Drug Discovery

Scientists engineer DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting Zaire Ebolavirus

Scientists at The Wistar Institute and collaborators have engineered novel DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) targeting Zaire Ebolavirus that were effective in preclinical models.

Biopharmaceutical firm NextCure completes $93m series B equity financing

NextCure, a biopharmaceutical firm engaged in the discovery and development of next generation immunomedicines for cancer and other diseases, has raised $93m in Series B financing.

CRISPR, MaxCyte expand partnership into immuno-oncology

Gene editing company CRISPR Therapeutics and cell-based medicines and life sciences firm MaxCyte have expanded clinical and commercial license agreement into oncology.

Nestlé Health Science increases stake in Aimmune Therapeutics

Nestlé Health Science has increased its stake in biopharmaceutical firm Aimmune Therapeutics by making an additional equity investment of $98m.

Harpoon raises $70m financing to advance immunotherapy programs

Harpoon Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immunotherapy company engaged in the development of a class of T cell engagers, has completed $70m series C equity financing.

Recursion secures NIH phase 2 SBIR grant to discover senolytic drug candidates

Recursion Pharmaceuticals, which combines artificial intelligence (AI), experimental biology, and automation to discover and develop drugs, has been given a $1.6m Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

BioTime signs merger deal with Asterias Biotherapeutics

Clinical-stage biotechnology firm BioTime has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining stake in Asterias Biotherapeutics for an undisclosed sum.

IRX Therapeutics acquired by Brooklyn ImmunoTherapeutics

US-based Brooklyn ImmunoTherapeutics, a newly formed company, has acquired the assets of IRX Therapeutics for an undisclosed price.

Shire agrees to license rare liver disease candidates to Mirum

Shire has agreed to license exclusive worldwide rights to two rare cholestatic liver disease candidates, including the maralixibat oral inhibitor, to clinical-stage therapeutics company Mirum Pharmaceuticals.