A Netherlands start-up Vico Therapeutics could start clinical trials in late 2021 with its antisense approach to the treatment of rare neurological diseases, financed by its large Series A.

Timelines in the CID program are tight, and sponsors should have a ‘fully baked’ trial design before heading into their first meeting with the agency, industry reps say; agency needs more simulation data from participating sponsors earlier and is working to ensure continuity for firms after the second of two meetings allowed under the program.

Pharma pays $100m up front and makes $20m equity investment for rights to three preclinical cancer programs. Plus more than 20 deal summaries, including COVID-19-related transactions.

Public Company Edition: ORIC’s initial public offering is the third by a drug developer in April and the 12^th in 2020. Also, Pluristem garnered €50m from the European Investment Bank.