Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Deals from Elsevier Business Intelligence

FOPO nets $11.6mm for [Venaxis]

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:00:48 -0400

Diagnostics developer [Venaxis Inc.] (formerly AspenBio Pharma) netted $11.6mm through a follow-on public offering of 10mm common shares at $1.25. The company also issued five-year warrants to buy another 3.5mm shares exercisable at $1.36. Venaxis will use the funds to help it get FDA approval for and launch its protein biomarker-based appendicitis test APPY1.

[Jennerex] closes $21.6mm late round

Fri, 24 May 2013 19:00:45 -0400

In what appears to be its Series F round, [Jennerex Biotherapeutics Inc.] (vaccinia-based cancer vaccines) has raised $21.6mm from undisclosed investors. Since inception, the company has raised over $50mm through six rounds, with most of the proceeds going towards development of {Pexa-Vec} (pexastimogene devacirepvec; JX594), which is in Phase IIb trials for hepatocellular carcinoma and additional Phase II trials for colorectal and kidney cancers.

[Ironwood] publicly sells Class A common shares to net $129.3mm

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:01:07 -0400

In a follow-on public offering, [Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (guanylate cyclase type C (GC-C) agonists for GI disorders, plus early-stage neurological, cardiovascular, and allergy candidates) has netted $129.3mm by selling 10.5mm Class A common shares for $13.

Series B round brings $48.2mm to [Karyopharm]

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:01:05 -0400

[Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.] (nuclear transport modulators for cancer) plans to use the $48.2mm raised through a Series B round to fund clinical trials of its KPT330, a Phase I compound for advanced, relapsed, or refractory blood and solid tumors. An undisclosed private investor led the round, and was joined by additional buyers including Delphi Ventures, which takes a seat on Karyopharm's board.

[NanoString Technologies] plans IPO

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:01:02 -0400

Life sciences company [NanoString Technologies Inc.] (translational research and molecular diagnostics) has filed for an IPO on Nasdaq.

[ElsaLys Biotech] spins out of [Transgene], raises €2.1mm in Series A round

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:01:01 -0400

Immunotherapeutics company [Transgene SA] has spun out [ElsaLys Biotech], and participated in the monoclonal antibody firm’s €2.1mm ($2.7mm) Series A round, which also included Sofimac Partners.

[Elan] spins off [Speranza Therapeutics] to develop CNS candidate ELND005

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:01:01 -0400

[Elan Corp. PLC] is spinning off ELND005 (formerly AZD103; scyllo-inositol), its Phase II small-molecule beta-amyloid aggregation inhibitor/myo-inositol level regulator for neurodegenerative conditions, to [Speranza Therapeutics] (also known as Speranza Biopharma Ltd.), a newly formed, private Ireland-based company.

[Cardeas Pharma] closes $34mm Series B round

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:58 -0400

Three-year-old [Cardeas Pharma Corp.] (developing therapies for multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections) brought in $34mm in its Series B round led by first-time backer HIG BioVentures, which adds a board member. Other new investor Delphi Ventures and returning shareholders Novo AS, Avalon Ventures, Devon Park Bioventures, and WRF Capital also participated.

Series A brings in $8.5mm for [Cardeas Pharma]

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:57 -0400

[Cardeas Pharma Corp.] (developing inhaled antibiotics for hospital-acquired respiratory infections) raised $8.5mm in its Series A financing led by Novo AS, which was joined by Avalon Ventures, Devon Park Bioventures, WRF Capital, and undisclosed private investors. A member of Novo and Avalon will serve on Cardeas’ board. The funds will help advance the company's lead candidate for ventilator-associated pneumonia into clinical trials.

[NPS Pharmaceuticals] nets $81.9mm via FOPO

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:00:56 -0400

[NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (rare GI and endocrine diseases) netted $81.9mm through the follow-on public offering of 6mm common shares at $14.53.

Israeli CNS company [Alcobra] completes $23.3mm US IPO

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:17:00 -0400

[Alcobra Ltd.] (therapeutics for cognitive dysfunction disorders) netted $23.3mm in its US initial public offering. The Israeli firm sold 3.1mm ordinary shares--more than the 2.3mm planned--for $8, a haircut against the anticipated $10-12 price range.

[Portola Pharmaceuticals] nets $113.6mm in initial public offering

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:39:00 -0400

[Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (hematological and inflammatory disorders) has netted $113.6mm in its initial public offering. The company ended up selling 8.4mm shares--more than the 6.9mm planned--and priced the stock at $14.50, the mid-point of its $13-16 range.

[Ignyta] moves into personalized cancer medicine through the acquisition of [Actagene Oncology]

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:55 -0400

Just three months after launching, cancer therapeutics company [Actagene Oncology Inc.] has been scooped up by molecular diagnostics firm [Ignyta Inc.], which bought the start-up for an undisclosed sum.

