> Galapagos and MorphoSys shared an early look at the effect of their IL-17C antibody on atopic dermatitis patients. Of the six patients who received the highest dose, five experienced at least a 50% reduction in symptoms of atopic dermatitis after four weeks. One of the six participants in the placebo arm experienced such an improvement. The partners plan to test the drug in phase 2. Statement
> AMO Pharma committed to moving its myotonic dystrophy candidate into a multisite study after getting a look at interim data from the first cohort in a small phase 2 trial. The British biotech is yet to publish a breakdown of the efficacy data but said the results “show multiple endpoints with favorable changes that were statistically significant.” Statement
> Evotec invested €15 million in Exscientia. The investment will enable the AI-driven drug discovery shop to step up its activities and see it tighten its ties to Evotec. Exscientia has worked with Evotec since last year and the partners are now expanding their immuno-oncology drug discovery pact. Release
> Ascendis Pharma priced a secondary offering that will net it upward of $126 million. The Danish biotech will use the cash to fund development and commercial preparations for TransCon Growth Hormone, while also moving its follow-up candidates down the pipeline. Statement
> LNC Therapeutics raised €6.5 million to fund microbiome R&D. The French biotech thinks it can tackle obesity, NASH and other conditions associated with fat accumulation and chronic inflammation by targeting gut microbiota. Seventure Partners coled the round. Release (PDF)
> Nightstar Therapeutics and NuCana both hit the midpoint of their targeted IPO ranges, setting them up to raise $75 million and $100 million, respectively. The British biotechs will use the cash to fund their gene therapy and cancer candidates. Article I Release