Epoch 50: Top 10 Biotech Themes from 2024

A Year in Review

Hello Avatar! Welcome back for another week of biotech analysis. Today is Sunday, which means this is our Building Biotech newsletter that is focused on discussing biopharma strategy topics. As we wrap up the year today will be a recap of the most transformative biotech themes of 2024. This year brought groundbreaking advancements, from the approval of the first CRISPR-based therapy to the resurgence of radiopharmaceuticals, the explosion of the obesity drug market, and the growing dominance of antibody-drug conjugates. We’ll explore how gene editing is evolving amidst valuation pressures, why ATTR-CM data became a hotbed of innovation, and how venture capital mega-rounds are shaping the future of biotech. Alongside these stories, we’ll analyze the challenges and opportunities in T-cell engagers for solid tumors, the impact of artificial intelligence on drug discovery, and the shifting dynamics of China’s biotech landscape. Today we will unpack all of these pivotal moments and their implications for the future of medicine.

If you're not subbed yet click the link below. Every Thursday we are out with our FREE public/private biotech market update. Sundays are the days we focus on forward looking strategy. Monday’s are for public equity research. Tomorrow we will focus on Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) is nearing a pivotal moment with the upcoming approval decision for IONIS-APOCIII-LRx (Olezarsen) in Familial chylomicronemia syndrome. Given the high investor anticipation and potential market volatility—possibly resulting in stock price fluctuations of ±25%—this development is under close scrutiny.

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Enough shilling for the day, lots to cover this week, let's get started!

INTRODUCTION

The biotech sector in 2024 was a mix of highs and lows, driven by groundbreaking innovations and a challenging funding environment. This essay provides an in-depth review of the year’s top themes, with specific examples highlighting the industry’s successes and struggles.