The biggest biotech funding rounds in July 2026

In July 2026, a number of significant biotech deals were announced. American biopharma Vertex Pharmaceuticals acquired Crinetics Pharmaceuticals for $10 billion. The California-based company was developing paltusotine, a small molecule for the treatment of acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder. Belgian company Argenx purchased Forte Biosciences for $2.2 billion, gaining control over the Texas-based startup's monoclonal antibody FB102, which is currently in clinical trials for celiac disease, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.

Lilly bought New York-headquartered AtaiBeckley for $3.8 billion, with its lead candidate mebufotenin benzoate in phase 2 studies for the treatment of depression. NextCure merged with Avere Therapeutics, with the latter developing a small molecule that inhibits the pro-inflammatory protein IL-23 for inflammatory conditions. Novartis acquired Myricx Bio, an antibody-drug conjugate developer based in London, for up to $1.5 billion.

Ipsen announced plans to acquire Zurich-based Memo Therapeutics for €228 million, with the potential for more than €798 million in milestone payments. United Therapeutics paid $140 million in cash to acquire stem cell company Thymmune Therapeutics, with up to $160 million in milestone payments by 2031. Synlogic and Caldera Therapeutics merged, with the new company focusing on inflammatory bowel disease in phase 1 studies.