September.3

The agency cited five deaths across evenamide studies, four among people receiving the drug and one in a placebo recipient.3 Newron’s Ravi Anand said the four patients taking evenamide had shown no heart symptoms or electrocardiogram irregularities.3 Anand said neither the company nor the FDA had identified an explanation for the deaths.3 The FDA says standard electrocardiogram screening cannot reliably rule out hidden sodium-channel disorders in people without symptoms.3

A separate study, ENIGMA-TRS 1, is not affected by the U.S. hold and is expected to report its primary 12-week findings in the first quarter of 2027.3

Matchpoint raises $150 million as Forbion closes €2.3 billion fund

Matchpoint raised $150 million in a Series B round to move its lead program toward proof of concept.4 The company launched four years ago with a $100 million Series A.4

Forbion raised €2.3 billion in new funds, described as a record capital raise.4

TRex Bio prices $117 million IPO for immune-drug programs

TRex Bio priced a $117 million IPO to support development of drugs for immunological conditions.5 Its programs aim to treat those conditions by activating regulatory T cells, and Eli Lilly is the company’s largest equity holder.5

Biohaven licenses IgG degraders to Ono in Asian markets

Biohaven gave Ono Pharmaceutical exclusive development and commercialization rights to BHV-1300, BHV-1310, and BHV-1320 in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and ASEAN countries.6 Biohaven is due $80 million at closing and expects a further $20 million milestone payment within 12 months, plus royalties of about 20% on net sales in the licensed territories.6

BHV-1300 is in a pivotal Phase III trial for Graves’ disease.6 In ongoing Phase I testing, subcutaneous dosing reduced total immunoglobulin G (IgG) by as much as 87% while sparing IgG3.6 Biohaven retained rights to the candidates in other international markets, including the United States, Europe, and China.6