Translation regulator-focused [eFFECTOR Therapeutics] raises $45mm through Series A round

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:53 -0400

Newly formed [eFFECTOR Therapeutics Inc.] has raised $45mm in Series A funding from US Venture Partners, Abingworth, Novartis Venture Funds, SR One, Astellas Venture Management, Osage University Partners, and Mission Bay Capital. US Venture, Abingworth, Novartis Venture Funds, and SR One will all take seats on the board.

[Kite Pharma] completes $35mm Series A round

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:01:12 -0400

[Kite Pharma Inc.] (targeted immunotherapeutics for cancer) raised $35mm through its Series A round. New investor Alta Partners participated, along with all returning major backers including company executive chairman Arie Belldegrun, MD, Pontifax, Commercial Street Capital, and individual investors David Bonderman and Michael Milken. Alta and Pontifax will take seats on Kite's board.

[Interleukin Genetics] nets $11.2mm via PIPE

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:01:03 -0400

Personalized health company [Interleukin Genetics Inc.] netted $11.2mm through the sale of 43.7mm common shares at $0.27 (a 34% discount) to Bay City Capital (20.6mm), Growth Equity Opportunities Fund (15.4mm), Merlin Nexus (5.1mm), Condor Trading (370k), Millennium Trust Co. (750k), and CDB Advisory Group (1.5mm). The company also issued seven-year warrants to purchase another 32.8mm shares exercisable at the same price. BTIG was the placement agent.

Gene therapeutics developer [bluebird] plans to go public

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:01:01 -0400

[Bluebird bio Inc.], developer of gene transfer therapeutics, has filed for its initial public offering.

[Aridis] acquires anti-infective assets from [Kenta Biotech]

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:01:01 -0400

Anti-infectives developer [Aridis Pharmaceuticals LLC] is acquiring [Kenta Biotech Ltd.]’s portfolio of anti-infective human monoclonal antibody therapies and technologies.

[Stemline Therapeutics] nets $64.9mm through public sale of shares

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[Stemline Therapeutics Inc.] (developing treatments that target cancer stem cells and tumor bulk) netted $64.9mm through the public sale of 4.8mm shares (including the overallotment) at $14.50. Proceeds will go towards Phase II trials of glioma candidate SL701 and SL401 for orphan blood cancers including blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm and third-line acute myeloid leukemia.

[Redx] licenses cFMS program from [Pharmascience]

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:01:05 -0400

[Redx Pharma Ltd.] (employs a medicinal chemistry platform to improve profiles of existing drugs) has licensed development and commercialization rights to an immune-based cancer program from [Pharmascience Inc.] (Canadian branded and generic drug company).

[Elan] pays $1bn for 21% interest in [Theravance]/[GSK] respiratory drugs

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:01:04 -0400

In exchange for $1bn up front in cash, [Elan Corp. PLC] will receive 21% of the future royalty revenues realized by [Theravance Inc.] (small molecules for respiratory, CNS, GI, and infectious diseases) through the latter company’s 2003 alliance with [GlaxoSmithKline PLC].

Public offering nets $19.3mm for [Cyclacel]

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (mainly cancer therapies; also has projects for kidney disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS) netted $19.3mm through the public offering of 6.8mm common shares (including the overallotment) at $3 each. Proceeds will fund a Phase III trial of Cyclacel's sapacitabine in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

[AbbVie] pays for option to acquire [Alvine] equity or its celiac disease compound

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:58 -0400

In an effort to strengthen its existing gastroenterology pipeline, [Abbott]’s spin off [AbbVie Inc.] has paid $70mm up front for the exclusive option to acquire either equity in [Alvine Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (developing therapies autoimmune and inflammatory diseases) or its Phase IIa oral celiac disease compound ALV003 and related assets.

[Evotec], [Harvard] ally in antibacterials

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:56 -0400

[Evotec AG] and [Harvard University] have teamed up to identify and develop a new class of small-molecule inhibitors of bacterial cell wall synthesis.

[RuiYi] enlists the help of [Genor] to develop its RA candidate in China

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:55 -0400

[RuiYi Inc.] (formerly Anaphore) has signed on fellow antibody firm [Genor Biopharma Co. Ltd.] to help develop and exclusively commercialize in China its preclinical anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) monoclonal antibody RYI008 for rheumatoid arthritis.

