Eva Wesley

European stocks moved on earnings and broker actions. Evotec, BioGaia, Plus500, Pharming, Inwido, Amundi and Julius Baer rallied on upgrades, strong results, growth outlooks and strategic moves. Meanwhile Vitrolife, Demant, Publicis, Akzo Nobel, Siltronic, Pandora and Schaeffler declined due to weak margins, cautious guidance, downgrades, or profit-taking. Investors reacted to visibility changes and demand expectations.

Chinese pharmaceutical companies are rapidly advancing, producing drugs faster and cheaper while expanding globally through partnerships and Basel-based headquarters. Once focused on generics, they now rival major Western firms in innovative treatments, including cancer drugs. Despite strong R&D and deals, challenges remain in Europe's complex regulatory systems, while U.S. policies increase scrutiny on Chinese biotech collaborations.

Recent funding rounds highlight strong investment in biotech, industrial tech, agriculture, and deep tech. Brenus Pharma raised €11 million to advance cancer immunotherapy, while Pelico scales AI-driven manufacturing optimization. Aptimiz improves farm management, Remedy Metals targets rare earth refining, and Muodim develops non-invasive imaging technologies for industrial and infrastructure applications globally across diverse critical sectors.

Sandoz has signed a collaboration agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech covering the development, manufacturing and commercialization of up to 10 biosimilars. The $322 million deal expands Sandoz's portfolio to 39 assets, with projects targeting cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders already included.

Germany's biotech industry generated €9 billion in 2025, but faces growing international competition. Despite strong research, infrastructure, and talent, limited venture capital, complex regulation, fragmented biotech hubs, inefficient IP transfer, and risk aversion hinder commercialization. Strong cooperation between startups and pharmaceutical companies remains an advantage, supporting innovation, investment, talent, and potential exits.

Vienna researchers used AI to decode the “second genetic code” governing gene activation. Their deep-learning model designed 15 synthetic enhancers that successfully switched genes on specifically in the hearts, limbs, and nervous systems of mouse embryos. The breakthrough could deepen understanding of development and disease, potentially enabling future genetic treatments targeting tissue-specific processes.

Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky's Outer Bio has developed Yuna, an AI-powered platform that keeps donated human skin alive for four weeks. The startup analyzes tissue responses to treatments, studying aging, inflammation and sun damage. With $23 million raised, Outer Bio aims to provide human-based biological data for biotech and consumer-health companies while reducing reliance on animal testing.

Neko Health has raised $700 million in Series C funding to expand preventative healthcare and develop early-detection technology. Its 60-minute, radiation-free Neko Health Scan combines patented sensors and blood tests to assess millions of health data points. With over 100,000 scans completed, Neko is expanding into the US while improving automation, diagnostics, and personalized health monitoring.

Boehringer Ingelheim has acquired Swiss biotech Evax AG, expanding its animal-health business into therapeutic vaccines for horses. Evax's VLP technology targets chronic allergic skin diseases by stimulating specific antibody responses. Early studies show promising results, though evidence remains limited. The deal strengthens Boehringer's VLP vaccine strategy, following its 2024 acquisition of Saiba Animal Health.

Biotech remains one of venture capital's most stable sectors, attracting $36–40 billion annually despite AI's dominance. In 2026, AI-focused biotechs secured over $6 billion, while IPOs and acquisitions revived exit opportunities. Twelve companies achieved billion-dollar-plus deals. For founders, success increasingly depends on strong clinical evidence, realistic AI applications, regulatory readiness, and timely access to capital.