For years, neurologists have hunted for the source of cell toxicity that drives neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. An Indian researcher at the University of Zurich might now have solved the mystery. It’s not hidden in amyloid plaques, as researchers previously believed, but in the microglia, the brain’s innate immune system, which triggers loss of synaptic junctions resulting in loss of cognitive functions. 

Belgian liquid biopsy specialist Biocartis Group NV has pocketed €80m through an equity placement by offering 6.4 million new shares.

French green chemistry specialist Global Bioenergies announced the delivery of a first batch of sustainable cosmetic ingredients to cosmetics heavyweight L’Oréal. It was produced as part of the ISOPROD project, supported by the French State’s Investissements for the Future Program.

In the past, the role of customised and tailored formulations have been largely underestimated in the field of biopharmaceutical product development. An advanced formulation strategy can strongly improve the product, leading to significant customer benefits. The growing and increasingly competitive biopharmaceutical market requires individual solutions, particularly for better product stability and prolonged shelf life.

Three innovative biotech companies have baged the prestigious EuropaBio SME Awards for their innovative business models.

The same bacteria present in primary tumours of patients with colorectal cancer are also present in liver metastases, according to a new study. What’s more, presence of the bacteria was found to correlate with tumour growth.

GARDP:?Six European states, together with the British Wellcome Trust and South Africa, have pledged €56.5m to help develop new antibiotics that break resistance. The ambitious goal of the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) is to develop and deliver up to four new treatments that enter clinical development within the next six years.

The EU is investing another €6.3m into the blood diagnosis of  primary breast cancer and rectal cancer. In the 4-year LIMA project, Royal Philips will lead a SME consortium that combines liquid biospy of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) specialist Heidelberg Pharma AG has raised €34.4m through the issuance of 7,484,190 new shares at €2.60 and 14,968,380 convertible bonds with a nominal value of €1 each. Baader Bank AG acted as global coordinator and sole bookrunner.

Amsterdam has beaten Milan and Copenhagen in the race to become the European Medicines Agency’s new home. Pharma and biotech stakeholders applauded the vote as Amsterdam achieved the hightest rate of acceptance of the EMA staff for relocatation, according to a survey.