Biotech VC funding leaps in 4Q as life sciences stays flat

Venture Capital groups channeled $1.9 billion into U.S. life sciences companies in the fourth quarter, according to VentureDeal, keeping the level of investments even with the third quarter in an indication of some stability following considerable turbulence earlier in the year.

Out of that total 69 biotech companies rounded up $871 million while 78 medical device outfits brought in $572 million and pharma-related startup companies garnered the rest.

While the overall amount of VC investing in life sciences remained flat, VentureDeal also reported that funding amounts for biotech companies soared 65 percent in the fourth quarter, with Clovis Oncology raising an unpublished $65.6 million. Regado BioSciences, meanwhile, raised $40 million for its work on arterial thrombosis.

TransEnterix, a North Carolina medical devices developer, raised $55 million in venture backing. The fast-growing TransEnterix is planning on hiring 50 people this year as it pioneers a new approach to less-invasive surgery.

- here's the report from VentureDeal
- and here's a story from the Triangle Business Journal

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