Takeda's global deal for one of US RNAi specialist's lead assets follows recent promising clinical results in serious disorder with no current therapeutic options.

The VC firm known for its new company formation efforts will launch 10-12 biopharma, device and diagnostic ventures with its fifth fund. Also, EpimAb raises a $74m series B round, three more drug developers join the IPO queue and Amicus leads recent follow-on offerings.

New $150m Series C round brings Orchard's tally to nearly $300m, just four months after the start-up acquired a portfolio of gene therapy candidates from GSK and eight months after a $110m round. Gritstone closed a Series C then announced an IPO filing, plus more late-summer VC rounds.

Antibody developer Harbour Biomed signs its first deal for rights outside China in cancer pact with Kelun. Portage buys SalvaRx to increase its immuno-oncology capabilities, while Paragon spinout Emalex will take over Psyadon’s pediatric Tourette syndrome program.