Following a major setback in another indication earlier this year, ASLAN’s lead asset is now seen as a potential new option for second-line use in biliary tract cancer following promising new data from a Chinese trial.

Diversified Japanese giant gains global rights to Cynata’s novel therapy for GvHD as part of continued push into cell and regenerative medicine, amid ongoing discussions between Sumitomo Dainippon and the Australian bioventure over a potential wider acquisition.

In a further positive step for its oncology ambitions, Japanese company files first submission for promising lead antibody-drug conjugate, partnered globally with AstraZeneca, while other pipeline ADCs mark development progress.

RiKen gets $9.3m up front plus potential milestones and royalties for use of its aAVC technology, while retaining research rights to the platform. JW Pharmaceutical acquires Vietnam’s Euvipharm.

Daiichi drug shows non-inferiority to standard antithrombotic regimen in atrial fibrillation patients, adding to evidence supporting Factor Xa inhibitor's use.

Sumitomo Dainippon's planned $3bn deal with Roivant goes some way to fulfilling the Japanese firm's strategic needs, but investors appear cool and questions remain.