Genentech and Lodo will mine the soil microbiome to discover novel therapeutics. China’s Luye licenses commercial rights to AstraZeneca’s Seroquel franchise, while Sarepta picked up rights to gene therapy candidates from Myonexus, plus an option to acquire the company.

Astellas builds on a 2013 collaboration by acquiring Mitobridge. Ardelyx is partnering with Kyowa Hakko Kirin to bring tenapanor to market in Japan. Meanwhile, Depomed, Xoma and Bristol all offload programs before the end of the year.

Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.