[Vivus] nets $213mm from notes offering to seven buyers

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:54 -0400

[Vivus Inc.] (developing therapies for sleep apnea and diabetes and markets products for erectile dysfunction and weight loss) netted $213mm through the sale of $220mm aggregate amount of its 4.5% convertible senior unsecured notes due May 1, 2020. For every $1k purchased, investors can convert the notes into 67.3 common shares, equal to a conversion rate of $14.86 apiece. (The company's stock was averaging $12.84 prior to the sale.) Deutsche Bank led (purchasing $176mm of the notes), and was joined by Citigroup, JMP Securities, Leerink Swan, Needham & Co., Roth Capital Partners, and Trout Capital, who each bought $7.3mm. Vivus will use some of the proceeds to pay off a concurrent capped call transaction, and the remainder of the funds will go towards development and commercialization activities.

FOPO nets $13.4mm for [Discovery Laboratories]

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:52 -0400

[Discovery Laboratories Inc.] (respiratory therapeutics) has netted $13.4mm through the follow-on public offering of 9.5mm common shares at $1.50. The company will use the funds to commercialize FDA-approved {Surfaxin} to prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants and the accompanying {Afectair} aerosol-conducting airway connector; and to continue developing Phase II {Aerosurf} for RDS. The financing comes just months after Discovery Labs penned a $30mm loan facility with Deerfield.

[Cardio3 BioSciences] brings in €7mm through its Series C venture round

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:51 -0400

Heart therapy developer [Cardio3 BioSciences SA] grossed €7mm ($9.2mm) through what is believed to be its Series C venture round in which returning shareholders participated. The company concurrently raised €12mm through the conversion of existing convertible loans. The new money will be used to continue Phase III trials of {C-Cure}, which is designed to reprogram bone marrow cells into cardiopoietic cells that then grow new heart tissue, replacing what has been damaged by heart failure.

[Rockwell Medical] nets $38mm through FOPO

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:49 -0400

[Rockwell Medical Inc.] (end-stage renal and chronic kidney disease treatments) has netted $38mm through the follow-on public offering of 13.2mm common shares (including the overallotment) at $3.05. The money will be used for ongoing Phase III clinical trials of soluble ferric pyrophosphate (SFP), which delivers iron to the bone marrow of hemodialysis patients. Two months ago Rockwell netted $12.3mm through an RDO.

[Ambit] gets $25.1mm through private placement concurrent with IPO close

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:48 -0400

[Ambit Biosciences Corp.] (kinase inhibitors for cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases) raised $25.1mm through the private sale of 3.1mm common shares at $8 to existing shareholders. The placement was made concurrent with the closing of Ambit's $60.5mm initial public offering.

[Erytech Pharma] closes €16.7mm IPO

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:07:00 -0400

[Erytech Pharma SA] (developing therapeutics mainly for cancer; also has immune and blood projects in the works) closed its initial public offering on the NYSE Euronext Paris Regulated Market, raising €16.7mm ($17.3mm) through the sale of 1.2mm shares at €11.60 each. The company stayed close to its intended pricing of 1.3mm shares in a range of €10.50-12.70.

[Ambit] completes $60.5mm IPO

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:09:00 -0400

[Ambit Biosciences Corp.] (developing kinase inhibitors) has finally completed its initial public offering, netting $60.5mm through the sale of 8mm shares at $8. The company first filed in November 2010 but withdrew in June 2011, and then filed again in February 2013. Earlier this month, Ambit announced that it hoped to sell 4.6mm shares for between $13-15 apiece.

[Acorda Therapeutics] buys some [NeurogesX] assets for $7mm up front

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:22 -0400

As it winds down its business, [NeurogesX Inc.] (former developer of non-opioid therapeutics for pain) has sold some of its assets to [Acorda Therapeutics Inc.] (drugs addressing neurological function in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury patients) for $7mm up front plus up to $5mm in regulatory and sales milestones. Acorda will assume and pay off $900k in NeurogesX accounts payable and pre-closing operating expenses.

Series A brings in $4.6mm for [Callidus Biopharma]

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:22 -0400

Rare disease-focused [Callidus Biopharma Inc.] has raised $4.6mm in its Series A financing round led by two strategic undisclosed investors.

Registered direct offering of common and preferred shares nets $29.9mm for [Dyax]

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:20 -0400

[Dyax Corp.] (using its phage display technology to develop drugs for angioedema and other serious diseases) grossed $30mm through the registered direct offering of common and convertible preferred shares to RA Capital Management, Venrock, Federated Investors, and another unnamed institutional buyer. The company sold 8.9mm common shares at $2.30 each (a 10% discount), and 41,418 Series 1 convertible preferred stock at $230 apiece (each of which converts into 100 common shares). Some of the proceeds will fund development of DX2930, a preclinical monoclonal antibody for plasma kallikrein mediated angioedemas.

[Toyama Chemical] gets Japanese rights to [Cempra]'s solithromycin

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:19 -0400

Antibiotics developer [Cempra Inc.] has licensed [Toyama Chemical Co. Ltd.] (majority owned by [Fujifilm Holdings Corp.]) exclusive rights to develop and commercialize in Japan its solithromycin (CEM101)--or any product that incorporates the active pharmaceutical ingredient--for all indications except ophthalmic.

