Corporate governance and funding dominated the health and bio space, with a fundraise from Poolbeg Pharma and boardroom changes at genedrive and Spire Healthcare framing the session. Genus delivered the standout results story with an upgraded full-year outlook, while AstraZeneca extended its oncology reach through a fresh licensing deal.
Poolbeg raises £3.5m for trials as chair backs placing
Poolbeg Pharma (LON:POLB) has secured £3.5m to fund two clinical trials through to completion, with Executive Chair Cathal Friel subscribing £250,000 of his own money in the placing. The backing from Dr Emma Searle's leadership team underscores confidence in the pipeline, though the shares fell 13.571% to 6.05p as the market digested the dilution implied by the raise.
CelLBxHealth reaffirms £2.1m revenue target
CelLBxHealth (LON:CLBX) used its annual general meeting to restate guidance for at least 50% revenue growth this year, targeting £2.1m in FY2026. Chief executive Jan Groen's reaffirmation of the target gave the circulating tumour cell specialist a modest lift, with shares edging up 1.818% to 1.4p.
Genus lifts FY26 outlook on stronger second-half trading
Genus (LON:GNS) now expects full-year profit moderately ahead of market consensus, citing a strong second-half performance and a significant cash injection from its Chinese joint venture. The upgrade drove shares up 4.326% to 2122.0p, making the animal genetics group the session's clearest earnings-driven winner.
Genedrive appoints Graham Cole as new chairperson
genedrive (LON:GDR) has named Graham Cole as its new chairperson as the diagnostics group looks to accelerate adoption of its pharmacogenetic tests in the UK and internationally. Chief executive Dr Gino Miele said Cole's strategic expertise would be integral to the board's plans, though the shares slipped 4.255% to 1.125p on the day.
Spire Healthcare names Debbie White as new Chair
Spire Healthcare Group (LON:SPI) confirmed that Sir Ian Cheshire will step down as Chair by 30 September, handing the role to senior independent director Debbie White. The leadership transition, alongside board colleague Natalie Ceeney, coincided with a small gain in the shares, up 0.46% to 218.0p.
AstraZeneca licenses lung cancer drug for up to $1.5bn
AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) struck a licensing deal worth up to $1.5bn to add Zegfrovy to its oncology portfolio, targeting EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Oncology executive Dave Fredrickson said the drug strengthens AstraZeneca's leadership in the field, though the shares slipped 1.761% to 12388.0p on the broader session.
