Pharma pushes back on China restrictions as AI VC raises $800M and Merck unveils cholesterol pill; Celldex reports trial setback

Pharma companies are working to ease the impact of broad new restrictions in China, seeking ways to maintain market access amid tighter regulatory scrutiny.

An AI‑focused venture capital firm announced a fresh $800 million fund, underscoring continued investor confidence in biotech and digital health innovations.

Merck introduced a new cholesterol‑lowering pill, adding to the pipeline of therapies aimed at cardiovascular risk reduction.

Celldex Therapeutics disclosed that its experimental antibody barzolvolimab did not meet primary endpoints in a Phase 2 study for prurigo nodularis, sending the stock lower in pre‑market trading. The company said it will keep evaluating the drug in other indications.