A new spin-out of Merck Serono SA is being created to exploit molecules targeting two receptors in the G-protein-coupled receptor family of proteins with the goal of developing a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. François Conquet is to be the CEO.
Cell Medica Ltd, which is on track to commercialise its first cell therapy in Europe next year, has secured a £17 million equity investment from a group of long-term investors to support its European activities and to finance new operations in Texas.
GlaxoSmithKline Plc has announced the expansion of a collaboration with Amicus Therapeutics Inc aimed at developing and commercialising a new treatment for Fabry disease. Under the deal GSK will raise its stake in Amicus to 19.9%.
Domain Therapeutics SA of France has raised €2 million in funding from new and existing investors in order to finance its move from contract manufacturing to therapeutic drug development in the area of G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
GlaxoSmithKline Plc has reached agreement to acquire Human Genome Sciences Inc following an increase in its per share offer to $14.25, up from $13 per share.
Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners has launched a new fund to invest in life science companies in France and in Europe. Called BioDiscovery 4, the fund raised €125 million at its first closing. It is expected to achieve €200 million by year end.
Genmab A/S has secured a third commercial deal involving its new bispecific antibody technology, this time with Janssen Biotech Inc (Johnson & Johnson). The deal includes a $3.5 million upfront payment and milestones of $175 million.
Silence Therapeutics Plc has secured commitments from existing and new shareholders to raise up to £5.7 million (gross), extending its cash runway and enabling it to complete a second clinical trial of an RNAi treatment for solid tumours.
Genkyotex SA has raised CHF25 million (€20.8 million) in new money from its venture capital backers after showing promising data from a Phase 1 trial of a new class of molecules that inhibit enzymes implicated in oxidative stress. The funding was announced on 9 July.
Wilex AG has elected to receive a final cash payment from Prometheus Laboratories Inc (Nestle SA) in connection with the out-licensing in 2011 of its cancer product Rencarex (girentuximab). The product is in a Phase 3 registration trial.