Axxam S.p.AThat deserves a closer look: The recently announced partnership between Axxam S.p.A., a leading provider of integrated early discovery services, and Molecular Health GmbH, a pioneer in AI-powered data solutions for pharmaceutical R&D, is more than a standard collaboration. It exemplifies the convergence of consolidated in-vitro biology-led drug discovery with modern, data-intelligent drug development methodologies. As an example for breaking the silos of clinical and preclinical target validation.
Oncomatryx Biopharma S.L.Spanish biotechnology company Oncomatryx Biopharma has been selected for funding under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe 2021–2027 Research and Innovation Programme. The award includes a €2.5 million grant and a €10 million equity investment, to be deployed in the company’s next financing round to proceed with the proprietary ADC platform.
David_SMC from PixabayThe planned US$10 billion acquisition of UK-based Verona Pharma by US pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. underscores several key dynamics reshaping the global biotech industry. Not only does the deal reflect Merck’s strategic push to diversify in anticipation of the looming patent expiry of its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda, but it also highlights the growing appeal of European biotech for US investors.
AmphiStar BVThe new funding includes €2.5m grant and €10m equity investment and supports Belgian AmphiStar’s potential to reshape the surfactants market. This investment will accelerate scale-up and market entry of sustainable biosurfactants, which AmphiStar has already set up transatlantic in a recent partnership.
Cyril MarcilhacyThe British Food Standards Agency (FSA) has formally accepted an application by French start-up Gourmey SAS for regulatory approval of its cultivated foie gras, a product developed using cellular agriculture techniques. The submission was initially lodged on 26 July 2024 and was made in parallel across five jurisdictions: the European Union, United States, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Rheticus/EvonikAs part of the green transformation of North Rhine-Westphalia’s former coal-mining region, independent assessors have recommended the co-financing of two biotechnology processes developed at pilot scale by Evonik Industries AG, with the aim of advancing them to demonstration scale. The third funding round of the “Produktives.NRW” call includes approximately €70 million from the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF) allocated to six projects.
Nuclidium AGBasel-based NUCLIDIUM AG has successfully closed a Series B financing round of CHF 79 million (EUR 84 million) to advance the development of its copper-based radiopharmaceutical platform. The round was led by Kurma Growth Opportunities Fund, Angelini Ventures, Wellington Partners, and Neva SGR, a company of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group.
Actithera Norway ASThe biotech company Actithera, with locations in Cambridge, USA, and Oslo, Norway, has successfully closed a major Series A round, raising US $75.5 million. Its isotope-agnostic platform — designed with a specific focus on the interaction between linker and target molecule — has attracted strong interest from a wide range of investors. However, the path to this achievement was not as straightforward as anticipated, CEO Andreas Goutopoulos told European Biotech News.
adobe stock photos - Wang Dan French biotech Ciloa SAS has received a €6.5m grant to advance its adiponectin-loaded exosome candidate, APN-sEV, into Phase I safety trials, ahead of efficacy evaluation in indications including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and liver fibrosis.
Solar FoodsAfter Finnish protein powder producer Solarfoods signed a strategic agreement with two US food manufacturers to supply 6,000 tonnes of Solein from 2030 onwards, the company has now announced a more concrete partnership with US flavour manufacturer Sensapure Flavours Inc.