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The Weekly Pill

01/14/24-01/21/24

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The Weekly Pill
Jan 20, 2024
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Hi everyone,

Welcome to all our new subscribers who joined us this week! We're thrilled to have you as part of The Weekly Pill community. Your readership means the world to us. If you could kindly share this newsletter with your friends or coworkers, we would greatly appreciate your support! This resource holds value for a wide range of individuals, including venture capitalists, students, professionals at all levels within pharmaceutical companies, and anyone with a curious mindset eager to learn. Your assistance in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.

I sincerely hope you enjoy reading our newsletter and that it adds value to your understanding of the biotech world. Wishing each of you a blessed week ahead, and I look forward to connecting with you all again next week for another update.

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Table of contents

  • How the market performed this week

  • Licenses / Partnerships

  • Clinical trials

  • Financing

  • RIF

  • Disease of the week

  • What I’ve read this week

Paid Content Section

  • Upcoming Catalysts Next Week

  • Reminders

  • Biotech Valuation

  • Most Shorted Biotech Stock as of This Week

  • Market

  • Notes from analysts

  • Venture Capital Market

  • M&A

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How the market performed this week

ETFs

Gene Therapy

RNA Therapy

Big Pharma

Gainers / Decliners this week in biotech

News of the week

Licenses/Partnerships

  • Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA

    • Symbol: HYL

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: HY-090

    • Indication: Dermatology

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Unknown

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Partner Companies: AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (AFT)

    • Source Link

  • Windtree Therapeutics, Inc.

    • Symbol: WINT

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: Istaroxime

    • Indication: Acute Decompensated Heart Failure - Reduced Ejection Fraction (Acute HFrEF)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Steroid

    • Target: Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)

    • LOA: 10%

    • Partner Companies: Alfasigma S.p.A., Debiopharm S.A., Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (950:HK)

    • Source Link

  • Windtree Therapeutics, Inc.

    • Symbol: WINT

    • Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.

    • Drug: Rostafuroxin

    • Indication: Hypertension (Systemic)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Src Kinase Family

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Partner Companies: Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (950:HK)

    • Source Link

  • Windtree Therapeutics, Inc.

    • Symbol: WINT

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: SERCA2a Activator Program (Windtree)

    • Indication: Chronic Heart Failure - Preserved Ejection Fraction (Chronic HFpEF)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Not Specified

    • Target: Sodium Potassium ATPase (Na/K ATPase)

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Source Link

  • Xenetic Biosciences, Inc.

    • Symbol: XBIO

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: Systemic DNase Program (Xenetic Biosciences/UVA)

    • Indication: Solid Tumors

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Protein

    • Target: Tumor Cells

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Partner Companies: University of Virginia

    • Source Link

  • PharmAust Limited

    • Symbol: PAA

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: Monepantel

    • Indication: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)/mTORC

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Source Link

  • Eyenovia, Inc.

    • Symbol: EYEN

    • Event Phase: III

    • Drug: MicroPine

    • Indication: Myopic Macular Degeneration (MMD)/Pathological Myopia (Ophthalmology)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

    • LOA: 51%

    • Partner Companies: Arctic Vision, Ltd., Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    • Source Link

  • BioSenic SA

    • Symbol: BIOS

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: Arscimed

    • Indication: Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) - Treatment

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Reactive Oxygen Species/Free Radicals, T lymphocytes

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Partner Companies: Phebra Pty Ltd

    • Source Link

Clinical trials (LOA=likelihood of approval)

  • NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    • Symbol: NRBO

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: DA-1241

    • Indication: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: GPR119/Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Receptor (GDIR)

    • LOA: 15%

    • Partner Companies: Dong-A Socio Holdings (000640:KS)

    • Source Link

  • NextCure, Inc.

    • Symbol: NXTC

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: VSTM-1 Agonist (NextCure)

    • Indication: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: Unknown

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Source Link

  • Coherus BioSciences, Inc.

