We’ve already entered a new digital age, with AI transforming almost every aspect of day-to-day life. But AI is not yet at a level where cognition and reasoning can be compared to a human brain. Whole brain emulation (WBE) is an advancing technology that aims to digitally replicate a brain's structure and function, generating a new horizon of technology based on how brains actually work. 

While this sounds like fiction, it rests on real science. Whereas AI systems achieve intelligence through statistical learning on data, WBE is possible by recording actual neural activity, mapping connectomes, and performing computational modeling of these connections. The Drosophila connectome was completed in 2024¹, covering 139,255 neurons and roughly 50 million synapses. 

Currently, no mammalian whole-brain map exists. But if successful, mammalian WBE could have significant implications for science. By replicating biological wiring, human WBE could become a testing ground for neurological disorders, neuroscience, and pharmaceutical development, all without recruiting a single human participant. As a preclinical tool, human WBE could replace some forms of in vivo animal experimentation, reducing costs associated with animal husbandry and testing while also offering a humane alternative. WBE therefore has the potential to act as a critical tool in neuroscience and pharmaceutical research.

However, as exciting as this sounds, the success of WBE is not certain. What is certain is that this is not a near-future technology. The science is at an immature stage, too early to indicate whether it could be feasible; estimates place human WBE at a minimum of 40 years away2. At the moment, WBE is just a theoretical concept. Yet, it is interesting to reflect on our current world and the exponential development that digital technology has taken in recent years. A world deeply integrated with AI may have sounded like science fiction five years ago; perhaps we'll look back on WBE the same way.

1. Dorkenwald S, Matsliah A, Sterling AR, et al. Neuronal wiring diagram of an adult brain. Nature. 2024;634(8032):124-138. doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07558-y 

2. Eth D, Foust JC, Whale B. The Prospects of Whole Brain Emulation within the next Half- Century. Journal of Artificial General Intelligence. 2014;4:130-152. doi:10.2478/jagi-2013-0008 

October 29, 2026 — New York City 🗽🇺🇸

We’re giving away 5 passes to the Galien Forum, and if you have ever wanted to be in a room with the people leading some of the most influential companies in pharma, this is your opportunity.

Taking place on October 29, 2026, in New York City, the Galien Forum brings together global chairs, senior executives, scientists, innovators and decision-makers for meaningful conversations about the ideas shaping the future of medicine and healthcare.Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and connect with leaders from Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Roche, Regeneron, Merck and other globally recognized organizations.

These are the people operating at the cutting edge of the industry developing new treatments, advancing scientific research, building breakthrough technologies and making the decisions that influence the direction of the pharmaceutical industry at large.

For more than 20 years, Prix Galien USA has recognized the innovations transforming patient care. The Galien Forum creates an opportunity to go beyond the awards and hear directly from the leaders, researchers and organizations behind that progress.

You can see the post HERE!

Follow The Galien Foundation on LinkedIn to stay updated on announcements, speakers, and innovations and upcoming event.

Royalty Pharma (NASDAQ:RPRX) has entered into a $100 million agreement with Zealand Pharma to acquire Zealand’s economic rights for rusfertide (PTG-300) - a first-in-class investigational treatment for polycythemia vera (a blood disorder). Rusfertide is progressing toward a USFDA’s Prescription Drug User Fee Act’s action date is scheduled for Q3 2026, with Takeda managing global commercialisation.

Royalty Pharma will pay Zealand Pharma $100 million in two equal instalments: $50 million upfront at closing and $50 million on the first anniversary of the agreement. In exchange, Royalty Pharma receives a 1% royalty on future global net sales alongside future regulatory and commercial milestones. For global net sales exceeding $1.5 billion annually, Royalty Pharma collects 0.75% royalty while Zealand retains 0.25% royalty.

Rusfertide’s development traces back to a 2012 research collaboration between Zealand Pharma and Protagonist Therapeutics. That partnership ended in 2014, and royalty entitlements were solidified under a 2021 settlement, paving the way for Protagonist to enter a global licensing deal with Takeda in January 2024.

This acquisition follows Royalty Pharma’s recent acquisition of a portion of Neurimmune's royalty interest in AstraZeneca’s cliramitug (a phase 3 TTR-fibril-depleting antibody) for up to $425 million.

Shares of Aurobindo Pharma dropped over 2 percent to an intraday low of INR 1,621.30 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) after the USFDA issued a formal Warning Letter to a Telangana formulation facility operated by Aurobindo’s subsidiary, Eugia Pharma Specialities Ltd.

The regulatory escalation follows an FDA inspection conducted between February 16-27, resulting in a Form 483 with nine observations and a subsequent ‘Official Action Indicated’ classification. Aurobindo clarified that the impacted Unit-I facility accounts for approximately 2% of the group's consolidated revenue and assured investors that the regulatory action will not disrupt existing drug supplies to the US market. Management stated it remains committed to strengthening compliance frameworks and addressing all underlying FDA observations while maintaining full transparency with Indian stock exchanges.

Northwest Biotherapeutics (OTCQB: NWBO) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Appliance Company (SPIMACO) to commercialize and localize manufacturing for its personalized cancer vaccine, DCVax®-L, in Saudi Arabia. 

SPIMACO will manage regulatory submissions with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for glioblastoma brain cancer while serving as the exclusive local marketing, sales, and distribution partner. Operating under a revenue-sharing model, NWBio will supply the DCVax®-L products, provide scientific support, and retain total ownership of all underlying intellectual property.

Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 life sciences development strategy, both entities will negotiate license and technology transfer agreements to eventually establish localized manufacturing within the Kingdom. The collaboration allows for future scope expansion to cover additional cancer indications and extend distribution into broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

Bank of America has officially added Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX) to its prominent US 1 List. The list highlights the investment bank's high-conviction, buy-rated U.S.-listed stocks designed to generate superior long-term performance. Bank of America maintains its Buy rating on the company.

Vertex commands a market capitalization of $132.79 billion, bolstered by strong financial performance and a 15.56% gain year-to-date. VRTX stock has delivered a 39.91% return over the last 12 months, backed by an impressive "GREAT" financial health score and a P/E ratio of 30.18. 

Wolfe Research raised its price target on VRTX to $562 (Outperform), emphasizing the durable commercial moat around Vertex’s core cystic fibrosis franchise. BMO Capital reiterated an Outperform rating with a $600 price target after key competitor Sionna Therapeutics announced its candidate SION-719 failed to meet its clinical trial endpoint, removing a near-term competitive threat. Stifel adjusted its price target to $500 (Hold) following Vertex's second-quarter 2026 earnings beat and subsequent full-year guidance raise.