Biopharma Bites: PhRMA Rebukes Trump's MFN Call, Pfizer Exercises Beam Base Editing Option, and Charles River Updates

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Pfizer exercised its option for an exclusive worldwide license to Beam Therapeutics' unnamed liver-targeted base editing candidate for liver disease, following a four-year research collaboration initiated in 2021 with a $300 million upfront payment and potential milestones up to $1.05 billion145.

This deal comes after Pfizer exited gene therapy in February 2025 by discontinuing its hemophilia product Beqvez; Beam can opt into co-development and co-commercialization post-phase 1/2 trials, splitting profits with Pfizer covering 65% of costs1.

PhRMA rebuked former President Trump's call to codify the Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing policy, as highlighted in recent biopharma news coverage4.

Beam also secured a $500 million loan from Sixth Street, with repayment by 2033, to support its sickle cell disease treatment risto-cel FDA submission by end of 2025 and extend runway into mid-20291.

No specific recent news on Charles River Laboratories was detailed in available results; it may refer to ongoing biopharma service updates or partnerships.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/after-gene-therapy-exit-pfizer-locks-global-license-beam-gene-editing-candidate

4. https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7115712

5. https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/beam-therapeutics-reports-fourth-quarter-and-year-end-2025-financial-results-and-announces-new-liver-targeted-genetic-disease-program-in-phenylketonuria-pku-1035859446