Galmed Unveils Brain-Penetrant Aramchol Formulation, Expanding Flagship Drug Into CNS Diseases

Galmed Pharmaceuticals' subsidiary Colospan completed a feasibility study for a novel intraoperative colon tissue quality assessment platform, enrolling 32 colorectal cancer patients. The study demonstrated technical feasibility, with successful measurements in all patients. This technology complements Colospan's CG-100 device and aligns with Galmed's strategy to diversify its portfolio in colorectal surgery. According to the company, the results support further development and potential future

Galmed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:GLMD) said its orally dispersible film formulation of Aramchol for Parkinson’s aims to improve drug delivery. The company reported about 150% higher systemic bioavailability and about 300% higher CNS exposure versus conventional oral dosing, with rapid dissolution and buccal/sublingual absorption, per its press release.

BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) halted a mid-stage trial of its mRNA cancer vaccine, autogene cevumeran, due to an overall survival imbalance. The decision raises concerns about its mRNA strategy in colorectal cancer and other 'cold' tumors. BioNTech plans to continue other trials, including one for pancreatic cancer and BNT113 for head and neck cancer. The company also focuses on diversifying its oncology pipeline. According to Reuters, the news caused a 7.5% drop in BioNTech's US-listed shares.

Volkswagen (VW) plans to produce components for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system at its Osnabrück, Germany factory. The move is part of VW's restructuring efforts amid economic challenges and competition. The project involves a joint venture with Israeli defense company Rafael and the German state of Lower Saxony, aiming to overcome opposition from Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, a VW stakeholder. This marks VW's return to defense-related manufacturing as European defense spending rises.

Piper Sandler raised its price target for ExxonMobil (XOM) to $185, citing strong fundamentals, cost savings, and growth in Guyana. XOM's Q2 earnings beat expectations, with high free cash flow and shareholder returns. However, risks include exposure to Middle East conflicts and potential crude price normalization. XOM's stock has risen 30% in 2026, with a 16% upside implied by the new target.

Baker Hughes (BKR) secured a multi-year contract with Pakistan's OGDC to enhance production from mature oil and gas fields. The deal involves assessing 120 wells and providing tailored redevelopment plans. Baker Hughes aims to use AI and other technologies to improve flow assurance and restore production. The contract aligns with Baker Hughes' strategy to diversify revenue and reduce reliance on short-term drilling cycles, as evidenced by a 49% YoY increase in orders to $10.5 billion in Q2. Howe