The French biotech said that its lead therapeutic candidate demonstrated the first reduction in HIV reservoirs ever observed in chronically infected HIV patients. Following the news, the company’s share price more than doubled.

British respiratory disease specialist Verona Pharma plc (VRNA) has raised US-$77.8m (€73,96m) at NASDAQ through the issuance of 5,768,000 American Depositary Shares (ADS) – each ADS representing eight ordinary shares – at a price of US-$13.50 per ADS.

Modus Therapeutics AB, a Karolinska Development portfolio company developing treatments for sickle cell disease, has appointed Ellen K. Donnelly as CEO. Donnelly joins from Pfizer, Inc, where she most recently was responsible for Clinical Operations for the Neuroscience and Pain therapeutic area.

The European biotech industry association EuropaBio has named John Brennan as its new Secretary General. The life sciences expert will take over his new position in June. 
Epigenomics and minority shareholder Cathay Fortune International Company have agreed for Cathay to take over the Berlin-based diagnostics company for €7.52 per share – a premium of almost 50%.

In April, Luis Solera assumes the position of CEO at Barcelona-based biotech Bioiberica. He joins from LIPSA, a leading family business in the oils and fats sector.

Belgian-Dutch antibody developer Argenx N.V. seeks to raise US$74.7m in a US IPO. The company, which is already listed on Euronext wants to use the proceeds to push development of its autoimmune and cancer drugs.

Italian, Swedish, and German researchers have started recruitment for a systematic investigation into the factors affecting longevity. 

Originates from the in-depth experience and complete protocol system concerning the manufacture of viral vectors for vaccines or gene therapy.

Four orphan drugs, three biosimilars, and one monoclonal antibody therapy have been recommended for EU market approval by the European Medicines Agency’s CHMP this month.