After a brief lull in US initial public offerings, PainReform and three special purpose acquisition companies kicked off September’s IPOs. Also, Immunovant offering grossed $173.9m, Carlyle Group bought 5% stake in China’s Salubris and Erasca increased its series B to $236m. 

Merck China former R&D head returns after a short stint with startup Ascletis, and Takeda has a new center director for commercial health. Top executives change also take place at Ono in Korea and Simcere Pharma.

The Canadian specialty pharma has exceeded its near-term debt-reduction goals, but are its plans for a return to growth grounded in reality? Market analysts recommend caution, but see some reason for optimism.

At first glance, giving back Addyi to the original owners for next to nothing looks like a complete disaster but investors are relieved debt-ridden Valeant has managed to offload another asset.