The Week of

Teva Pharmaceuticals announced that it will acquire Emalex Biosciences for $700 million upfront plus up to $200 million in milestones, primarily to gain access to a single late-stage asset, ecopipam, a potential treatment for pediatric Tourette syndrome. 

The drug is NDA-ready with expected submission in late 2026, supported by positive Phase 3 data and favorable FDA designations, giving Teva a potential near-term revenue opportunity. Check it out: https://jlsfund.substack.com/p/teva-is-building-momentum-and-this

Pacira BioSciences presented new data showing that patients undergoing hip replacement surgery who received its non-opioid pain treatment, EXPAREL, used consistently fewer opioids across all timeframes (from 30 days out to one year) compared to standard care. 

The study also found that these patients required fewer healthcare resources overall, including fewer hospital readmissions, ER visits, and outpatient appointments, which translated into lower total medical costs over time. Here’s more: https://jlsfund.substack.com/p/what-happens-during-surgery-may-reduce

Helus Pharma announced a partnership with TARA Mind aimed at expanding veteran participation in clinical research while supporting its late-stage drug program for depression. The collaboration will focus on recruiting veterans into Helus’ Phase 3 trial for HLP003, a Breakthrough Therapy–designated treatment for major depressive disorder, while also increasing awareness and access to mental health resources within veteran communities.

The deal is aligned with broader policy efforts to accelerate mental health treatments, particularly for populations like veterans who face elevated rates of depression, PTSD, and suicide. Check it out: https://ir.helus.com/news-releases/news-release-details/helus-pharma-partners-tara-mind-advance-veteran-mental-health

Last week, we received Immunis’ Q1 2026 quarterly report. After reading it, it’s quite clear that the company is starting to move beyond early-stage development and into something more tangible. 

Immunis reported new data from its Phase 1/2a STEM-MYO and Phase 2 STEM-META programs showing that a four-week course of IMM01-STEM was safe, well-tolerated, and produced measurable improvements in physical function, metabolic health, and pain. 

Walking speed, grip strength, and overall mobility improved versus baseline and placebo, with benefits appearing within two weeks and lasting at least three months after treatment. 

Worth noting: the FDA has also cleared two additional studies. A Phase 2 trial in knee osteoarthritis and a Phase 1 program targeting Parkinson’s-related dyskinesia. 

The research story is also expanding. 

Preclinical work suggests IMM01-STEM may address one of the more practical limitations of GLP-1 therapies: loss of lean muscle mass.

In combination with tirzepatide, the therapy appears to preserve muscle while enhancing fat loss, resulting in improved body composition. Separate studies show potential benefits in joint repair, cartilage preservation, and pain signaling. 

At the same time, Immunis is positioning itself for the next phase. 

The company is investing in data infrastructure, using large healthcare databases to support trial recruitment, and engaging with pharmaceutical partners following recent results. 

Indeed, things are moving along nicely.  If you have any questions about Immunis or would like more specifics on the company’s progress, feel free to shoot us an email, and we’ll set up a time to discuss Immunis further.

Did you know that a new brain implant the size of a blueberry is about to be tested in humans as a treatment for depression?

The device, developed by Motif Neurotech, sits in the skull and delivers targeted electrical stimulation to brain regions linked to mood and cognitive function, with early expectations of improvement within days.

Unlike older approaches, the implant can be placed in a short outpatient procedure and powered wirelessly through a wearable cap, allowing patients to receive therapy at home in short daily sessions. Check it out: https://www.wired.com/story/a-brain-implant-for-depression-is-about-to-be-tested-in-humans/