An antimicrobial molecule produced by the human microbiota gut may help fight drug-resistant infections.

Evotec SE and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd have entered a strategic drug discovery collaboration potentially worth $850m.
Under the agreement, Evotec will develop at least five small molecule discovery programmes against targets identified by Takeda in oncology, gastroenterology, neuroscience and rare diseases. Takeda will have the option to assume responsibility at lead series and upon Evotec delivering a pre-clinical candidate.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Takeda will pay Evotec an undiclosed upfront fee to get access to its platforms. Additionally, Evotec is eligible to receive pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial milestones that can total in excess of $170 m per programme as well as tiered royalties on future sales.

At its September meeting, the EMA’s CHMP recommended three innovative medicines for EU market approval.

Swiss Versantis AG has raised money in order to advance its liver detoxifying candidate VS-01 from ongoing Phase Ia trials to initial Phase IIa efficacy proof.

Prague-based PPF Group has acquired a 19.2% stake in Autolus Therapeutics plc, a developer of T cell cancer therapies.