Anthos premiers with $250m from Blackstone and cardiovascular disease assets and expertise from Novartis, while Maze brings in $191m for drugs that target gene modifiers. In public company financings, Sage raises $575m ahead of Zulresso approval decision.

Vernalis' decision to switch strategy and enter the US cough-cold market backfired spectacularly and acquirer Ligand is getting hold of what once was a jewel in the UK biotech crown for next to nothing.

Solid Biosciences was able to launch an IPO earlier this year despite a last minute disclosure about a partial clinical hold, which is now a full clinical hold that's cost investors money. Even so, Arcus Biosciences was able to launch its IPO. Ideaya, JW lead recent VC financings.

A review of biopharma start-up dealmaking and financing activity from April through June 2017, based on data from Strategic Transactions, showed that fundraising activity more than doubled compared with the first quarter.