    • Symbol: CHRS

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: CHS-388

    • Indication: Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer (HCC) (Including Secondary Metastases)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: IL-27 (Interleukin-27), Immune System

    • LOA: 11%

    • Source Link

  • Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    • Symbol: DCPH

    • Event Phase: Approved

    • Drug: Qinlock

    • Indication: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: KIT/c-KIT, Platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFa)

    • LOA: 100%

    • Partner Companies: GENESIS Pharma S.A., Medison Pharma Ltd., Specialised Therapeutics, Zai Lab Ltd. (ZLAB)

    • Source Link

  • ALK-Abello A/S

    • Symbol: ALKB

    • Event Phase: I

    • Drug: Peanut SLIT Tablet

    • Indication: Food Allergies

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Natural Protein

    • Target: Immune System

    • LOA: 10%

    • Source Link

  • AEON Biopharma, Inc.

    • Symbol: AEON

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: ABP-450

    • Indication: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Protein

    • Target: Botulinum toxin, SNARE Proteins (e.g. synaptobrevin, syntaxin, SNAP-25)

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Source Link

  • OptiNose, Inc.

    • Symbol: OPTN

    • Event Phase: NDA/BLA

    • Drug: Xhance

    • Indication: Chronic Rhinosinusitis

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR)

    • LOA: 99%

    • Source Link

  • AEON Biopharma, Inc.

    • Symbol: AEON

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: ABP-450

    • Indication: Cervical Dystonia

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Protein

    • Target: Botulinum toxin, SNARE Proteins (e.g. synaptobrevin, syntaxin, SNAP-25)

    • LOA: 15%

    • Source Link

  • Kineta, Inc.

    • Symbol: KA

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: KVA12123

    • Indication: Solid Tumors

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: Immune System, VISTA (V-domain immunoglobulin-containing suppressor of T-cell activation)

    • LOA: 11%

    • Source Link

  • Poolbeg Pharma plc

    • Symbol: POLB

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: POLB 001

    • Indication: Inflammatory Disorders

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: p38 MAP kinase (MAPK)

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Source Link

  • Medivir AB

    • Symbol: MVIRB:SS

    • Event Phase: Preclinical

    • Drug: MIV-818

    • Indication: Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer (HCC) (Including Secondary Metastases)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: DNA polymerase

    • LOA: Not specified

    • Source Link

  • Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    • Symbol: ACXP

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: Ibezapolstat

    • Indication: Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea/Infection (CDAD/CDI)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: DNA polymerase

    • LOA: 23%

    • Source Link

  • MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.

    • Symbol: MAIA

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: THIO

    • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: DNA synthesis, Telomeres

    • LOA: 11%

    • Source Link

  • Cardiff Oncology, Inc.

    • Symbol: CRDF

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: Onvansertib

    • Indication: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Adenosine (including AMP, ADP, and ATP), Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1)

    • LOA: 12%

    • Partner Companies: Nerviano Medical Sciences SRL

    • Source Link

  • Coherus BioSciences, Inc.

    • Symbol: CHRS

    • Event Phase: III

    • Drug: Loqtorzi

    • Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: Immune System, Programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)

    • LOA: 44%

    • Partner Companies: AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), Excellmab Pte. Ltd., Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc (HIK), Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (1877)

    • Source Link

  • Leap Therapeutics, Inc.

    • Symbol: LPTX

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: DKN-01

    • Indication: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) , Immune System

    • LOA: 12%

    • Partner Companies: BeiGene, Ltd. (BGNE), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)

    • Source Link

  • Sanofi

    • Symbol: SNY

    • Event Phase: Approved

    • Drug: Dupixent

    • Indication: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: IL-13 (Interleukin-13), IL-4 Receptor (IL-4R)

    • LOA: 100%

    • Partner Companies: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)

    • Source Link

  • Allakos Inc.

    • Symbol: ALLK

    • Event Phase: Suspended

    • Drug: AK002

    • Indication: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody

    • Target: Mast Cell, Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 8 (SIGLEC8)

    • Source Link

  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

    • Symbol: VRTX

    • Event Phase: Approved

    • Drug: Casgevy

    • Indication: Thalassemia

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Non-Viral Gene Therapy

    • Target: BCL11A, CRISPR/CRISPR-Cas9

    • LOA: 100%

    • Partner Companies: Anagenesis Biotechnologies, Bayer AG (BAYN), CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP)

    • Source Link

  • AbbVie Inc.

