T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies emerged at ASH as viable competitors for autologous T-cell therapies, but while their off-the-shelf availability is intriguing, it may be too early to say if their safety and efficacy beats CAR-Ts.

Late-breaker presentations for Darzalex in multiple myeloma and Imbruvica in CLL will showcase "practice-changing" results in front-line settings. Other highlights include new treatments for beta-thalassemia, such as Acceleron's and Celgene's luspatercept.

Compass raises $132m in Series A as it moves from screening to the clinic, and start-up HotSpot Therapeutics comes out of stealth mode with a $45m Series A financing co-led by Atlas Venture and Sofinnova Partners.

Suzhou-based immuno-oncology specialist CStone raised a $260m Series B round and Brii launched with $260m in Series A cash to develop drugs for the China market. Also, multiple start-ups launched recently with more than $50m in Series A rounds, including Ansun, Beam, Casma, Celsius and Neurana.