Bayer and Soufflé Therapeutics today announced a global licensing and strategic collaboration to develop a heart-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy for a rare form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Under the agreement, Bayer will fund late-stage preclinical studies and share development costs, with Soufflé retaining rights to its proprietary cell-selective delivery platform. The partnership leverages Bayer’s cardiovascular pipeline and Soufflé’s expertise in cell-specific genetic therapies. The companies plan to initiate IND-enabling studies by Q4 2024 and aim for a first human dose in 2026, with Bayer responsible for manufacturing and global commercialization.

Bayer Aktiengesellschaft has recently demonstrated robust price momentum, delivering approximately 12% total return over the past three months versus a 5% gain for the STOXX Europe 600 Index. The company holds a Zacks Momentum Style Score of “A,” reflecting accelerating earnings estimates and rising relative price strength. Analysts attribute this momentum to strong performance in the Crop Science and Pharmaceuticals divisions, where volume growth of 7% and 5%, respectively, outpaced peers in the prior quarter. Institutional ownership has climbed to 68%, up from 65% at the start of the year, suggesting growing conviction among large investors.

Monsanto, a wholly owned unit of Bayer, filed suit in Delaware federal court on Tuesday against Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna for alleged infringement of its messenger RNA platform technology. The complaint, confirmed by a Bayer spokesperson, asserts that the defendants used proprietary lipid nanoparticle and mRNA stabilization patents in manufacturing their COVID-19 vaccines without a license. Bayer seeks injunctive relief and unspecified compensatory damages. The lawsuit marks the first major patent enforcement action by Bayer in the rapidly evolving mRNA space and could shape licensing negotiations across the industry.