Athenex expands its portfolio of T-cell receptor therapy technology under NCI license agreement; PDS Biotechnology accesses institute’s TARP tumor antigen technology.

Multiple non-vaccine options for COVID-19 continue to progress, with promising new clinical results for Sorrento's small molecule drug and a supplementary approval in Japan for Chugai's antibody combo. Meanwhile, China's CRDC has in-licensed technology for Ligand to apply to an oral antiviral it is developing. Meanwhile, SK Biosciences' novel nanoparticle vaccine is positive in early trials.

Sponsors must decide whether to repeat bioequivalence and other studies after two CROs were found to have potentially falsified data, causing the US FDA to reject all data produced by the firms.

Also, two more health care-focused SPACs went public, Centessa obtained up to $300m in debt, three new venture capital funds launched and Intergalactic debuted with a $75m series A round.