Stories on lung organoids and autism were some of the most read this week. We kicked things off by digging into recent breakthroughs in both areas, including an automated method for manufacturing iPSC-derived lung organoids and how a combination of supplements reduced autism-linked behaviors in mice. Still on the topic of new research, we discussed how a protein in the extracellular matrix helps muscle stem cells repair aging muscles. In business news, the bidding war between Lundbeck and Alkermes over Avadel Pharmaceuticals has ended. We talk about the possible implications of Lundbeck’s decision to back out and next steps for Alkermes. Then we dive into Protego Biopharma’s recent fundraising round, and efforts to develop small-molecule pharmacological chaperones that modulate protein stability in disease.
Listed below are links to the GEN stories referenced in this episode of Touching Base:
Lung Organoids Generated in Bulk Using Stirred Bioreactor Technology
GEN, December 1, 2025
Autism-Linked Behaviors in Mice Reduced by Nutrient Trio
GEN, December 3, 2025
Muscle Stem Cells Bolstered by ECM Protein Tenascin-C
GEN, December 5, 2025
Protego Closes $130M Series B to Fund Pivotal Trial of AL Amyloidosis Candidate
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 3, 2025
Lundbeck Ends Bidding War for Avadel, After Alkermes’ Up-to-$2.37B Offer
By Alex Philippidis, GEN Edge, December 1, 2025
Touching Base Podcast
Hosted by Corinna Singleman, PhD
Behind the Breakthroughs
Hosted by Jonathan D. Grinstein, PhD
