Following in the wake of Merck & Co's acquisition of VelosBio, the German major is spending big to get hold of the Swiss oncology biotech NBE-Therapeutics which is also targeting the ROR1 protein.

Merck continues its cancer deal streak, purchasing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies against receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1). 

Bausch seeks to add eyecare assets in Allegro deal. AstraZeneca hopes preclinical PCSK9 inhibitor from Dogma can compete with dyslipidemia leaders. Exelixis options ADC candidates from Catalent and NBE.

Blackstone raised $3.44bn of a $4.58bn life science fund, while HealthCare Royalty Partners raised $1.8bn and MVM closed a $325m fund. Also, 20 private drug developers raised $20m or more, but three public biopharma firms unveiled restructuring plans.