    • Symbol: ABBV

    • Event Phase: III

    • Drug: ABBV-RGX-314

    • Indication: Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) (Ophthalmology)

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy

    • Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)

    • LOA: 55%

    • Partner Companies: Clearside Biomedical, Inc. (CLSD), Regenxbio Inc. (RGNX)

    • Source Link

  • Arcus Biosciences, Inc.

    • Symbol: RCUS

    • Event Phase: I

    • Drug: Quemliclustat

    • Indication: Pancreatic Cancer

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Cluster of Differentiation 73 (CD73), Immune System

    • LOA: 5%

    • Partner Companies: Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)

    • Source Link

  • Theralase Technologies Inc.

    • Symbol: TLT

    • Event Phase: II

    • Drug: Ruvidar

    • Indication: Bladder Cancer

    • Lead Indication: Y

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Unknown

    • LOA: 11%

    • Source Link

  • Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

    • Symbol: VNDA

    • Event Phase: NDA/BLA

    • Drug: Fanapt

    • Indication: Bipolar Disorder

    • Lead Indication: N

    • Molecule: Small Molecule

    • Target: Alpha 1 Adrenergic Receptor, Dopamine 2 (D2) Receptor, Dopamine 3 (D3) Receptor, Dopamine 4 (D4) Receptor, Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, Serotonin 5-HT2B receptor, Serotonin 5-HT6 receptor

    • LOA: 97%

    • Partner Companies: Apotex Inc., Knight Therapeutics, Inc. (GUD), MegaPharm Ltd., Sanofi (SNY), Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TARO), Titan Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TTNP)

    • Source Link

Financing events

Summit Biosciences

  • Description: Developer of a specialized pharmaceutical platform focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing generic and innovative nasal spray medicines.

  • Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences, Manufacturing

  • Deal Date: 18-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Buyout/LBO

  • Deal Size: Undisclosed

  • Investors: Altaris Capital Partners, Kindeva Drug Delivery (Milton Boyer)

  • Deal Synopsis: Acquired by Kindeva Drug Delivery, via its financial sponsor Altaris Capital Partners, through an LBO on January 18, 2024, strengthening Kindeva's ability in nasal product development and manufacturing.

Advanced Medicine Partners

  • Description: Developer of biotechnology research technologies to accelerate and optimize the clinical development process.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Early Stage VC

  • Deal Size: Undisclosed

  • Investors: ARCH Venture Partners, Deerfield Management (Jonathan Leff), Nolan Capital

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised undisclosed venture funding in a deal led by Deerfield Management on January 17, 2024, focusing on clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, and data management automation.

AnaCardio

  • Description: Developer of therapeutic drugs designed to improve clinical outcomes in cardiac failure.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: SEK 200 million

  • Investors: 3B Future Health Fund, Flerie (Thomas Eldered), Karolinska Development (Viktor Drvota), others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised SEK 200 million in Series A venture funding for the development of therapeutic peptides addressing heart failure.

Biomage

  • Description: Developer of a single-cell discovery platform for research biologists.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences, SaaS

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition

  • Acquirer: Parse Biosciences

  • Deal Synopsis: Acquired by Parse Biosciences for an undisclosed amount, enhancing single-cell RNA sequencing capabilities.

Bolden Therapeutics

  • Description: Operator of a biotechnology company focused on improving lives of neurodegeneration patients.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Seed Round

  • Deal Size: $1.5 million

  • Investors: Resolute Ventures, Slater Technology Fund, LifeSpan Vision Ventures, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to advance preclinical candidates for treating CNS diseases.

Certis (Drug Discovery)

  • Description: Developer of oncology intelligence connecting patients to personalized cancer treatment.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $10 million

  • Investors: Undisclosed

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $10 million in Series C venture funding to optimize cancer therapies using specialized mouse models.

Comanche Biopharma

  • Description: Operator of a preclinical biopharmaceutical company targeting preeclampsia treatment.

  • Verticals: FemTech, HealthTech, Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Early Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $75 million

  • Investors: Atlas Venture, F-Prime Capital, GV, Lilly Asia Ventures, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $75 million in Series B venture funding to develop cost-effective therapies for preeclampsia.

