The Swiss company has been talking up its therapy for elevated levels of potassium in the blood which contributed to strong sales growth for Vifor in 2019.

The company isn't relaying any details about its drug targets, but will use the mega-round to take its first candidates into the clinic. Also, RiverVest raises a $184.4m VC fund, Annexon closes a $75m Series C, Takeda lists its stock in the US, and Aptorum goes public.

US President Ruud Dobber talked to Scrip about expanding in renal disease, balancing the fast-growing oncology portfolio against other priority disease areas, and the company's anticipated return to growth. The big challenge going into 2019, he said, is external factors. "I'm not able to change the view of the President," he said.

Venture Capital Edition: Pfizer deprioritized neuroscience as an early R&D focus earlier this year, but will stay involved by spending 25% of the $600m added to its venture fund on neurology investments. Also, China VC investment keeps up fast pace and Alta Partners closes a new $130m health care fund.