Entrepreneurs from Belgium, the Netherlands and the US have joined forces to develop a treatment that might dampen the hyperactive immune responses experienced by patients with Covid-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. These cytokine storms arise when potentially lethal amounts of cytokines and chemokines are released by the body in response to viral infections. The goal is treat these inflammatory reactions efficiently and safely.

Two European cell therapy companies have decided to merge in order to create a pipeline of allogeneic cell therapies directed against both solid and blood-borne tumours. The merger will see Sweden-based Immunicum AB take control of DCprime BV of the Netherlands through the issuance of 74 million shares valued at about SEK 600 million (€59 million). DCprime’s majority shareholder, Van Herk Investments BV, will hold approximately 43% of the combined company. Together, the new entity is expected to have funding to support product development into the beginning of 2022.