Ep 3. Oct 10, 2026

Welcome to Biotech Catch-Up. I'm Harry. This week, we break down five major biotech and pharma stories from October 5 to October 9, 2026. 1. AbbVie & Genmab — Major Phase 3 win in blood cancer AbbVie and Genmab reported positive Phase 3 results for epcoritamab combined with R-CHOP in newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 51% compared with R-CHOP alone, potentially bringing bispecific antibodies into frontline lymphoma treatment. Official source: AbbVie announcement 2. BridgeBio — FDA Priority Review for oral achondroplasia treatment The FDA accepted BridgeBio's application for infigratinib, an oral treatment for children with achondroplasia, and granted Priority Review. In the Phase 3 PROPEL 3 study, patients receiving infigratinib grew approximately 2.1 centimeters more per year than those receiving placebo. An FDA decision is expected on February 4, 2027. Official source: BridgeBio announcement 3. Cerevance — Positive Phase 3 results in Parkinson's disease Cerevance reported positive Phase 3 results for solengepras, an oral GPR6 inhibitor for Parkinson's disease. In the ARISE study involving 341 patients, the higher dose reduced daily OFF time by approximately 37 minutes compared with placebo after 12 weeks. The results support a potential new treatment approach beyond traditional dopamine-based therapies. Official source: Cerevance announcement 4. argenx — Phase 3 setback and Phase 2 success argenx announced that it would discontinue its Phase 3 UNITY study of Vyvgart in Sjögren's disease after an interim review indicated the trial was unlikely to meet its primary endpoint. On the same day, the company reported positive Phase 2 results for FB102 in celiac disease, highlighting both the opportunities and risks of developing treatments for autoimmune diseases. Official sources: argenx Phase 3 update | FB102 Phase 2 results 5. FDA approves Aicuris' Hovilpri for resistant herpes infections The FDA approved Hovilpri (pritelivir), developed by Aicuris, now owned by Asahi Kasei, for certain difficult-to-treat herpes infections in adults with weakened immune systems. In a Phase 3 study, 63% of patients receiving Hovilpri achieved complete healing within 28 days, compared with 34% receiving other available treatments. The approval introduces a new antiviral mechanism for patients with limited treatment options. Official source: FDA approval announcement Biotech Catch-Up makes major biotech news easier to follow by explaining what happened, why it matters, and what investors should watch next.