Aug. 16 Quick Takes: CirCode follows Pfizer deal with JJDC-led series A
Plus: At last, approval Ipsen FOP therapy Sohono and updates from Compass Pathways, Day One-Sprint, Seagen, Artiva, Precision-Imugene, Impel
Circular RNA company Shanghai CirCode Biomed Co. Ltd. completed a "multimillion dollar" series A financing round on Tuesday, co-led by Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC Inc. and an undisclosed investor, with participation from Superstring Capital and others. The financing comes a month after the company announced a research agreement with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to develop therapeutics based on circular RNA.
A regulatory odyssey that dragged on for more than two years ended on Wednesday, when FDA approved Sohonos palovarotene from Ipsen Group (Euronext:IPN; Pink:IPSEY) to treat fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). The company withdrew its NDA for the RARG agonist in 2021, then received a complete response letter the following year. Ipsen added that the approval is FDA’s first in the indication. Ipsen acquired palovarotene via its takeout of Clementia Pharmaceuticals Inc. in 2019 for $1 billion up front. CHMP issued a negative opinion for Sohonos in January and again in May. ...