Global Pharma Giant Becomes One, Opens Israeli Branch

BeOne, formerly BeiGene, a global biopharmaceutical company founded in China and currently valued at $45 billion on NASDAQ, is establishing a direct marketing branch in Israel. The new office will be managed by Roy Eliya, who previously led Market Access Israel at Merck (MSD).

Founded in 2010, BeiGene was a pioneer in China's biotech innovation, becoming one of the first Chinese companies to receive FDA approval in 2019. Initially co-founded by American John Oyler and Chinese Dr. Saidong Wang, the company has undergone a significant internationalization process, relocating its headquarters to Switzerland and reducing its emphasis on its Chinese origins. American biotech giant Amgen holds a 17% stake in the company, which also has extensive R&D and manufacturing operations in the United States. To mitigate potential U.S. tariffs, BeiGene announced in August it would invest an additional $300 million in U.S. drug manufacturing.

Despite its international expansion and not being included in the 2024 Biosecure Act aimed at limiting Chinese biotech firms in the U.S., BeiGene continues its R&D in China and maintains listings on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges. The company's 2025 risk disclosures acknowledge exposure to changes in Chinese regulation and government intervention. BeiGene currently has three drugs on the market for cancer and hematology, with five more cancer drugs expected to enter advanced clinical trials within the next 18 months. Its stock has risen approximately 7% in the past six months.

In other news, a study from Oregon Health & Science University suggests that eating at night may increase the risk of liver disease by 20-30%, independent of factors like age, weight, and overall calorie intake. Researchers are planning further empirical studies to confirm this link, which they attribute to the liver's sensitivity to the body's biological clocks. Separately, the Israeli Ministry of Health has approved a national program to strengthen clinical research and trials in Israel, including mutual recognition of ethics committees and digitalization of trial management, though specific timelines and budgets are yet to be announced. Lastly, Israeli biotech company Nano24 reported positive Phase IIb trial results for its exosome-based treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), showing significant improvements in respiratory function, mortality rates, and hospitalization duration compared to a control group.