Top global pharmaceutical companies’ weekly international regulatory approvals, licensing collaborations, M&A activities, clinical developments, and financial performance—April 6–12, 2026

• GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): On April 8, GSK announced that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Exdensur (depemokimab), a nasal corticosteroid adjunct therapy, for adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who remain inadequately controlled despite systemic corticosteroid treatment and/or surgery. The approval was based on data from the Phase 3 ANCHOR-1 and ANCHOR-2 trials, which demonstrated improvement in nasal polyp scores versus baseline at Week 52: a reduction of 0.7 in ANCHOR-1 and 0.6 in ANCHOR-2. Improvements were also observed in the nasal congestion verbal rating scale during Weeks 49–52: a reduction of 0.23 in ANCHOR-1 and 0.25 in ANCHOR-2. Exdensur is an ultra-long-acting biologic targeting respiratory diseases associated with type 2 inflammation. It exhibits high binding affinity to interleukin-5 (IL-5)—a key cytokine in type 2 inflammation—and features an extended half-life enabling twice-yearly dosing. • Novo Nordisk: On April 9, Novo Nordisk announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved an update to the labeling of Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, permitting storage at a constant temperature of up to 30°C for up to 48 hours during transportation. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist indicated for obesity and related conditions. M&A Activities: • Gilead Sciences: On April 7, Gilead announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tubulis GmbH, a Germany-based clinical-stage biotechnology company developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Tubulis’ lead candidate, TUB-040—a topoisomerase-I inhibitor (TOPO1i) ADC targeting NaPi2b—is currently in Phase 1b/2 clinical trials for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Another candidate, TUB-030—an ADC targeting 5T4—has shown promising preliminary clinical data across multiple solid tumors. Gilead will acquire all outstanding equity for $3.15 billion in cash, plus up to $1.85 billion in potential milestone payments. Clinical Developments: • Johnson & Johnson: On April 10, Johnson & Johnson announced it will present two datasets on the TECNIS PureSee intraocular lens (IOL) at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS). Real-world evidence demonstrates that the TECNIS PureSee IOL delivers excellent clinical outcomes, low incidence of bothersome visual symptoms, and high patient satisfaction. Mean binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/19; best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) was 20/18. 96% of patients achieved distance vision independence; 95% achieved intermediate vision independence; and 61% achieved near vision independence. Patient satisfaction reached 93% across all distances. Mean binocular UDVA was 20/19 for both refractive error and emmetropic patients.

Gilead Sciences’ 2025 international regulatory approvals, licensing collaborations, M&A activities, clinical developments, and financial performance disclosures—summary

International Regulatory Approvals: Gilead’s official website disclosed the following 2025 regulatory approval updates: Yeztugo/Yeytuo (lenacapavir) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); Biktarvy for HIV-infected patients; and seladelpar for primary biliary cholangitis. Licensing Collaborations: Gilead’s disclosed 2025 licensing collaborations include: a partnership with Leo Pharma on a small-molecule oral STAT6 program; a collaboration with Kymera Therapeutics, Inc. on a novel molecular glue degrader targeting CDK2; and a collaboration with Assembly Biosciences, Inc. on a helicase-primase inhibitor for herpes simplex virus.

Gilead to Acquire PepStar's Inflammation Drug Program in $1.28 Billion Deal

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Gilead Sciences agreed to acquire PepStar Therapeutics' oral inflammation drug program for $1.275 billion in cash. The deal adds HCXT-2001, an experimental treatment targeting the IL-23 pathway for inflammatory bowel disease, to Gilead's portfolio.

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