Daily Snap - 12. November 2025

Author

Joachim Eeckhout
November 12, 2025

 

Good morning! South Korean scientists may have just cracked one of mRNA’s biggest weaknesses. A team led by Professors V. Narry Kim and Jin-Hong Kim screened nearly 200,000 viral RNA sequences to identify 11 motifs that naturally protect RNA from degradation. Their star find, the A7 motif, kept mRNA active for over two weeks in preclinical studies, potentially unlocking cheaper, longer-lasting RNA vaccines and therapies. The work, published in Nature Biotechnology, could reshape RNA drug manufacturing and push South Korea to the forefront of the next RNA revolution. Turns out, the secret to better mRNA therapies might’ve been hiding in a virus all along.

Enjoy today’s read!

—Joachim E.

 

SNIPPETS

What’s happening in biotech today?

❤️ Phase 3 anyway: Novo Nordisk has shared mixed Phase 2 results for its ATTR-CM treatment coramitug, which aims to clear transthyretin aggregates in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The study compared two doses of coramitug to placebo in 104 participants over 52 weeks. While the drug failed to outperform placebo on the six-minute walk test, one of its co-primary endpoints, it achieved a statistically significant 48% reduction in NT-proBNP levels (a biomarker for heart failure) in the high-dose group and showed improvements in heart structure via echocardiography. Despite limited clinical gains, Novo plans to advance coramitug into Phase 3, positioning it against competitors like Pfizer and Alnylam.

🚑 First responder: CeleCor Therapeutics reported positive Phase 3 results for its investigational antiplatelet therapy zalunfiban, positioning the company to file for FDA approval in early 2026. Designed for emergency use in suspected segment elevation myocardial infarction heart attack cases, zalunfiban is a subcutaneous injection targeting the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, intended for administration by first responders or emergency departments. In the CeleBrate study, the drug improved blood flow to the heart and reduced the risk of severe outcomes by 21% without significantly increasing major bleeding. Given its rapid onset and short duration, zalunfiban may address critical treatment delays, especially for patients far from hospitals with the right equipment.

➡️ Small molecule shift: Voyager Therapeutics has partnered with Transition Bio in its first move into small molecule drug development, aiming to target TDP-43, a protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia. Voyager will make an initial single-digit million-dollar payment, with up to $500 million in milestone-based payments tied to research, development, and commercial success. Transition Bio will use its molecular condensate technology to identify small molecules that can correct TDP-43 mislocalization without disrupting its normal function. Voyager retains licensing rights for resulting candidates, expanding beyond its traditional biologics focus, which includes gene therapies and a Phase 1 Alzheimer’s antibody program.

💵 Buyout buzz: Following the failure of its Phase 3 trial for soclenicant in social anxiety disorder, Neuphoria Therapeutics is undergoing a strategic review and has received a buyout offer from existing investor Lynx1 Master Fund to acquire all outstanding shares at $5.20 each, slightly above the current share price. The trial failure led to the discontinuation of the program and a significant drop in stock value. Neuphoria's board is evaluating strategic alternatives, including mergers, partnerships, and licensing deals. Meanwhile, the company maintains partnerships with Merck, which is funding a Phase 2 Alzheimer’s study, and Carina Biotech for oncology development.

💉 Semaglutide heart help: At the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, data from the SCORE-HF study showed that Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide 2.4mg, administered weekly via subcutaneous injection, significantly reduces cardiovascular risks in heart failure (HF) patients with overweight or obesity and without type 2 diabetes. The real-world study found semaglutide reduced 5-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 42%, 3-point MACE by 62%, and HF-specific outcomes by 35%, all with strong statistical significance. These findings support semaglutide’s expanding role beyond diabetes and obesity, reinforcing its potential as a breakthrough therapy in cardiovascular care for HF patients.

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