2 Minute Medicine: Pharma Roundup- Obesity RNA deal, at-home Alzheimer’s dosing, oncology royalty financing, and first Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Immune Thrombocytopenia [September 3, 2025]

Novo’s srRNA push expands cardiometabolic pipeline
On August 28, Novo Nordisk announced a collaboration with Replicate Bioscience to pursue self replicating RNA (srRNA) for obesity and T2D (type 2 diabetes), as covered in this Reuters report. Replicate will receive research funding and is eligible for milestone payments up to 550 million dollars, according to the company announcement. The agreement grants Novo exclusive global rights to the srRNA platform for cardiometabolic programs, which could complement GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide 1) approaches already in use. Observers note that srRNA may enable durable in vivo protein expression, potentially reducing dose burden in chronic disease. Competitive dynamics remain intense after the FDA cleared a GLP-1 predecessor for weight loss, as noted in this Reuters update. For physicians, the near term impact is pipeline oriented, with obesity and T2D programs likely to move first. The deal structure also signals continued modality diversification beyond peptides. Next, we turn to an Alzheimer’s formulation change that may streamline maintenance care.

Leqembi gains at-home injection for maintenance dosing
A few days ago, the FDA cleared a subcutaneous maintenance formulation of lecanemab for AD (Alzheimer’s disease), as summarized in this Reuters coverage. Eisai’s materials confirm the SC (subcutaneous) option allows at-home administration after an initial course that spans 18 months, detailed in the Eisai announcement. Clinics may see reduced infusion chair utilization as maintenance shifts from IV (intravenous) to SC, with potential improvements in scheduling efficiency. Patients could benefit from fewer facility visits and shorter administration time, while induction remains clinic based. Site protocols must continue to address ARIA (amyloid related imaging abnormalities), given ongoing safety monitoring requirements. For cognitive neurology teams, the immediate change is operational rather than mechanistic. Access and training for home administration will determine real world uptake in the next two quarters. Next, we examine how financing vehicles are reshaping oncology economics.

Royalty financing deepens exposure to SCLC revenues
On August 25, Royalty Pharma agreed to acquire a royalty interest in Amgen’s DLL3 directed bispecific for SCLC (small cell lung cancer) with a transaction value up to 950 million dollars, according to this Reuters report. The structure includes 885 million dollars upfront and an option for 65 million dollars more, conferring roughly 7 percent of global net sales outside Greater China as outlined in the company statement. Late stage data showing a 40 percent reduction in death risk versus chemotherapy underpin expectations for sustained demand, highlighted again in Reuters coverage. For oncologists, the clinical use remains unchanged, yet the financing underscores confidence in long horizon revenue tied to real world adoption. Health systems may see formulary stability as royalty holders favor predictable access. The deal illustrates capital deployment after approval without altering clinical pathways. Duration into the next decade aligns returns with maturing SCLC care. Next, we close with a new oral option for a rare hematologic disorder.

Sanofi wins approval for first BTK inhibitor in ITP
The FDA approved rilzabrutinib as Wayrilz for adults with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), as reported in this Reuters piece, on August 29th. Sanofi describes Wayrilz as the first BTK (Bruton’s tyrosine kinase) inhibitor for ITP in the United States, citing Phase 3 findings that support sustained platelet responses in the Sanofi press release. The FDA included Wayrilz among recent clearances on its notable approvals list on September 2. Reuters also noted a starting monthly list price of 17,500 dollars, which will frame early payer discussions and patient access programs. For hematologists, an oral BTK inhibitor creates another immunomodulatory option after insufficient response to prior therapies. Safety monitoring familiar to BTK class effects will be important during the first months of use. Real world adoption will hinge on platelet durability, steroid sparing, and authorization logistics.

Image: PD

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