Plus, news about Enanta, Inventiva, Eradivir, Novo Nordisk, Evotec, Lundbeck, Iambic Therapeutics and Wave Life Sciences:
Genevant Sciences, Repair Biotechnologies team up: The biotechs will work on a new treatment for atherosclerosis. Genevant will apply its lipid nanoparticle work and Repair will contribute cholesterol-degrading mRNA tech. Genevant can get up to $107 million. — Kyle LaHucik
858 Therapeutics nabs $50M: The Series B comes as the San Diego biotech runs a Phase 1 trial for its lead small molecule in solid tumors. Three years ago, the biotech emerged with a $60 million launch round after buying Gotham Therapeutics. Investors in the Series B include Avidity Partners, Insight Partners, Mirae Asset Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, Versant Ventures, NEA and Logos Capital. — Kyle LaHucik
Enanta’s RSV antiviral passes Phase 2a test: The Watertown, MA-based biotech’s EDP-323 achieved 85% to 87% reduction in viral load area under the curve compared with placebo as measured by a PCR test (p<0.0001). The human challenge study enrolled 142 adults who were inoculated with RSV. Enanta plans to publish the full data at a later date. — Ayisha Sharma
Inventiva is hunting for strategic options: The company, which is developing a pill to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH, said Wednesday that it’s in talks to raise more money or engage in new partnerships, royalty deals or strategic transactions. It expects to have topline results from a Phase 3 trial in the second half of 2026. Inventiva’s US-listed shares $IVA were down about 13% on Thursday morning. — Jaimy Lee
Eradivir secures $10.25M Series A: The antiviral drugmaker plans to use the proceeds to run a Phase 2a human challenge trial of its influenza treatment, dubbed EV25. The fundraise was supported by founder and chief scientific officer Philip Low alongside board members and other small institutions. — Ayisha Sharma
Novo Nordisk, Evotec team up on stem cell-based cell therapies: Novo will fund technology development activities at certain Evotec sites in Europe. In return, it will get an option for exclusive rights to apply the learnings to a “pre-defined therapeutic area.” Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. — Ayisha Sharma
Lundbeck inks AI research pact with Iambic Therapeutics: The partners will work together on discovery activities for a small molecule candidate for migraine. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though the companies said they include upfront, milestone and royalty payments. — Ayisha Sharma
Wave Life Sciences upsized its public offering. It now plans to raise $200 million, up from $175 million. — Jaimy Lee