This marks Celltrion’s second regulatory submission for an omalizumab biosimilar as the US formulation patent protecting originator Xolair is set to expire late next year.

Selexis and Generium have claimed the launch of an omalizumab biosimilar in Russia, with their Genolar version of Xolair marking the third biosimilar to be launched by the pair following development with Selexis’ SUREtechnology platform.

Mersana will help J&J develop antibody-drug conjugates against three targets, while AstraZeneca out-licenses a candidate for peripheral artery disease to Regio.

Private Company Edition: The astonishing pace of venture capital investment in drug development continues with another $1.5bn in financings of $100m or more, including $152m for Pyxis and $126m for Omega. New VC funds also continue to launch, including RiverVest’s fifth fund, totaling $275m.