Dechra Pharmaceuticals

  • Description: Major drug manufacturing company with a focus on veterinary pharmaceutical products.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences, Manufacturing

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Buyout/LBO

  • Deal Size: GBP 4.46 billion

  • Investors: EQT (STO: EQT), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

  • Deal Synopsis: Acquired through a public-to-private GBP 4.46 billion LBO by EQT and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Parexel International

  • Description: Provider of biopharmaceutical services for drug development.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Debt Refinancing

  • Deal Size: $600 million

  • Investors: Undisclosed

  • Deal Synopsis: Completed a $600 million debt refinancing round on January 11, 2024.

Tr1x

  • Description: Developer of cell therapies for autoimmune disorders.

  • Verticals: HR Tech, Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $75 million

  • Investors: Alexandria Venture Investments, The Column Group, NEVA SGR, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $75 million in venture funding to develop allogeneic regulatory cell therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Zymvol

  • Description: Developer of industrial enzymes designed to meet precise industrial requirements.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 17-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Debt - General

  • Deal Size: EUR 700,000

  • Investors: Undisclosed

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 700,000 of debt financing to expand the team and develop laboratory infrastructure.

Cyrano Therapeutics

  • Description: Developer of an intranasal therapy product for the restoration of chronic smell and flavor loss.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $9 million

  • Investors: Florida Opportunity Fund, Lumira Ventures, Remiges Ventures, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $9 million in Series B-1 and Series B venture funding to address smell and taste loss.

DelSiTech

  • Description: Operator of a drug delivery and drug development company providing technology for controlled release.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: EUR 10 million

  • Investors: DRW Venture Capital, Tolmar, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 10 million of venture funding to advance its silica-based drug delivery technology platform.

DISCO Pharmaceuticals

  • Description: Operator of a surfaceome mapping platform for cancer cell surface protein identification.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Seed Round

  • Deal Size: EUR 20 million

  • Investors: Sofinnova Partners, AbbVie Ventures, M Ventures, Panakes Partners, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 20 million in seed funding for surfaceome mapping technology focused on cancer cells.

EpiVario

  • Description: Developer of epigenetics therapies for memory-related psychiatric disorders.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $125,000 (Convertible Debt)

  • Investors: Undisclosed

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $125,000 in venture funding through convertible debt for the development of epigenetics therapies.

Kyverna (NAS: KYTX)

  • Description: Developer of cell-based therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: IPO

  • Offering Amount: $100 million

  • Deal Synopsis: Filed for an IPO on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KYTX on January 16, 2024, with an expected offering amount of $100 million.

NEXT Life Sciences

  • Description: Developer of medical technology for improving health and well-being.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Seed Round

  • Deal Size: $4 million

  • Investors: The Family, StartUp Health, Streamlined Ventures, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $4 million in seed funding for the development of medical technology focused on birth control options.

RevivBio

  • Description: Developer and designer of eco-friendly bio-inspired crop and animal health products.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Seed Round

  • Deal Size: $2.95 million

  • Investors: Undisclosed

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $2.95 million in seed funding for eco-friendly bio-inspired products.

Soligenix (NAS: SNGX)

  • Description: Late-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on rare diseases.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering

  • Offering Amount: $10 million

  • Deal Synopsis: Filed for a second public offering on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SNGX, intending to sell 10,638,298 shares at $0.94 per share.

Stalicla

  • Description: Developer of an algorithm-based platform for identifying subgroups of autism spectrum disorder patients.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $17.4 million

  • Investors: SPRIM Global Investments, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised $17.4 million in Series B venture funding for pioneering precision Autism Spectrum Disorder trials and mGluR5 Negative Allosteric Modulator platform.

Timeline (Biotechnology)

  • Description: Operator of a life science company offering products targeting mitochondrial health.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences, LOHAS & Wellness

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Later Stage VC

  • Deal Size: $66 million

  • Investors: BOLD (Business Opportunities for L'Oréal Development), Climb Ventures, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised undisclosed venture funding for expansion across food, beauty, and health sectors.

