Korean bioventure Genome & Co. is accelerating growth by acquiring US microbiome CDMO List Labs, following on from its purchase of US microbiome therapeutics firm Scioto last year. With its microbiome pipeline reaching milestones as planned, Genome appears on track for its goal of becoming a fully integrated global biopharma concern.

BioMed X teams with J&J on inflammation, drug delivery research. Stem cell firm Calidi inks licensing deals with U. of Chicago, City of Hope and Northwestern. MD Anderson teams with Blueprint and Hummingbird.

Citing the pandemic, the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) discounted 2020 data in reviewing renewals for New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) status and granted extensions through 30 September to 13 NTAP products.

Pharma moves Phase III-ready antibody to prevent pneumonia to Aridis, licenses preclinical STING inhibitors from F-star. Sanofi teams with SRI on AI-directed discovery, Biogen licenses BTK inhibitor from InnoCare.