Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals faced notable share price declines after mixed results from late-stage clinical trials of their experimental drug, itepekimab, targeting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in former smokers. On Friday, Sanofi disclosed that its phase III trials produced diverging efficacy data. In one study, the drug demonstrated a 27% reduction in the rate of COPD exacerbations, suggesting meaningful therapeutic potential. However, parallel research failed to replicate these benefits, despite earlier, more positive interim outcomes.

In a notable move underscoring the growing integration of genomic data into pharmaceutical R&D, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. $REGN announced on Monday its acquisition of the bankrupt consumer genetics company 23andMe Holding Co. $ME for $256 million USD. The deal was concluded through a court-supervised bankruptcy auction, granting Regeneron access to one of the world's largest privately held DNA databases—over 15 million individual genetic profiles obtained via direct-to-consumer (DTC) saliva test kits.