Finance, Grants, Deals

GSK ends collaboration on PD drug

Country
United Kingdom

GlaxoSmithKline Plc has ended a collaboration with Impax Pharmaceuticals on a late-stage Parkinson’s disease drug, citing delays in the drug’s anticipated regulatory review and launch dates in countries where GSK has commercialisation rights.

Galápagos raises €53.9 million in share placement

Country
Belgium

Galápagos NV has raised €53.9 million in a private placement of its shares to institutional investors in the US and Europe. The proceeds will be used to fund its internal pipeline as well as to enable possible in-licensing deals.

Therapeutic vaccine for papillomavirus get funding

Country
France

A therapeutic vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) that is being developed by Genticel SA of France has received backing by a syndicate led by Wellington Partners, raising €18.2 million in new capital.

Curetis raises €12.5 million in Series B round

Country
Germany

The German molecular diagnostics company, Curetis AG, has raised €12.5 million in a Series B round to further test and commercialise its technology for detecting antibiotic resistant bacteria. The round was led by HBM Partners of Switzerland.

Elan rejects Royalty takeover bid

Country
Ireland

The Board of Directors of Elan Corporation Plc has formally rejected an unsolicited takeover bid from the US investment group, Royalty Pharma, saying it substantially undervalues the company. This follows a low turnout in a share buyback.

Gene sequencing receives another boost

Country
United States

The importance of next-generation gene sequencing technologies has been underscored once again with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s announcement of plans to acquire Life Technologies Corp for $13.6 billion.

New antibiotic company raises €15 million

Country
Germany

Allecra Therapeutics GmbH, a recent startup company that intends to develop two treatments to overcome multi-resistant, gram-negative bacteria, has raised €15 million in a series A financing from Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, Forbion Capital Partners and EMBL Ventures.

Auris Medical secures CHF 47.1 million

Country
Switzerland

Auris Medical AG of Switzerland has secured CHF 47.1 million (38.7 million euro) in a Series C funding round led by Sofinnova Ventures of the US and Sofinnova Partners of Paris, France. The funding will support two inner ear therapies.

Series A money for GenSight Biologics

Country
France

GenSight Biologics, a privately-owned French company, has raised €32 million in a Series A round from a group of venture capital funds to develop a gene replacement therapy for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a serious eye disorder.