[SK Chemicals] gets South Korean rights to two of [TheraVida]'s drug candidates

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:14 -0400

Pharmaceutical/life sciences company [SK Chemicals Co. Ltd.] has licensed exclusive South Korean development and marketing rights to [TheraVida Inc.]’s (reformulates existing drugs) Phase II {Tolenix} (THVD201) and preclinical THVD202. Both are formulations of tolterodine/pilocarpine in development for overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence.

[Institut Pasteur Korea], [Qurient], and [Roche] team up on infectious disease drug discovery

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:13 -0400

[Institut Pasteur Korea] (IP-K), South Korean biotech [Qurient Co. Ltd.], and [Roche R&D Center (China) Ltd.] have teamed up to perform drug discovery, research, and development in the area of infectious diseases.

Series E round brings $35.5mm to [Tokai]

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:02 -0400

[Tokai Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (prostate cancer therapeutics) raised $35.5mm through its Series E round from returning backers Apple Tree Partners and Novartis Venture Funds, along with 17 other investors. Proceeds will fund a Phase II trial of galeterone, a CYP17 lyase inibitor for castration resistant prostate cancer.

[Acadia Pharma] nets $108.1mm in secondary offering

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (developing small-molecule candidates for Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and glaucoma) netted $108.1mm by publicly selling 9.2mm shares (including the overallotment) for $12.50. Affiliates of one of the company’s major investors and of board director Stephen R. Biggar, MD, PhD, bought 2mm shares in this offering. Acadia will spend the funds on its pipeline, namely lead Phase III compound pimavanserin. The company is gathering the necessary data to submit an NDA filing for the Parkinson’s disease psychosis drug in late 2014.

[Hengrui] licenses [X-Body]'s ophthalmic therapeutic antibody

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:57 -0400

Chinese pharmaco [Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd.] (Hengrui) has licensed exclusive development and marketing rights to an age-related macular degeneration program (AMD) generated with therapeutic antibody creator [X-Body Biosciences Inc.]’s antibody platform. The multi-million dollar agreement covers mainland China, Taiwan, Macao, and Hong Kong; X-Body is retaining all other rights.

[Zhejiang Huahai] gets exclusive rights to four biosimilars from [Oncobiologics]

Wed, 15 May 2013 19:01:15 -0400

[Oncobiologics Inc.] (cancer treaments and immunotherapies) has granted Shanghai-based drug company [Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.] rights to develop, manufacture, and sell four biosimilar monoclonal antibodies. Huahai gets exclusive rights in China (and will manufacture the products at its biologics facility there), and will co-develop and commercialize with Oncobiologics in more than 30 developed countries, including the US, EU, Japan, Australia, and Canada.

[Forest Labs] takes option to [Trevena]'s TRV027

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[Forest Laboratories Inc.] has taken an option to GPCR-focused [Trevena Inc.]’s TRV027, an AT1R biased-ligand for acute decompensated heart failure.

Series A brings in $5.6mm for [Regado Biosciences]

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:58 -0400

[Duke University] spin-out [Regado Biosciences Inc.] (anti-thrombotics) has raised $5.6mm through its Series A venture round. Aurora Funds participated and was joined by three undisclosed individual investors.

[Lumena Pharmaceuticals] closes $23mm Series A round

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:57 -0400

Rare liver disease drug developer [Lumena Pharmaceuticals Inc.] has raised $23mm in its Series A financing from Pappas Ventures, RiverVest Venture Partners, and Alta Partners. Representatives from Pappas and RiverVest have joined the start-up’s board.

[Eisai]’s [H3 Biomedicine], [Horizon Discovery] identify cancer targets

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:54 -0400

[Eisai Co. Ltd.]’s US cancer genomics subsidiary [H3 Biomedicine Inc.] and five-year-old translational genomics and personalized medicine firm [Horizon Discovery Ltd.] will collaborate to identify and validate cancer genome drug targets.

[Eisai], [Verastem] develop Wnt inhibitors against cancer

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:53 -0400

[Eisai Co. Ltd.] will partner with start-up [Verastem Inc.] (cancer therapeutics) in a collaboration to generate small-molecule Wnt inhibitors that target cancer stem cells (CSCs), a primary cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis.

[Anterios] brings in $8.5mm through late venture round

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:49 -0400

[Anterios Inc.] (aesthetics and dermatology therapeutics) has raised $8.5mm through a late-stage venture round. Investors included Ascent Biomedical Ventures, DRW Trading Group, Praesideo Private Equity Partners, Quantum Technology Partners, Scientific Health Development, and The Spring Bay Companies.

