Janssen Biotech adds to its bispecific antibody pipeline for cancer via pair of collaborations. Ipsen and Accent pair up to investigate new target for acute myeloid leukemia.

The current coronavirus vaccines focus on the spike protein but the UK's Scancell believes it has a candidate that also targets the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein which could help tackle existing and future variants.

Merck pays undisclosed upfront fees and promises up to $500m for milestones under licensing and collaboration agreement. Meanwhile, Tetraphase and Xerava are being acquired by La Jolla, after previous bids by Melinta and AcelRx.

Pharma pays $100m up front and makes $20m equity investment for rights to three preclinical cancer programs. Plus more than 20 deal summaries, including COVID-19-related transactions.