> Abivax (EPA:ABVX) reported top-line data from a Phase IIa dose-ranging trial of its treatment for HIV infection. The cohort of patients that received the highest dose of the antiviral, ABX464, showed a drop in viral load of more than 68%. Shares in Abivax rose more than 10% following the news, but the small size and short duration of the study mean the biotech is still a long way from showing its antiviral can live up to its billing as a possible functional cure for HIV. Release (PDF)
> The FDA accepted an IND for a drug to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in development at Infant Bacterial Therapeutics (IBT). The FDA nod clears one of the barriers between IBT, a subsidiary of BioGaia (STO:BIOGB), and the start of a Phase I trial of a formulation based on a bacterial strain from human breast milk. IBT thinks the antipathogen and anti-inflammatory effects of the formulation, which has orphan drug status on both sides of the Atlantic, will stop NEC from developing in newborns. Release
> Tiziana Life Sciences (AIM:TILS) picked a candidate spawned in its research agreement with Cardiff University to move into the clinic. The drug, a Bcl-3 inhibitor, is expected to enter clinical trials by the end of the year. Cardiff University landed the original deal on the strength of its research into the role of Bcl-3 in breast cancer metastasis. Having delivered a Bcl-3 inhibitor candidate, the university has now landed an expanded deal with Tiziana, the terms of which position it to advance research into whether the inhibition of c-FLIP can wipe out breast cancer stem cells. Release
> Innate Pharma (EPA:IPH) landed a $400 million (€367 million) deal with Sanofi ($SNY). The deal tasks Innate with the creation of bispecific antibodies capable of triggering natural killer cell activity through the activation of the NKp46 receptor. Innate will collaborate with Sanofi on the creation and assessment of two candidates, before passing them over to its Big Pharma partner for clinical trials. If the alliance hits all of its milestones, Innate will take home $400 million in payouts. On the same day as the Sanofi news, Innate in-licensed an anti-CD39 checkpoint inhibitor program from Orega Biotech. FierceBiotech | More
> NeuroVive Pharmaceutical (STO:NVP) entered into a research collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania. The partners will work to generate extra preclinical data on NeuroSTAT, NeuroVive's treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). "This partnership with NeuroVive is designed as a preclinical translational bridge between potential therapies and clinical trials, to explore treatments for TBI where there are few options for patients," the University of Pennsylvania's Susan Margulies said in a statement. Release
> Merck KGaA acquired selective kinase inhibitor research and development produced through its collaboration with BioMed X. The partners began working together on selective kinase inhibitors in 2013, at which time Merck KGaA was the first company to sign up to collaborate with BioMed X on its crowdsourced approach to research. Having agreed to fund a third year of the program last summer, Merck KGaA has now acquired all the results generated through the collaboration. Release