17 TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 1 / March 2026 senior research analyst of Small and Mid-Cap Biotechnology. According to a company press release, Dr. Wang’s speciality lies in RNA therapies, cell and gene therapies, and emerging modalities in rare diseases and oncology. In addition to her eight-year stint with Barclays, Dr. Wang has also worked as a sell-side analyst at investment banks like Jefferies and Leerink Partners. She received her Ph.D in Molecular Biology from the State University of New York and conducted her postdoctoral training at the Rockefeller University; both programs focused on RNA research. “I am thrilled to join Argo Biopharma at such an important stage of its development,” said Dr. Wang in the release. “I have followed the evolution of RNA therapies for decades, and I believe Argo has developed a compelling, innovative siRNA platform to support potentially differentiated best-in-class assets across a wide range of important indications. I look forward to partnering with the management team to help Argo Biopharma achieve its long-term goals of delivering transformative therapeutics to patients while creating value for shareholders.” “We are excited to welcome Dr. Wang to our management team,” said Dr. Dongxu Shu, co-founder, Chairman of the Board, and CEO, Argo Biopharma, in the release. “Her deep knowledge of the genetic medicines landscape, expertise in biotechnology capital markets, and her reputation and strong relationships within the financial community and healthcare industry make her an invaluable addition as we continue advancing our pipeline and entering our next phase of growth. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Wang in her new role.” NEWS Teva Pharmaceuticals and Blackstone Life Sciences announce $400 million funding agreement for IBS candidate Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and Blackstone Life Sciences (BXLS), a private life sciences investment company, announced a $400 million strategic funding agreement on March 3rd, 2026. Spread across the next four years, the funding agreement will support the continued clinical development of duvakitug, a monoclonal antibody Teva is developing as a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), two of the most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to a company press release, BXLS will be eligible for regulatory and commercial milestone payments concerning duvakitug, as well as low single-digit royalties on worldwide product sales. Duvakitug is a human monoclonal antibody designed to target TL1A, which investigators believe may play a role in amplifying inflammation and driving fibrosis associated with IBD. Phase IIb data evaluating duvakitug in UC and CD demonstrated clinically meaningful durable efficacy, according to the release, and the candidate is now being evaluated in a Phase III clinical trial. Teva is co-developing and co-commercializing duvakitug with Sanofi as part of a separate development agreement. “Today’s announcement highlights how we are turning strategy into action under Pivot to Growth,” said Evan Lippman, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Teva, in the release. “By pursuing disciplined, capital-efficient partnerships, we are accelerating pipeline advancement while maintaining financial strength. This is the model we will continue using to build a more innovative, resilient, and growth-oriented Teva.” “We are excited to partner with Teva and support their innovation priorities as they advance a critical new product to patients who have significant unmet need,” said Dr. Nicholas Galakatos, Global Head, Blackstone Life Sciences, in the release. “This transaction further demonstrates our focus on partnering with leading biopharmaceutical companies to execute their growth initiatives.” “Duvakitug has the potential to be a best-in-class therapy in a large and growing space, and the Teva and Sanofi teams are well positioned to develop and commercialize this important medicine,” said Paris Panayiotopoulos, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Life Sciences, in the release. “In line with our mission, we are delighted to partner with Teva on their Pivot to Growth strategy and to help bring duvakitug to patients as soon as possible.”
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