Troubled since a miss in hidradenitis suppurativa last fall, Acelyrin’s izokibep succeeded in a psoriatic arthritis trial, but will the drug compete well against other IL-17 inhibitors?

There were 21 biopharma initial public offerings in 2023, including J&J’s consumer health spin-out Kenvue, versus 22 in 2022. However, IPO proceeds are rising in 2024.

Public Company Edition: Alto Neuroscience and Fractyl Health grossed $128.6m and $110m, respectively, while FibroBiologics went public in a direct listing. Also, Vaxcyte grossed $862.5m in a follow-on offering, Immunocore grossed $350m in a note sale and Vera raised $287.5m.

Biotech entrepreneurs tend to be an optimistic group, and there were many pockets of hope for 2024. However, the consensus remains that depressed valuations and paucity of fresh funds will continue to pose a challenge for the sector, and companies will need to prioritize carefully and work even harder to demonstrate and create value.