> Sanofi ($SNY) opened a partnering office at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC). The opening of the office means SBC, which was set up in a collaboration between the government, GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) and the Wellcome Trust, can now add Sanofi to a list of big-name collaborators that already includes Eli Lilly ($LLY) and Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ). SBC leverages its links to biopharma majors to provide its biotech residents with access to expertise. Release
> GW Pharmaceuticals ($GWPH) began a Phase III trial of Epidiolex in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disorder that causes people to suffer from epilepsy. The London-based firm is pursuing the indication on the strength of findings from a physician-led expanded access program, in which Epidiolex was associated with a reduction in seizures. GW Pharma intends to enroll 200 patients in the 16-week, placebo-controlled study. Release
> Summit Therapeutics ($SMMT) posted data from a Phase II trial of its treatment for Clostridium difficile infection. In the study, Summit’s antibiotic, ridinilazole, achieved a sustained clinical response rate of 66.7%, significantly more than was seen in the vancomycin control arm. "Ridinilazole's narrow spectrum of activity appeared to substantially reduce damage to the gut microbiome in the Phase II clinical trial, allowing patients to maintain or rebuild their natural defences against recurrence of [Clostridium difficile infection],” Summit CEO Glyn Edwards said in a statement. Release
> Adocia (EPA:ADOC) kicked off a Phase Ib trial of HinsBet U100 in Type I diabetics. The trial, which is designed to assess the post-meal effects of HinsBet U100, adds to the suite of studies now assessing formulations that use Adocia’s BioChaperone technology. “This study builds on the positive results obtained from a previously completed euglycemic clamp study in which HinsBet displayed a 70% earlier onset of action as well as a doubling of early metabolic effect, when compared to Humulin,” Adocia Chief Medical Officer Simon Bruce said in a statement. Release
> 4D Pharma (LON:DDDD) struck a deal to acquire Spanish microbial fermentation contract research organization Instituto Biomar. Leeds, U.K.-based live biotherapeutic specialist 4D has worked with the CRO since 2014, over which time it has identified the lack of pharmaceutical-grade facilities capable of meeting its production needs as a potential constraint on the development of its pipeline. In response, 4D has opened its checkbook, handing over €3 million ($3.4 million) upfront in stock and cash to secure the deal. Release
> FDA accepted a biologics license application for ALK-Abelló (CPH:ALK-B) and Merck’s ($MRK) house dust mite immunotherapy. The news moves Denmark’s ALK a step closer to seeing MK-8237 come to market in the U.S.. “This is an important milestone in the clinical development of MK-8237 as a potential new option for adults with house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis. “This is an important milestone in the clinical development of MK-8237 as a potential new option for adults with house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis,” Stuart Green, VP of clinical research at Merck Research Laboratories, said in a statement. FierceBiotech