Drug Discovery

Cara out-licenses Korsuva injection ex-US rights to Vifor Fresenius for $520m

Cara Therapeutics has granted licensing worldwide rights with the exception of the US, Japan and South Korea to commercialize its Korsuva (CR845/difelikefalin) injection to Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma (VFMCRP).

Alivio Therapeutics secures two US patents for inflammation-targeting technology platform

Alivio Therapeutics, an affiliate of PureTech Health, announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued U.S. Patent Nos. 9,962,339 and 9,974,859, related to its inflammation-targeting technology platform.

Roche’s two phase 3 studies show Hemlibra reduces bleeding in hemophilia patients

Roche's Hemlibra (emicizumab) has significantly reduced bleeding in hemophilia patients, which was demonstrated in two phase 3 Haven studies.

OptiBiotix Health signs manufacturing and supply deal in India with Akums

OptiBiotix Health has entered into a five year agreement with Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals to exclusively manufacture and supply products featuring OptiBiotix's cholesterol and blood pressure reducing strain LPLDL in India.

Surface Pharmaceuticals secures $20m funding from Flying L Partners

Surface Pharmaceuticals, an affiliated company of Imprimis Pharmaceuticals, has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement with an affiliate of Flying L Partners to raise proceeds of about $20m in a private placement of its Series A preferred stock.

Zymeworks, Daiichi Sankyo expand immuno-oncology partnership

Zymeworks and Daiichi Sankyo have entered into a new license agreement, building upon their cross-licensing and collaboration agreement signed in 2016.

Lilly to acquire AurKa Pharma in $575m deal

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has agreed to acquire Canadian cancer drug developer AurKa Pharma from TVM Capital Life Science in a deal worth $575m.

Lilly to buy immuno-oncology firm Armo BioSciences for $1.6bn

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has agreed to acquire Armo BioSciences, a US-based late-stage immuno-oncology company, for about $1.6bn in an all-cash deal.

Escient Pharmaceuticals raises $40m

Escient Pharmaceuticals has been launched with $40m Series A financing to advance G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-targeted drugs to address serious, unserved medical needs.