Evinova and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany form multi-year AI clinical development partnership

UBS downgraded PolyPeptide Group AG to neutral from buy, saying the Swiss peptide manufacturer's returns now hinge on whether Samsung Biologics' all-cash tender offer completes. The bank set a new CHF 44 price target, broadly in line with Samsung's CHF 44.31 per share bid, after adjusting estimates following first-half results and the offer. The deal values PolyPeptide at about CHF 1.46 billion, 40% above its April 10 closing price before the deal was disclosed, and completion is targeted by year-end, requiring acceptance from 66 2/3% of shares, regulatory approval and minimum thresholds. PolyPeptide's board unanimously recommends the offer, and its largest shareholder, Draupnir Holding BV, which holds 55.5%, has committed to tender all its shares. Samsung Biologics plans to use a ₩3 trillion rights issue for the acquisition and capital spending, and UBS said the deal should let PolyPeptide fund several capacity projects ahead of demand and gain access to Samsung's manufacturing practices. PolyPeptide's first-half revenue rose 42% from a year earlier, with drugs for metabolic conditions growing to 68% of revenue, while its EBITDA margin reached 20.7% versus 2.7% a year earlier, or 16.9% excluding a one-time benefit UBS attributed to a €9.2 million sale of intangible assets. UBS cut its 2026-2028 EBITDA forecasts by 3% and now forecasts 2026 earnings per share of €0.67, down from €0.90, citing higher first-half tax expenses, while expecting 2028 revenue of about €666 million and an EBITDA margin of 24.4%.

QuidelOrtho Corporation has appointed Sanjeev Sharma, CFA, as Vice President, Investor Relations, effective September 28, 2026. Sharma brings more than 20 years of experience across investor relations, corporate strategy and equity research, most recently serving as Senior Director of Investor Relations at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he helped communicate strategy during a period of significant transformation. He previously spent more than a decade at Genpact in progressively senior investor relations and business strategy roles, and earlier spent nearly six years in sell-side equity research. Chief Financial Officer Micah Young said Sharma's combination of investor relations leadership, healthcare experience, financial expertise and capital markets perspective will be especially valuable as the diagnostics provider sharpens its communications and deepens engagement with shareholders and analysts. Sharma said he looks forward to partnering with the leadership team to communicate QuidelOrtho's strategic priorities and progress focused on long-term value creation.