Despite declining numbers of IPOs, financing rounds and licensing deals, the European biotech sector presented itself optimistic and self-confident during BIO-Europe in Cologne. The three-days partnering event again see a record number of participants.
After AstraZeneca removed its NSCLC drug osimertinib from the German market following a benefit assessment of German health technology assessor G-BA negatively impacting price negotiations, the German oncologist association DGHO accuses the G-BA not to act in the best interest of lung cancer patients.
While DG Research has delayed its update on the European Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan until next June, the Central and Eastern Bioregions presented a blueprint that proposes key actions aimed at integrating the goals of the European Commission’s circular economy and the bioeconomy strategies.
A new analysis comparing the amount of funding invested into stem cell research clearly demonstrates declining investment in Germany. In contrast, the US, the UK, Sweden and Japan have increased their investments into the future field.
Investors are once again flocking to back biotechs in Europe. Belgian Life Sciences fund Fund+ has raised €125m – a quarter more than initially anticipated.
Part microbe, part machine: cyborg bacteria developed at ETH Zurich could revolutionise the biotechnological production of molecules. The bacteria have been engineered to respond to light signals.
New name, new outlook: blood disorder specialist Dilaforette will be known as Modus Therapeutics Holding from here on out. The Swedish company also announced an intention to float in the near future.
Spanish start-ups, take heed: One of the biggest biotech funds in Southern Europe has just been closed by Ysios Capital. The Spanish venture firm raised €126.4m to be reinvested in European biotech, medtech and diagnostics companies.