> Prexton Therapeutics began a phase 2 trial of its Parkinson’s disease candidate. The Merck Serono spinout is testing two doses of foliglurax against placebo in 165 patients who are experiencing the wearing-off of levodopa and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Data are due in 2019. Statement
> Cellectis unveiled plans for a $100 million IPO of its gene editing agriculture company. The off-the-shelf CAR-T player will retain the largest stake in Calyxt. Release
> Pfenex received a milestone payment from Johnson & Johnson. The milestone was triggered by the advance of a RORgt inhibitor into phase 1. Pfenex and J&J discovered the candidate as part of a deal they struck in 2012. Statement
> Horama picked up an orphan drug designation for its retinitis pigmentosa gene therapy. The FDA nod marks another small step forward for the French biotech helmed by Christine Placet, the biotech executive who led Trophos to a €470 million takeover by Roche. Release
> BioInvent and ThromboGenics tweaked their monoclonal antibody agreement. The revised terms put BioInvent in charge of developing TB-403 in cancer indications and dials up its stake in the asset. ThromboGenics has taken full ownership of THR-317. Statement
> A phase 2b trial of Neovacs’ lupus candidate came through an interim data review. The trial is now fully enrolled and has clearance to push ahead, setting up Neovacs to deliver data in the second quarter of 2018. Release