Emerging Company Profile: Calling itself the most advanced microbiome company focused on skin diseases, MatriSys has advanced a proprietary microbe to Phase IIa for atopic dermatitis. The biotech also is eyeing UV-induced cancer, rosacea, acne, psoriasis and bacterial skin infections.

Events are moving fast in the microbiome field. The sector is expecting results from numerous initial clinical studies during 2018, from across a spectrum of approaches and mechanisms of action, which could lead to new rounds of financings and M&A activity.

Biscayne and Japanese CRO SNBL create spin-outs to advance programs; liver disease specialist Ascletis gains funds as it shifts away from HCV; Neon gets $100m to put into its cancer vaccines; and other highlights of recent VC funding.