Sanofi completes the transition of its infectious disease unit to Evotec. Perhaps not yet done with virology, Gilead licenses technology for HIV/hep B vaccines from Hookipa.

Having previously criticized the biopharma industry for squandering the benefits of US tax reform, the former Teva CEO called for more M&A deals that offer a clear strategic rationale, pointing to Takeda/Shire as an example.

The novel opioid-system antidepressant is being positioned for adjunctive therapy on top of SSRIs, but Alkermes is eyeing other indications, and better ways to stratify and treat depressed patients.

US FDA to head off cell/gene therapy manufacturing issues with pre-IND meetings; Republic of Ireland will “chase any opportunities” for business partners stemming from Brexit, even while hoping UK reconsiders EU departure; AMAG won’t follow the flibanserin PR approach with newly submitted female sexual dysfunction drug bremelanotide; United Neuroscience CMO Ajay Verma says Alzheimer’s trial setbacks are “learnings,” with progress toward novel therapies moving faster than it has for cancer and HIV.

US FDA to head off cell/gene therapy manufacturing issues with pre-IND meetings; Republic of Ireland will “chase any opportunities” for business partners stemming from Brexit, even while hoping UK reconsiders EU departure; AMAG won’t follow the flibanserin PR approach with newly submitted female sexual dysfunction drug bremelanotide; United Neuroscience CMO Ajay Verma says Alzheimer’s trial setbacks are “learnings,” with progress toward novel therapies moving faster than it has for cancer and HIV.

Former Teva and current Ovid CEO Jeremy Levin says pharma should use tax reform gains for business development, not share buybacks. Also, Patient-focused drug development (PFDD) is about more than just getting new drugs approved, an advocate says, while FDA previews coming guidance on PFDD. And, Alnylam’s CEO reflects on what it took financially to get RNAi to the threshold of its first product approval.