Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have revolutionised gene therapies as safe and effective gene shuttles. The growing demand for AAV vectors now requires an industrialised process throughout pre-clinical development that involves comprehensive monitoring from production to patient to ensure safety and efficacy of the therapeutic agent and reduce cost of goods.

APEIRON Biologics’ recombinant ACE2 APN01 has been selected to participate in the US ACTIV study. ACTIV is aimed to speed up development of the best COVID-19 meds.

Danish Novo Holdings A/S has led an oversubscribed US$125m Series C into the cancer antibody specialist Hummingbird Bioscience.

Barcelona-based Aelix Therapeutics has appointed Dr Melanie Rolli as CEO. Her predecessor, Dr Jose Luis Cabero, had decided to step down from executive positions at Aelix

BD will build a €165m manufacturing facility in Zaragoza, Spain to support the growth of its pre-filled drug delivery business.

German government has launched a €300m programme designed to bring clinically tested COVID-19 treatments to the patient’s bedside.

AMSilk GmbH has closed a Series C financing at €29m to accelerate and expand commercialisation of its microbially produced silk fibres.

Immunoglobin G antibodies (IgG) produced in response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein appear to play a role in how COVID-19 can turn more severe in some cases.

International life sciences investment group Abingworth has closed a new clinical co-development fund at US$582m.

The Biden administration has announced it will support the WHO proposal to temporarily waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines to speed up vaccination.