BioMarin’s R&D Chief Warns of Innovation Slowdown Amid NIH Funding Cuts

BioMarin is actively seeking partnerships to bolster its pipeline of medicines for genetic diseases, with 155 meetings held at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference1.

The company aims to increase annual revenue to $4 billion by 2027, up from $2.85 billion in 20241.

BioMarin's R&D chief, Gregory Friberg, expresses concern about potential NIH funding cuts impacting the pipeline of innovative ideas in biomedical research1.

The company is focusing on areas where it has previous success, such as achondroplasia and phenylketonuria (PKU)1.

BioMarin recently partnered with CAMP4 Therapeutics to develop treatments for two undisclosed genetic disease targets1.

Friberg emphasizes the importance of NIH-funded research in supporting clinical trial networks and rare disease research1.

The biotech industry faces challenges due to proposed NIH budget cuts, which could affect research institutions and slow down drug development2.

BioMarin has recently undergone restructuring, including layoffs and reorganization into three business units17.

The company is accelerating development of three programs:
BMN 333 for multiple growth disorders, BMN 349 for AATD-associated liver disease, and BMN 351 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy4.

Concerns are raised about the potential impact of NIH funding cuts on health equity and the ability to respond to future public health crises2.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biomarin-doubling-down-partnerships-155-meetings

2. https://www.pharmasalmanac.com/articles/nih-funding-cuts-put-innovation-health-equity-and-lives-at-risk

4. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/biomarin-drug-pipeline-cuts-reorganization-roctavian/714288/

7. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/biomarin-sheds-170-jobs-wake-narrowed-rd-refocus