Know your strengths, surround yourself with experts and ensure your solution “does what it says on the tin.” These are among the guiding principles of Christophe Bancel, co-founder of France’s biopolymer innovator TISSIUM, a health care start-up on the cusp of commercialization.

Edmond De Rothschild Investment Partners unveils the largest life science and medical device venture fund to be raised in Europe. Olivier Litzka tells Scrip that the continent can now boast a public market machinery that contributes to potentially lucrative exits for investors.

Merck adds to its immuno-oncology R&D heft with purchase of Rigontec, while Allergan will collaborate with Lyndra to produce once-weekly drugs for Alzheimer’s disease.

This week’s round-up includes the appointment of independent directors by Sanofi’s board of directors, CEO appointments by Fosun Kite Biotechnology and Milestone Pharmaceuticals as well as executive appointments by Tocagen, GW Pharmaceuticals, Bone Therapeutics and Tris Pharma.