November-December. 2025 | The HEALTH

FOREIGN NEWS

The acquisition, valued at $ 3.05 billion in cash, aimed to advance oral, targeted therapies for various solid tumours, including prostate cancer. The transaction is anticipated to close within a few months, pending antitrust clearance and other customary conditions.

The lead candidate, HLD-0915, had emerged as a promising clinicalstage therapy for prostate cancer, with new diagnoses projected to reach 1.7 million globally by 2030. Given the clear unmet need in this area, the once-daily therapy showcased potential to transform patient outcomes through its innovative precision cancer cell-killing approach, specifically designed to tackle treatment resistance.

Additionally, the acquisition encompassed several earlier candidates targeting breast cancer, lung cancer, and multiple other tumour types. Halda’ s pipeline and platform were expected to facilitate the devel-

ACTIVE ALLIANCE: Project ACTIVE 2.0 launch event, fostering collaborations to enhance cervical care across Southeast Asia

STRATEGIC GROWTH: Johnson & Johnson solidifies its position in oncology through the strategic acquisition of Halda Therapeutics, paving the way for innovative cancer therapies

A significant milestone in advancing cancer care across Southeast Asia was marked by the launch of Project ACTIVE 2.0( Advancing Cervical Cancer Treatment & Patient Recovery Across Southeast Asia).

This multi-country initiative aimed to enhance radiation oncology services opment of novel targeted therapies extending beyond oncology.

JNJ’ s Executive Vice President and Worldwide Innovative Medicine Chairman Jennifer Taubert said:“ This acquisition considerably strengthened our deep oncology pipeline with an exciting lead asset in prostate cancer, as well as a platform capable of addressing multiple cancers and diseases beyond oncology.

“ We were eager to combine Halda’ s pipeline, platform, and talent with our world-class R & D, commercial, and manufacturing capabilities, advancing our mission of delivering these therapies to patients globally.”

JNJ’ s Innovative Medicine and R & D Executive Vice President John C. Reed commented:“ Many therapies lose effectiveness over time due

and improve cervical cancer outcomes in the region.

Backed by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development( BMZ), DEG Impulse, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bangkok, Elekta, and the Federation of Asian Organisations for to resistance. Halda’ s innovative approach was designed to remain effective even when cancers became unresponsive to standard treatments.

“ Results from HLD-0915 indicated impressive preliminary efficacy and a strong early safety profile in prostate cancer. We were keen to accelerate the ongoing Phase 1 / 2 clinical trial of HLD-0915 and advance a pipeline of novel product candidates based on RIPTACTM technology.”

The acquisition highlighted Johnson & Johnson’ s enduring commitment to prostate cancer and its industry-leading oncology portfolio, bringing fresh therapies with novel and complementary mechanisms of action. If successful, Halda’ s portfolio of differentiated assets was poised to provide essential new options for patients in need.

Radiation Oncology( FARO), the project focused on clinical capacity-building and knowledge exchange in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

In these countries, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancerrelated deaths among women.

FARO President Professor Imjai Chitapanarux said:“ ACTIVE 2.0 transcended a mere healthcare initiative; it evolved into a regional platform for sustainable development and technical collaboration. We directly addressed a critical public health challenge by elevating treatment standards and expanding access to advanced radiotherapy.”

The initiative emerged in response to alarming statistics revealing that in 2022, Southeast Asia recorded 69,833 new cervical cancer cases, resulting in over 38,000 deaths. Despite progress in screening and HPV vaccination, nations like Thailand continued to grapple with a substantial disease burden, particularly in underserved communities.

THE private sector has raised US $ 1.34 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria during the Eighth Replenishment, held at the G20 Leaders ' Summit.

This latest commitment, which brings total private sector contributions to US $ 1.49 billion since 2022, underscores a firm resolve to enhance innovation and strengthen health systems for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands remarked on the power of the private sector ' s decisive leadership, which acted quickly and effectively to save lives and engage various stakeholders. " This momentum must be maintained," he urged, emphasising the need for continued collaboration and investment to catalyse further improvements in global health.

Among the 21 entities that participated were major corporations and philanthropic foundations. Notable contributions included the Gates Foundation ' s remarkable US $ 912 million pledge, elevating its total contributions since 2002 to nearly US $ 5 billion.

Additional commitments poured in from across sectors, demonstrating a collective resolve to support health initiatives. Anglo American contributed US $ 4.5 million to enhance diagnostics, while GSK and ViiV Healthcare pledged GBP 6 million to improve healthcare access for women and girls.

Furthermore, Goodbye Malaria committed US $ 5.5 million to malaria elimination efforts in Southern Africa. At the same time, the Johnson & Johnson Foundation and the Skoll Foundation each pledged substantial support to professionalise community health workers across the continent.

GLOBAL UNITY: The Global Fund ' s Eighth Replenishment successfully raised US $ 1.34 billion, empowering innovative solutions to combat AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria worldwide