Weekly roundup: Developments across Europe as positive JPM sets the tone for 2026

Novo Nordisk Foundation grants DKK 5.5 billion to elevate innovation in Denmark and Europe

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has allocated up to DKK 5.5 billion (EUR 736 million) to  the BioInnovation Institute (BII), a leading institute for life science and deep tech innovation in Copenhagen. The funding will enable BII to expand its activities into new strategic areas and geographies, and support even more entrepreneurs and start-up-companies, thereby strengthening innovation in Denmark and Europe. The new funding frame runs from 2026 to 2035.

Domain Therapeutics rebrands as Kainova Therapeutics, advancing its clinical pipeline of GPCR-modulating therapies

Kainova Therapeutics, a catalyst for breakthrough treatments for immuno-oncology and inflammation patients, announced a transformative rebrand. The new name and brand reflect the Company’s clinical momentum, global ambition, and readiness for the next chapter of strategic growth, anchored by a mature pipeline of G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)-modulating therapies.

AMS announced its full year 2025 trading update

Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc (AIM: AMS), the innovative tissue-healing medical device company delivering high-performing solutions for better patient outcomes, has announced a trading update, in line with expectations, for the twelve months ended 31 December 2025. The Group expects to report revenues of approximately £228.5 million (2024: £177.5 million) and EBITDA of £49.5-£50.0 million, driven by continued strong growth across key surgical product categories and a good recovery in its Woundcare business. Integration of Peters Surgical and Syntacoll remains on track, with full year results expected on 18 March 2026.

Sunday Times 100 Tech 2026

The Sunday Times 100 Tech 2026 list brought more good news for our clients. Biocomposites earned a place in the Hardware category, recognising its leadership in infection‑management technologies and continued commercial momentum. AstronauTx was named as ‘One to Watch’, highlighting its mission to develop therapeutics targeting neurological disorders by improving sleep architecture.

🔥Hot topic

If you’re doing Dry January this year then congratulations!  You are almost halfway there. Of course, people are drinking significantly less than in years past, which raises questions about whether such abstinence initiatives will be needed in the future. But with over 12,000 deaths a year from liver disease in the UK alone, our latest Hot Topic argues both Dry January and Love Your Liver Month are still important. Read the full article below.

👥 Industry events

J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

Optimum’s Mary Clark and Zoe Bolt were in San Francisco this week for the J.P. Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference! It was a week of positive energy for the industry, in contrast with recent years, with an unusually sunny San Francisco providing a brighter start for life sciences in 2026.

Save the date!
Optimum’s 18th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference will take place on Thursday, 8 October 2026 @ The King’s Fund, London. Stay tuned – more details will be available on our website soon.

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