Series C brings in $60mm for [Trevena]

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:49 -0400

GPCR-targed medicine developer [Trevena Inc.] has closed its $60mm Series C venture round. [Forest Laboraotories Inc.] invested $30mm as part of a concurrently announced licensing option agreement for Phase IIb-ready TRV027 for acute decompensated heart failure. It gains representation on Trevena’s board. Current shareholders Alta Partners, HealthCare Ventures, NEA, Polaris, and Yasuda Enterprise Development Co. also participated.

[Idera Pharmaceuticals] brings in $8.6mm through FOPO

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:01:06 -0400

Large-molecule drug developer [Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc.] has grossed $8.6mm through the follow-on public offering of 17.5mm common shares at $0.49. Shareholders also received five-year warrants to buy another 17.5mm at $0.47 apiece. Idera plans to use the money for Phase II studies of IMO8400 for psoriasis.

FOPO nets $162.5mm for [Isis Pharmaceuticals]

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:57 -0400

[Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc.] has netted $162.5mm through the follow-on public offering of 9mm common shares at $19. The antisense technology company is working on therapeutics for cardiovascular, neurological, and metabolic diseases, and cancer.

[Teva] to market [Alexza]’s CNS drug {Adasuve} in the US

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:57 -0400

[Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.] has received exclusive US rights to sell CNS therapeutics company [Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc.]’s {Adasuve} (loxapine; formerly AZ004) for agitation episodes in adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder I. The inhaled aerosol drug is delivered via Alexza’s hand-held {Staccato} device.

[Omeros] RDO nets $16.1mm

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:56 -0400

[Omeros Corp.] (developing drugs for inflammation, coagulopathies and CNS disorders) netted $16.1mm through a registered direct offering of 3.9mm common shares at $4.14 each (a 3% premium). Proceeds will fund development and commercialization of the company's pipeline of {PharmacoSurgery} compounds. {PharmacoSurgery} candidates are low-dose drug combinations that get delivered directly to a surgical site in an effort to inihbit inflammation and other surgical complications during arthroscopic, ophthalmological, urological and other procedures.

[Takeda] buys [Inviragen] for $35mm plus up to $215mm in earn-outs

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:55 -0400

[Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.] is continuing to grow its vaccines business, this time through the acquisition of [Inviragen Inc.], a privately owned biotech with projects in preclinical through Phase II trials for various infectious diseases. Takeda paid $35mm in cash up front, and could hand over up to an additional $215mm in development and commercialization earn-outs.

[Receptos] nets $68.3mm through its IPO

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:36:00 -0400

[Receptos Inc.] (immune and metabolic disease therapeutics) has netted $68.3mm through its initial public offering of 5.2mm common shares at $14, the low end of its proposed terms. (Last month the company announced intentions to sell 4.7mm shares between $14-16.)

[Ambrx] to discover anti-cancer ADCs for [Bristol-Myers Squibb]

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:31 -0400

[Ambrx Inc.] (optimization of protein therapeutics) has licensed [Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.] worldwide development and marketing rights to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in the oncology area.

[Shire], [Nimbus] seek to develop therapeutics for rare diseases

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:28 -0400

[Nimbus Discovery LLC] (computational drug discovery) will work with [Shire PLC] to develop small-molecule therapies for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs).

[Ascletis] gets Chinese rights to [Janssen R&D Ireland]'s TMC310911

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:26 -0400

Specialty pharmaco [Ascletis Inc.] has received exclusive Chinese development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights (including mainland China and Macau) to [Johnson & Johnson]’s [Janssen R&D Ireland]’s TMC310911, a Phase IIa next-generation HIV protease inhibitor (PI). Ascletis will develop the compound as ASC09.

[Arrowhead Research] nets $35.4mm through common and preferred stock offering

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:22 -0400

With a $9.6mm investment, RA Capital has led a $35.4mm offering by [Arrowhead Research Corp.] (targeted drug delivery of peptide-drug conjugates and RNAi therapeutics for cancer, obesity, and HBV) of common and convertible preferred stock.

[Concert] works on deuterium-modified cancer and inflammation compounds for [Celgene]

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:17 -0400

[Concert Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (chemically modifies existing small-molecule drugs) has found its next partner, through a tie-up with [Celgene Corp.] for the development of cancer and inflammation therapies.

[Amgen] teams up with [Transgenomic] to develop a colorectal cancer test

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:16 -0400

[Amgen Inc.] has penned a deal with [Transgenomic Inc.] (diagnostics) to develop a CE-IVD test to screen metastatic colorectal cancer patients for RAS mutations.

Series A round brings in $16mm for [Scioderm]

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:14 -0400

Morgenthaler Ventures led [Scioderm Inc.]’s (skin disease therapeutics) $16mm Series A venture round. Technology Partners also participated.

