Genentech will use the X-Chem platform to obtain leads against multiple oncology targets. Lilly partners with Merus on CD3-targeting T-cell therapy candidates.

Another failed study in Duchenne muscular dystrophy spells the end for edasalonexent and possibly the firm.

Public Company Edition: Grossing $276m, Gossamer would have been the third-largest biopharma IPO in the US if it had launched last year. Also, recent public company financings include debt and follow-on offerings; and two more firms cut jobs – Capricor and Seres.

In tandem with Roivant, Cincinnati Children’s launches spinout Aruvant focused on hematologic disorders and separately teams with BridgeBio on genetic disease therapies. Roivant spinout Axovant licenses gene therapy candidates from University of Massachusetts.