#86 - Baby brain, dwarfism drugs, and South Korean investment

The coffee break biotech roundup, by SomX.

Greetings, my brainy pals,

This week, a pioneering Spanish study challenges the baby brain myth, suggesting that tired mums shed grey matter to become even better parents; an experimental drug could offer life-changing benefits for a rare form of childhood epilepsy; Roche is making big moves in South Korea with a half‑billion‑pound investment; relief is on the horizon as a new dwarfism drug gets the FDA nod; and Welsh biotech Antiverse has raised just shy of £10 million to develop next‑gen antibodies targeting cystic fibrosis.

Until next time,

Dodo

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Discover 🔍

👶 Pregnant women’s brains shed grey matter to prime them for motherhood, study suggests (BBC News): The long‑held “baby brain” stereotype, that pregnancy makes women forgetful, has been challenged by Spanish researchers. The Be Mother project found that expectant mothers shed about 5% of their grey matter – particularly in regions handling empathy and social connection – with greater brain changes correlating to stronger bonding after birth. It seems pregnancy triggers a neurological spring clean that primes women for the exhausting marathon of keeping tiny humans alive.

Our take: The project’s scale exposes an embarrassing gap in neuroscience: pregnancy has been forgotten as a fundamental biological process. For decades, adult brain models have been built on non-pregnant, often male, samples – effectively sidelining half the population’s most dramatic neurological transition. This blind spot likely skews our entire understanding of typical brain structure and function, which is odd, given that pregnancy and birth are hardly fringe experiences.

🧠 Scientists laud potentially life-changing drug for children with resistant form of epilepsy (The Guardian): A groundbreaking Phase 3 study has found that the experimental drug Zorevunersen could dramatically cut seizures in children with Dravet syndrome – by half after one dose, and by up to 80% after three doses. Published in NEJM, the research also showed improvements in movement, communication, and daily living. Experts hailed it as marking a shift from symptom management to targeting the genetic root of severe childhood epilepsies.

Our take: Antisense oligonucleotide therapies, once confined to rare metabolic and muscular diseases, are expanding into neurological disorders – rather promising, given over 800 genetic epilepsies have been identified. However, it’s not exactly a blockbuster model, with each form of epilepsy requiring its own targeted therapy. That being said, the findings could establish a template for developing precision medicines for rare paediatric conditions, assuming pharma can stomach developing hundreds of drugs for small patient populations.

💰 Roche announces $481m investment in South Korean biotech sector (Investment Monitor): The five-year programme aims to boost South Korea’s biotech and clinical research ecosystem, under a new deal with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The move will expand global clinical trials, foster R&D partnerships, and train local specialists. As global pharma investment in Korea surges – up 74% since 2020 – Roche’s open-innovation push positions the country as a rising hub for next‑gen drug development.

Our take: South Korea has been rather clever about vying for position as Asia’s regulatory innovation leader, with 30-day clinical trial approval timelines that beat most Western markets hands-down. With AstraZeneca also opening a Seoul biotech hub, Korea is becoming an attractive location for companies looking to run efficient trials without the regulatory sluggishness that plagues legacy markets. The country’s advanced infrastructure and government backing make it easier for pharma to test new approaches without fighting entrenched bureaucracy.

💊 Ascendis wins FDA approval of dwarfism drug (BioPharma Dive): Yuviwel, a once‑weekly injection to help spur bone growth in people with achondroplasia, breaks BioMarin’s monopoly on dwarfism drugs. The accelerated approval positions Yuviwel as a more convenient once-weekly alternative to BioMarin’s daily Voxzogo injection. Analysts expect patient switching of up to 40%, projecting $41.5M in sales with EU expansion in 2027. The price of Yuviwel will be announced in the coming weeks.

Our take: Orphan drug markets have thrived on high prices and market exclusivity for years, with little pressure to compete on anything beyond regulatory approval. Competition in rare conditions forces incumbents to justify pricing with clearer clinical differentiation, which Voxzogo will now need to demonstrate. Another contender, BridgeBio’s pill therapy, adds yet another layer of pressure. When patients have sustainable choices, convenience starts mattering as much as efficacy.

And finally…

🫁 Antiverse raises $9.3m Series A and partners with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (BioXconomy): The AI antibody developer’s latest funding round was led by Soulmates Ventures, bringing total investment to over $20m. The Welsh biotech is expanding its AI antibody design platform and advancing its lead programmes toward the clinic by 2027. It’s also partnering with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to design breakthrough antibodies targeting the notoriously hard-to-treat CFTR protein, opening new frontiers in cystic fibrosis therapy.

Our take: The Cardiff success story shows that deep-tech biotech can thrive outside the golden triangle. Lower operational costs and untapped talent pools make regional hubs look rather sensible. Wales’ emerging biotech scene, backed by university partnerships and targeted investment funds, offers a model for regional growth where proximity to Oxford or Cambridge matters far less than having the right infrastructure and support networks in place.

Tune in 🎧

👄 Making biologics orally available with Vivtex’s Thomas von Erlach, PhD: Thomas shares the company’s journey through stealth development, strategic partnerships,  and the mission to unlock next‑gen oral therapies for obesity and diabetes.

🐉 Why Asia is the emerging epicentre for global biopharmaceutical progress: As China, Japan, and India each build distinct strengths across the drug development spectrum, McKinsey’s Fangning Zhang explores how Asia is reshaping the global biopharma landscape.

🧑‍⚖️ Where life science meets litigation: Patent litigator Tim Dabrowski discusses his pivot from medicine to law, the value of scientific expertise in IP battles, and the challenges of translating complex biotech concepts for legal wins.

Apply ✍️

🧑‍🔬 Manager (Consulting), Life Sciences, Gate One: Want to shape how life sciences leaders bring breakthrough therapies to market? You’ll lead transformative, high‑value programmes across global commercial and cross‑functional teams, drive account growth and business development, and mentor consultants to excel.

🇪🇺 Industry Director BioPharma Europe, Thermo Fisher Scientific: Ready to drive impact at the intersection of science and strategy? You’ll manage and grow relationships with top-tier customers, developing multi‑year account plans and coordinating cross‑divisional teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions.

📋 Phorum Engagement Manager - Quality, BioPhorum: Interested in working at the centre of global pharma quality leadership? You’ll build trusted relationships with Chief Quality Officers and senior leaders, translating insights from strategic conversations into programme development.

RSVP 📆

🍺 11.03 | Biotech & Beers | Newcastle, UK: An informal evening for the North East life sciences community to meet, swap ideas, and expand their networks. Expect relaxed conversations and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow scientists, founders, and industry professionals over a drink.

🇮🇹 23-24.03 | 29th European Biotechnology Congress | Rome, Italy: A major international gathering where researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders come together to present discoveries, discuss emerging technologies, and explore collaborations shaping the future of biotechnology.

🧬 26.03 | The CGT Circle | London, UK: A networking event dedicated to the cell and gene therapy community. Designed to spark conversation and new connections, it brings together scientists, founders, and industry professionals working at the forefront of advanced therapies.

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