[BioTime] gets rights to stroke treatment therapy from the [University of California, Los Angeles]

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:13 -0400

Regenerative medicine firm [BioTime Inc.] has licensed exclusive global rights to the [University of California, Los Angeles]’ technology relating to the treatment of stroke.

Series C brings in $50mm for [NGM Biopharmaceuticals]

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:10 -0400

[NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc.] (cardio-metabolic disease therapies) has raised $50mm through a Series C financing to 14 undisclosed investors.

[Regado Biosciences] files for its IPO

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:02 -0400

[Regado Biosciences Inc.] (anti-thrombotic drug systems) has filed for its initial public offering.

[Theravance] to spin off into two separate public entities focused on [GSK] deal, R&D

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

To maximize the value of its assets and increase the return of capital to stockholders, biotech [Theravance Inc.] is separating into two independent publicly traded companies with different business models: [Royalty Management Co.] (RMC) will focus on later-stage respiratory diseases candidates and marketed products, and [Theravance Biopharma] on drug discovery.

[Heat Biologics] files to go public

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[Heat Biologics Inc.] (cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies) has filed for its initial public offering.

[Regeneron] takes back rights to two ophthalmic antibodies under partnership with [Sanofi]

Wed, 08 May 2013 19:01:09 -0400

Therapeutic antibody developer [Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.] is reaping the benefits of a continuing relationship with [Sanofi], by licensing back rights to two antibodies it discovered, but partnered with the Big Pharma in a 2007 deal.

[Auris Medical] advances tinnitus drug therapy development with funds from CHF47.1mm Series C round

Wed, 08 May 2013 19:01:04 -0400

[Auris Medical AG] (developing drug therapies for inner ear disorders) raised CHF47.1mm ($50.3mm) through its Series C round. Sofinnova Ventures and Sofinnova Partners participated, and both gain represenation on Auris’s board.

[Auris Medical] brings in CHF11mm through Series B round

Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:58 -0400

[Auris Medical AG] (developing therapeutics for tinnitus and hearing loss) raised CHF11mm ($9.95mm) through its Series B round. AGF Private Equity participated, along with ZKB Pharma Vision Fund and Lacuna Apo Biotech Fund (both managed by Adamant Biomedical Investments) and one other undisclosed buyer.

[Bausch & Lomb] to exclusively distribute [Paragon BioTeck]'s phenylephrine in the US

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:04 -0400

Fresh from its IPO filing, [Bausch & Lomb] has agreed to become the exclusive US distributor of fellow ophthalmic pharmaceutical and medical device firm [Paragon BioTeck Inc.]’s phenylephrine.

Public offering nets $10.7mm for cell therapy company [NeoStem]

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[NeoStem Inc.] (cell therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, wound care, immune conditions, and diabetes) netted $10.7mm through the public sale of 23mm shares (including the overallotment) at $0.50 apiece.

[Astellas] and [Drais], through new virtual firm [Tacurion], develop ASP7035

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:00 -0400

Once again, [Astellas Pharma Inc.] and [Drais Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (clinical-stage drug development) have signed an agreement for the development and commercialization of an Astellas compound, this time the Phase IIa-ready vasopressin V2 receptor selective agonist ASP7035 for nocturia (waking up at night to urinate). Astellas will transfer ownership of the compound to [Tacurion Pharma Inc.], a virtual company to be operated by Drais’ executive team.

[Abide Therapeutics] to discover diabetes compounds for [Merck]

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:00:57 -0400

[Abide Therapeutics Inc.] (start-up discovering therapeutics that target the serine hydrolase enzyme family) and [Merck & Co. Inc.] have agreed to work together to develop and sell new treatments for Type II diabetes.

[Genfit] closes €14mm private placement

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:00:51 -0400

[Genfit SA] (therapeutic and biomarker development for cardiometabolic and related diseases) grossed €14.3mm ($18.7mm) through the sale of 2.9mm new shares at €4.89 (a 25% discount) to French and foreign investors. Some of the proceeds will go towards continued development of Genfit’s lead candidate GFT505, which is in Phase IIb trials for multiple risk factors associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes (hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, inflammation, and diabetes-related liver diseases).

[Insys Therapeutics] goes public on second try; nets $34.2mm

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:51:00 -0400

After filing to go public in March 2011, [Insys Therapeutics Inc.] (cancer, neurology, and gastrointestinal pharmaceuticals) has netted $34.2mm through the sale of 4.6mm common shares (including the overallotment) at $8. Last month the firm had proposed selling 4mm shares between $16-18 each, then weeks later lowered the price to $8-10. This was Insys's second IPO attempt; the first try was halted in 2007 due to market conditions.

