Healthcare innovation, energy project expansion and the
evolution of social commerce provide the market's most compelling announcements.
GSK lands first global approval for hepatitis B functional
cure
GSK has secured what could prove to be one of the most
significant pharmaceutical milestones of the year after Japan approved Hibsago
(bepirovirsen) as the world's first and only approved functional cure for
chronic hepatitis B. The treatment targets a disease affecting nearly one
million people in Japan and millions more globally. Clinical trial data showed
functional cure rates of 19%, compared with around 1% under current standard
care. Importantly for investors, regulatory decisions in other major markets,
including the US, are expected in the coming months.
Rockhopper accelerates Sea Lion ambitions and signals
fundraise
Rockhopper Exploration revealed that Sea Lion operator
Navitas has exercised an option to acquire a second FPSO vessel, potentially
increasing field production capacity by a further 125,000 barrels per day and
accelerating later development phases of the North Falkland Basin project.
Alongside the operational update, Rockhopper announced its intention to
undertake an equity capital raising, highlighting the scale of the opportunity
and associated funding requirements. First oil from the initial phase remains
targeted for Q1 2028.
Huddled doubles down on live commerce with TikTok
partnership
AIM-listed Huddled Group continued its push into live
shopping by announcing a joint venture with Cipher, one of the UK's leading
TikTok agencies. The partnership will launch Peeko-branded live commerce
channels across TikTok Live and TikTok Auctions, with profits shared equally
between the two businesses. Huddled will provide stock and fulfilment infrastructure
while Cipher handles presenters and production. Management says the deal is
enabled by recently launched proprietary software that allows live-selling
partners to plug directly into its logistics network.
