From new company launch to significant clinical milestone – Weekly Round-up

Oryon Cell Therapies emerges from stealth with $42M to target Parkinson’s

Oryon Cell Therapies has emerged from stealth with $42 million in total funding, including $21 million Series A, to develop autologous neuron replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The company is focused on regenerating dopaminergic neurons using patient-derived cells aiming to restore function rather than manage symptoms. This signals growing investor confidence in cell therapies for CNS indications, historically an area viewed as high risk, and highlights continued innovation in regenerative approaches with the potential to deliver disease-modifying or curative outcomes in neurodegeneration.

Read more via Biospace and Businesswire →

Gilead to acquire Ouro Medicines in $2.2B deal to expand into autoimmune cell therapies

Gilead Sciences has announced plans to acquire Ouro Medicines in a deal worth up to $2.2 billion, strengthening its position in T-cell engager (TCE) therapies for autoimmune diseases. The acquisition builds on Gilead’s broader strategy to expand beyond oncology and deepen its capabilities in cell and immune-based therapies. For the industry, this reinforces that M&A activity is returning as large pharma continues to double down on CGT and next-generation immunotherapies.

Read more via FIERCE Biotech and FT →

Ocugen reports positive Phase II data for gene therapy in geographic atrophy

Ocugen has reported positive Phase II results for its gene therapy OCU410, targeting geographic atrophy (an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration). The therapy demonstrated a significant reduction (31%) in patient lesion size. Although this reduction meant was enough to reach the trials primary endpoint, this differs from the preliminary analysis whereby half of the treated patients achieved 54% drop in lesion size. Ophthalmology continues to be a leading indication for gene therapy success and positive data reinforces confidence in retinal gene therapy pipelines. Broadly, this highlights continued clinical momentum in non-rare, high-prevalence indications which could significantly expand the commercial potential of gene therapies.

Read more via Clinical Trials Arena and FIERCE Biotech →