[Celator Pharmaceuticals] raises $38.5mm in late-stage round

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:01:23 -0400

[Celator Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (developing combination chemotherapeutics) raised $38.4mm through a two-tranche late-stage private financing round (possibly a Series E). The first closing, which occurred in August 2012, consisted of the sale of 1.2mm common shares at $5.63 apiece, netting $5.9mm. In the second tranche, which closed this month and was led by new board member Valence Life Sciences, Celator sold 10.4mm common shares at $3.12 for gross proceeds of $32.5mm. Investors in the closing also received warrants to buy 0.28 shares of common stock for each common share purchased. Roth Capital and National Securities were the placement agents. Celator, a private company that publicly reports to the SEC, will use the proceeds for an upcoming Phase III trial of CPX351 (cytarabine/daunorubicin) for secondary acute myeloid leukemia in newly diagnosed patients aged 60-75.

[Forma] and [Celgene] discover new therapies targeting protein homeostasis

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:01:15 -0400

[Celgene Corp.] has decided to work with translational drug discovery company [Forma Therapeutics Holdings LLC] on new cancer treatments that regulate protein homeostasis targets.

[Tolero] gets exclusive global rights to [Sanofi]'s alvocidib

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:01:12 -0400

[Tolero Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (developing drugs that target cellular pathways for cancer and related diseases) has licensed exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize [Sanofi]’s CDK inhibitor alvocidib (also known as flavopiridol) for multiple cancers.

FOPO nets $21.6mm for [Anacor Pharmaceuticals]

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:01:02 -0400

[Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc.] (small-molecule dermatology and infectious disease therapeutics) has netted $21.6 through the follow-on public offering of 3.6mm common shares (including the overallotment) at $6.39.

[Intrexon], [Soligenix] ally to develop melioidosis therapies

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:00:58 -0400

[Soligenix Inc.] (developing inflammatory disease treatments and biodefense countermeasures) and synthetic biology specialist [Intrexon Corp.] have teamed up to develop monoclonal antibody therapeutics for melioidosis.

Becker Ventures leads $15mm Series A round for [AltheRx]

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:00:55 -0400

Two-year-old [AltheRx Pharmaceuticals Inc.] has raised $15mm in its Series A financing led by Becker Ventures. The VC firm’s Jim Bennethum and Charles E. Becker join AltheRx as CEO and chairman of the board, respectively.

UK-based [GW Pharmaceuticals] nets $29mm in US IPO

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:17:00 -0400

[GW Pharmaceuticals PLC], UK developer of prescription cannabinoids, netted $29mm in its initial public offering in the US on the Nasdaq. As planned, it sold 3.5mm ADSs for $8.90. The company has been trading publicly on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM since June 2001.

[Acumen Pharma] completes first tranche in $20mm Series A round

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:00:43 -0400

BVF Partners has led the first tranche of a $20mm Series A financing for [Acumen Pharmaceuticals Inc.], which is focused on the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. NeuroVentures Fund, [Praxis Technologies], Glynn Ventures, and private backers also joined.

[Proteus Digital Health] brings in $62.5mm through its Series F venture round

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:00:42 -0400

[Proteus Digital Health Inc.] (formerly Proteus Biomedical) has raised $62.5mm through its Series F venture round. New backer Oracle Corp. joins [Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.], [Novartis AG], Sino Portfolio, and additional unnamed investors. The company has developed a digital feedback system that includes wearable and ingestible sensors to ensure that patients comply with the administration of medicine, to measure physiologic response, and overall health management.

[Opko] issues $480mm worth of stock to acquire public Israeli biotech [Prolor]

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:00:45 -0400

[Opko Health Inc.] (developing drugs and diagnostics across multiple therapeutic areas) is acquiring [Prolor Biotech Inc.], a public Israeli company focused on extending the life of proteins in the body. For each of Prolor’s 63.7mm outstanding shares, Opko will issue 0.9951 of its shares (worth $7.03, a 28% premium), amounting to $448mm in equity. Plus an approximate $32.1mm worth of stock options and warrants, the deal is valued at $480mm. Prolor will become an independent subsidiary of Opko, focused on biologics.

[Opsona Therapeutics] brings in €33mm through oversubscribed Series C round

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:02:00 -0400

[Opsona Therapeutics Ltd.] (developing drugs that use the innate immune system to treat disease) raised €33mm ($43mm) through its oversubscribed Series C round led by returning buyer Novartis Venture Funds and new investor BB Biotech Ventures (both gain representation on the company's board). Existing backers Fountain Healthcare Partners, Roche Venture Fund, and Seroba Kernel Life Sciences also participated along with new investors Sunstone Capital, Baxter Ventures, Amgen Ventures, and EMBL Ventures. Opsona will use the Series C proceeds to fund an upcoming Phase II trial of lead candidate OPN305, a fully human monoclonal IgG4 antibody targeting Toll-like receptor 2 for renal transplant patients at high risk for developing delayed graft function.