Vaxart (NAS: VXRT)

  • Description: Clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on oral recombinant vaccines.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 16-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: PIPE

  • Offering Amount: $10 million

  • Investors: RA Capital Management

  • Deal Synopsis: In talks to receive $10 million of development capital from RA Capital Management through a private placement as of January 16, 2024, for general corporate purposes.

CellVoyant

  • Description: Developer of AI-first biotechnology for creating stem cell-based therapies.

  • Verticals: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Life Sciences, LOHAS & Wellness

  • Deal Date: 15-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Seed Round

  • Deal Size: GBP 7.59 million

  • Investors: Octopus Ventures, Air Street Capital, Horizons Ventures, others

  • Deal Synopsis: Raised GBP 7.59 million in seed funding to predict and optimize stem cell differentiation using AI-first live-cell imaging.

MoBiTec (Gottingen)

  • Description: Developer and supplier of cell biology and molecular research tools.

  • Verticals: Life Sciences

  • Deal Date: 15-janv-2024

  • Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition

  • Acquirer: BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb (Jonas Bäuerle)

  • Deal Synopsis: Acquired by BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb, a subsidiary of Anatrace, for an undisclosed amount on January 15, 2024, strengthening its position in the German research and diagnostics market.

Reduction in force (RIF)

January 19 - Ikena Oncology: Looking to stretch its $175 million cash pile into the second half of 2026, the biotech is laying off around 20 people. The 35% headcount reduction will mainly affect drug discovery positions and will leave Ikena with around 37 full-time employees. Story

January 19 - PMV Pharma: The precision oncology biotech is laying off 30% of staff as it prioritizes pushing its lead solid tumor candidate toward a phase 2 trial in the coming months. Story

January 18 - Bayer: The German pharma is launching a sweeping business overhaul that will “come at the expense of many managerial employees,” according to chairwoman of the executives committee on Bayer’s supervisory board, Barbara Gansewend. The cuts will begin in the coming months and will end in 2025, the company said without providing a specific number of roles impacted. Story

January 17 - Dewpoint Therapeutics: Condensate-focused Dewpoint Therapeutics has laid off 18 employees and narrowed its pipeline following two lost pharma collaborations. Pfizer and Merck both moved on from partnered programs but the biotech is pressing forward with its lead asset, set to enter the clinic in the first half of 2025. Story

January 16 - Allakos: Allakos' decision to ax its lead asset came at the cost of substantial human capital, with the biotech laying off half its staff. The final nails in the coffin for lirentelimab were two midstage failures in patients with eczema and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Story

Disease of the week

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is the same one responsible for causing strep throat. Scarlet fever was more prevalent in the past, particularly in the 19th century, but its incidence has significantly decreased with the advent of antibiotics and improved living conditions.

Here are key aspects of scarlet fever:

Causes:

  1. Bacterial Infection: Scarlet fever is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The bacteria produce toxins that can lead to the characteristic symptoms of scarlet fever.

Symptoms:

  1. Sore Throat: It often begins with a sore throat, similar to strep throat.

  2. Fever: High fever is a common symptom.

  3. Rash: A distinctive red rash appears, typically within a day or two after the onset of symptoms. The rash feels like sandpaper and usually starts on the chest and abdomen before spreading to other parts of the body.

  4. Red Tongue: Often referred to as a "strawberry tongue," the tongue may appear red and bumpy.

Transmission:

  1. Person-to-Person: Like other streptococcal infections, scarlet fever is usually spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Treatment:

  1. Antibiotics: Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, primarily penicillin or other suitable alternatives. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Complications:

  1. Rheumatic Fever: In some cases, untreated scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and other tissues.

  2. Kidney Damage: Untreated streptococcal infections, including scarlet fever, can sometimes result in kidney damage (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).

Prevention:

  1. Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, can help prevent the spread of the bacteria.

  2. Prompt Treatment: Early detection and treatment of strep throat can prevent complications like scarlet fever.

Historical Context:

During the Victorian era, scarlet fever was more widespread and could be a serious and sometimes fatal illness, especially among children. Improved living conditions, the advent of antibiotics, and advancements in healthcare have significantly reduced the severity and frequency of scarlet fever in modern times.

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