Dec. 4 Quick Takes: EyePoint’s data for Eylea competitor drive big gain

Shares of EyePoint Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:EYPT) roughly tripled on Monday after the company said EYP-1901 showed non-inferiority to Eylea aflibercept in a Phase II study to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. The therapy, which delivers VEGF blocker vorolanib via a bioerodible insert, can be dosed as infrequently as six months, setting it up as a potential competitor to the Eylea HD version of Eylea that is dosed as infrequently as every four months. EyePoint said it is aiming to begin a pivotal trial in 2H24. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) and Bayer AG (Xetra:BAYN) share rights to Eylea and Eylea HD. EyePoint was up $11.73 (178%) to $18.34.

Seismic Therapeutic Inc., a Massachusetts-based start-up that is using algorithmic technology to create new treatments for immune disorders, raised $121 million in a series B round. Bessemer Venture Partners led the round, which included new investors Amgen Ventures, Codon Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, Gaingels and GC&H. The biotech is advancing two programs into the clinic: S-1117, which is an engineered pan-IgG protease designed for reduced B cell and T cell immunogenicity; and S-4321, a bi-directional antibody agonist of PD-1 and selective engager of inhibitory receptor FCGR2B. Investors from Seismic’s $101 million series A round also participated...