[Supernus] nets $86.4mm in convertible senior secured notes offering

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400

CNS drug reformulator [Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc.] has netted $86.4mm by selling to qualified institutional investors six-year 7.5% senior secured notes (including the exercise of a $15mm overallotment); $1k in principal converts into 188.7059 common shares (the conversion rate is $5.30 per share; the company’s stock is currently averaging $5.18).

[ContraFect] gets $8.6mm from Chinese business group

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:00:48 -0400

In what appears to be its Series C financing, [ContraFect Corp.] (developing monoclonal antibodies and lysins to treat infectious diseases) has received an $8.6mm investment from China’s Zongyi Group, which adds a board member. The company hopes to close the round at $9.5mm.

[AZ] partners with [Horizon Discovery] to target K-Ras mutant cancers

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[AstraZeneca PLC] has licensed exclusive rights to translational research firm [Horizon Discovery Ltd.]’s kinase target program HD001, which the Big Pharma is eyeing for the development of therapeutics targeting K-Ras mutant cancers.

[InSite Vision] gets up to $16mm for {Besivance} royalties

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400

Ophthalmic drug developer [InSite Vision Inc.] has sold its future {Besivance} (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6%) royalties to SWK Funding LLC (a subsidiary of SWK Holdings Corp.) and Bess Royalty LP for up to $16mm.

[Galapagos] raises €53.9mm through private placement

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:26 -0400

[Galapagos NV] raised €53.9mm ($70.1mm) through the sale of 2.7mm new shares at €20 (a 5% premium) to US and European institutional investors. The company is developing small molecules and antibodies for inflammation, metabolic diseases, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious conditions.

[AZ] enters multi-target drug discovery pact with [Alchemia]

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:24 -0400

Australian drug discovery company [Alchemia Ltd.] has agreed to use its {Versatile Assembly on Stable Templates} ({VAST}) platform to discover and develop small-molecule drug candidates for [AstraZeneca PLC]'s Swedish division [AstraZeneca AB] across multiple therapy areas including cancer, infections, and neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.

[Ocera] plans to privately raise $20mm after closing [Tranzyme] reverse merger

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:12 -0400

Upon closing its reverse merger with publicly traded [Tranzyme Inc.] (previously developing macrocyclic compounds for metabolic and GI indications), [Ocera Therapeutics Inc.] (treatments for orphan liver diseases; also markets an IBS device in Europe), which will be taking on Tranzyme’s public status, is planning to raise $20mm by selling its newly traded common shares to Ocera’s major stockholders, including Domain Associates, Thomas McNerney & Partners, Sofinnova Ventures, and InterWest Partners. The merger is expected to close in Q3 2013. Ocera will use the funding support Phase II development of its lead candidate OCR002 (ornithine) for hyperammonemia and acute hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and acute liver injury.

[Ocera Therapeutics] reverse merges with struggling public biotech [Tranzyme]

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400

Struggling public biotech [Tranzyme Inc.] is reverse merging with privately held [Ocera Therapeutics Inc.] (developing drugs for liver disease, and marketing a device for IBS) in a stock-for-stock transaction. Each Ocera share will be exchanged for 1.538 Tranzyme shares (worth $0.71). The combined company, retaining the Ocera name and its San Diego corporate headquarters, will be owned in majority by existing Ocera investors (72.6%) and the rest by Tranzyme’s shareholders.

[NanoString] takes an option to exclusively license a liver cancer gene signature from the [Broad Institute]

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400

The [Broad Institute] has granted life sciences company [NanoString Technologies Inc.] an option to license exclusive worldwide rights to a 186-gene signature that could be used to determine the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatitis C-related early-stage cirrhosis.

[RetroSense Therapeutics] gets option to [Mass General] ophthalmic IP

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:01:00 -0400

[Massachusetts General Hospital] has granted [RetroSense Therapeutics LLC] (gene therapy for ophthalmic indications) the option to an exclusive global license to US patent application, “Method for Augmenting Vision in Persons Suffering from Photoreceptor Cell Degeneration.”

[Ascletis] to sell [Roche]’s HCV medicine danoprevir in greater China

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:02:13 -0400

Oncology and infectious disease spec pharma [Ascletis Inc.] has received rights in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau to develop, manufacture, and market [Roche]’s direct-acting antiviral agent danoprevir, which is in Phase II for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Ascletis will be calling the compound by the lab code ASC08.

[Bayer], [DKFZ] jointly invest €3.5mm in cancer drug development; deal later expanded

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:02:03 -0400

[Bayer Schering Pharma AG] and the [German Cancer Research Center] (DKFZ) have formed a two-year partnership to discover novel cancer treatments.

[Northwest Biotherapeutics] nets $9.3mm through RDO

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:02:01 -0400

Cancer immunotherapeutics company [Northwest Biotherapeutics Inc.] netted $9.3mm through a registered direct offering. An undisclosed