AlloVir/Baylor, Soligenix/Hawaii and CEL-SCI/Georgia ink coronavirus collaborations, but deal-making continues in other areas as well, including Asklepios/UNC teaming on a gene therapy for Angelman syndrome and DeMelle licensing a targeted pancreatic cancer drug from Moffitt, among others.

RXi thought it had solved the RNAi delivery issue but was focused on dermatology and ophthalmology. New CEO Dispersyn thought the platform offered more lucrative promise as a way of optimizing IO therapy.

In its continuing efforts to diversify away from opioid pain drugs, Purdue partners on non-opioid program with Alivio. Rigel licenses Tavalisse rights in all indications go to Spain’s Grifols.

Private investors, including Japanese e-commerce mogul Hiroshi Mikitani, backed a $150m Series C round for Rakuten Aspyrian and its photoimmunotherapy platform. Also, pharma-backed therapeutic video game developer Akili boosts Series C to $68m, and Summit garners additional BARDA funding.