JPM-Byte 2025
A byte-sized recap of select deal & financing announcements around the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (2025).
Welcome to Decoding Bio’s BioByte: each week our writing collective highlight notable news—from the latest scientific papers to the latest funding rounds—and everything in between. All in one place.
Johnson & Johnson Acquires Intra-Cellular for Neuropsychiatric Expansion
Johnson & Johnson has acquired Intra-Cellular Therapies, a leader in neuropsychiatric drug development, for $14.6 billion. The deal bolsters J&J’s neuropsychiatry portfolio, which includes therapies like aticeprant, Spravato, and seltorexant. This strategic expansion positions the company to address the complex and heterogeneous nature of depression and psychiatric disorders through multiple mechanisms of action.
Intra-Cellular adds Caplyta, a relatively de-risked asset approved for schizophrenia and bipolar depression, which is also being evaluated as an adjunct therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD). Additionally, its promising pipeline includes ITI-1284, a candidate for anxiety and Alzheimer’s-related psychosis. J&J’s experience and infrastructure, particularly with Invega, may enhance Caplyta’s market presence.
This acquisition underscores the significant upside potential in the neuropsychiatry space, a field fraught with challenges and failures but offering substantial rewards. However, advancements in biomarkers, patient segmentation, and novel therapies are critical to effectively tackling the complexity of these conditions and advancing precision medicine.
Lilly Partners with Scorpion Therapeutics for Precision Oncology
Eli Lilly acquires Scorpion Therapeutics, nabbing its PI3Kα inhibitor program, STX-478, in a deal worth up to $2.5B. This collaboration strengthens Lilly’s precision oncology pipeline by adding a highly selective treatment targeting breast cancer and other solid tumors. The acquisition is in-line with Lilly’s philosophy of acquiring mid-stage clinical companies to shore up their pipeline across various verticals, outside of obesity.
a16z and Eli Lilly Partner on $500M Biotech Ecosystem Venture Fund
Eli Lilly has launched a new $500 million fund, managed by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), called the Biotech Ecosystem Venture Fund. This initiative combines a16z’s access and reputation in the novel technology ecosystem with Lilly’s strategic expertise in the pharmaceutical industry. Start-ups supported by the fund will gain access to Lilly’s Catalyze360 resources, including Gateway Labs. Traditionally, Gateway Labs has allowed Lilly to closely monitor and support start-ups as they mature, fostering their development while positioning them for potential acquisition.
This approach not only helps start-ups generate the right data and build meaningful relationships with Lilly but also enables Lilly to learn from innovative biotech ventures. In the competitive race to differentiate and bring novel therapies to market, it’s essential for companies like Eli Lilly to invest in cutting-edge capabilities, including novel target identification and AI-driven solutions, to maintain their leadership in the industry.
Aspect Biosystems Raises $115M Series B to Advance Tissue Therapeutics
Aspect Biosystems secured $115M in Series B funding led by Dimension Capital to advance its bioprinted tissue therapeutics platform. The approach, designed for metabolic diseases, integrates therapeutic cells into the body to continuously sense and restore aberrant factors, paving the way for novel regenerative treatments.
Tenvie Therapeutics Launches with $200M for Neuroscience Asset Advancement
Tenvie Therapeutics debuted with $200M in funding from ARCH Venture Partners, F-Prime Capital, and Mubadala. The startup acquired likely stalled or deprioritised preclinical drug candidates from Denali Therapeutics, enabling Denali to focus on core priorities while retaining equity, milestone payment rights, and royalties on potential future successes. Tenvie plans to develop these assets for neurological, cardiometabolic, and ophthalmic disorders.
Conceivable Labs Raises $18M for AI-Driven IVF Automation
Conceivable Labs raised $18M in Series A funding led by ARTIS Ventures to revolutionize IVF through AI and robotics automation. Its platform automates over 200 intricate steps required for embryo creation, including precise single-cell surgeries at the microscopic level, improving efficiency and outcomes in fertility treatments.
Tune Therapeutics Secures $175M to Advance Epigenetic Editing
Tune Therapeutics raised $175M in a Series B led by NEA, Yosemite, Regeneron Ventures, and Hevolution Foundation. The funding will advance its epigenetic editing platform, with its lead program, Tune-401, targeting hepatitis B. Using lipid nanoparticles to deliver a TEMPO gene silencer, Tune-401 offers a novel method to inhibit both integrated and free viral DNA, positioning Tune ahead of competitors like nChroma Bio. First human trials are planned for 2025.
Slingshot AI Secures $40M Series A Led by a16z
Slingshot AI has secured $40 million in a Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) to develop the world’s first psychology-focused foundation model. Aimed at democratizing mental health support, Slingshot utilizes generative AI to help users enhance their mental well-being and interpersonal connections. Unlike traditional LLMs that focus on providing direct answers to user queries, Slingshot’s approach emphasizes empowering users to navigate and improve their emotional and social experiences.
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