France has long been a European leader in rare diseases, from its scientific research and academic hospitals, through to patient advocacy and regulatory reforms that have encouraged R&D. Its biotech and pharmaceutical industries are now leading the way, discovering the next generation of therapies for patients that are often overlooked.

All-stock merger will create new company owned 75% by Adaptimmune’s shareholders. Grifols, Selagine to explore antibody approach to treating dry eye disease, and other recent deals.

 Advicenne withdrew its orphan drug designation application for Sibnayal over concerns that a key study was not designed to compare the product with the standard of care.

Sibnayal, Advicenne’s innovative treatment for distal renal tubular acidosis, is set to be approved for use in the EU shortly.