Sanofi has called an immediate halt to all trials of fedratinib (SAR302503) following reports of neurological side-effects. The company had reported positive Phase III results for the JAK2 inhibitor in myelofibrosis earlier this year. Now, however, it says it is cancelling all plans for regulatory filings.

Two CEOs describe their approach to virtual partnerships, corporate renewal, and active risk management. Plus, more conventional divestment and M&A deals from Novartis and Grifols and Roche and immatics.

Reflecting a long trend, three of this past week’s deals include option arrangements, including one with a new twist. Also, a rare disease partnership between Shire and Atlas Venture finally leads to a deal and Takeda continues building its vaccines business.

DOTW looks at Astellas’ oncology ambitions plus its recent split with partner Ambit, as well as analysis of Shire’s buyout of Premacure, AbbVie’s out-license of an anti-interleukin-13 antibody to Receptos and the Merck/Luminex collaboration on a companion diagnostic for Alzheimer’s disease.