Welcome to this week’s edition of the Life Sciences Voice Top Five Newsletter, your go-to source for the latest breakthroughs in the life sciences industry! This time, we’re looking at Eli Lilly’s $250 million investment in Purdue University, FDA’s decision to halt chikungunya vaccine in adults, the first-ever FDA-approved at-home cervical cancer screening kit, and more. Stay informed and inspired by the innovations driving life sciences forward!
Eli Lilly Expands Purdue Partnership with $250 Million Investment
Eli Lilly will invest up to $250 million through 2032 to expand its partnership with Purdue University. The collaboration focuses on AI-driven drug discovery, clinical trials, regulatory and manufacturing efficiency, and workforce development in Indiana’s life sciences sector. Purdue researchers will work on campus in West Lafayette and with Lilly scientists in Indianapolis and Lebanon. The partnership builds on previous agreements totaling over $100 million since 2017 and includes ongoing initiatives like the Lilly Scholars program and the Young Institute Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Consortium, which targets advancements in drug production technologies.
U.S. Recommends Suspension of Ixchiq Vaccine Use in Older Adults Amid Safety Review
The FDA and CDC have advised pausing the use of Valneva’s chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq, in individuals aged 60 and older while investigations into serious adverse events (SAEs) continue. This follows similar actions by France and the European Medicines Agency, which cited 17 SAEs, including two deaths, in vaccine recipients aged 62 to 89. The CDC previously recommended caution for those 65 and older. Valneva, which has distributed over 40,000 doses globally, stated that most reported events involved older adults with pre-existing conditions and confirmed ongoing coordination with global health authorities.
FDA Approves First At-Home HPV Self-Collection Kit for Cervical Cancer Screening
The U.S. FDA has approved the Teal Wand, the first at-home prescription kit for HPV screening and cervical cancer risk assessment. Developed by Teal Health, the device uses a spongelike swab for self-collection without a speculum. Samples are mailed to a lab and tested using standard Pap smear methods. A study of over 600 participants found accuracy comparable to clinician-collected samples, with 94% preferring at-home screening. The device is for women aged 25 to 65 at average risk and will launch in California via Teal Health’s telehealth platform in June, with national expansion to follow.
Abeona Therapeutics Sells Priority Review Voucher for $155 Million After FDA Approval of Zevaskyn
Abeona Therapeutics sold a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) for $155 million shortly after receiving FDA approval for Zevaskyn, its gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). The buyer was not disclosed. Zevaskyn, a one-time autologous cell-based therapy, is applied as a sheet to wounds to promote healing and reduce pain. Abeona plans a phased commercial launch in Q3 2025, initially treating 10 to 15 patients. Proceeds from the PRV sale are expected to fund operations for over two years. The transaction comes amid regulatory uncertainty and limited capital-raising options due to a depressed stock price.
Johnson & Johnson’s Gene Therapy for XLRP Falls Short in Phase 3 Trial
Johnson & Johnson’s gene therapy botaretigene sparoparvovec (bota-vec) did not meet its primary goal of improving vision-guided mobility in a phase 3 trial for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP), a rare genetic eye disease. The LUMEOS study involved 95 participants, with 58 receiving a single injection of bota-vec. While secondary endpoints, such as patient-reported vision and letter chart assessments, showed improvement, the results lacked statistical significance. All treated participants experienced adverse events, with 53% linked to the therapy. Johnson & Johnson, which acquired full rights to bota-vec in a $415 million deal in December 2023, is evaluating its next steps.
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