CAR-T cell developer bluebird bio Inc. has extended its potential US$1bn deal with cancer neoantigen TCR specialist MediGene by two new targets adding US$500m potential revenues to the licence agreement.

British drug maker AstraZeneca’s IL-5Ralpha blocker benralizumab did not reduce exacerbations significantly compared to placebo in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A research team headed by Jean-Christophe Leroux from ETH Zurüch has created the first-ever 3-D printed mouth guard that could deliver drugs to the wearer and is highly customizable, in terms of drug release and design. 

Horizon Discovery Group plc has announced the appointment of Terry Pizzie as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director with immediate effect.

Americans and Europeans love fast food, even though doctors are now more certain than ever that the highly processed meals that go hand-in-hand with a hectic Western lifestyle are not a smart health choice. The latest findings suggest that fa(s)t food imprint key genes in the innate immune system, possibly causing the permanent immunological hypersensivity that is at the root of diabetes, atherosclerosis and other common diseases of civilisation.

Following weeks of negotiations and four rejected bids, British neurology and orphan drug giant Shire has agreed to Takeda’s latest take-over offer of £46bn (€52,38bn).

Bayer today announced the selection of the new Executive Leadership Team for the Crop Science division, which will go into effect as of the closing of Bayer’s proposed acquisition of Monsanto. The closing is still subject to pending regulatory approval.

Vas Narasimhan, the newly appointed CEO of Swiss pharma giant Novartis, introduced himself to the Swiss biotech industry with a stimulant talk at the Swiss Biotech Day. Apart from that participants of the annual gathering were in high spirits as the Swiss biotech sector continues to grow steadily.

Swiss injection pen developer Haselmeier and Boston-based Common Sensing have partnered to develop smart connected self-injection devices that can monitor drug administration, dosing and efficacy of therapies.

The UK-based pioneer in marine biotechnologies Jellagen has closed a £3.8m funding round to boost sales of its next-generation jellyfish-based medicine. Lead investor were Newable Private Investing and the Development Bank of Wales.