> GenSight Biologics, Diurnal (LON:DNL) and Motif Bio (LON:MTFB) each got a Phase III trial started. Paris-based GenSight enrolled the first patient in two parallel pivotal trials of its treatment for the genetic vision disorder Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Across the channel in the United Kingdom, Diurnal and Motif Bio both dosed the first patients in their respective pivotal trials. Diurnal is running the trial to assess its congenital adrenal hyperplasia drug, while Motif Bio is working to gather data on its antibiotic. GenSight | Diurnal | Motif Bio
> NeuroVive Pharmaceutical (STO:NVP) set out to raise SEK 94.4 million ($11 million). The money, which is being raised through an issue of new shares and warrants, will enable NeuroVive to bring its acute kidney injury and traumatic brain injury drugs through Phase II trials. Once NeuroVive has data from these studies, it plans to outlicense or otherwise partner the programs, freeing it from the cost of wrapping up development of the drugs and bringing them to market. Release
> PharmaMar (BME:PHM) kicked off a Phase II trial of PM184 in patients with hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The two-stage, open-label trial will enroll 106 people. In the second of the two stages of the study, patients will be randomized to either PM184 or the investigator's choice of alternative therapy, giving PharmaMar a way to assess the efficacy of its drug. The primary endpoint will assess PM184 in terms of four-month progression-free survival. Release
> Israeli biotech Avraham Pharmaceuticals raised $4 million (€3.7 million) to complete a Phase IIb trial of ladostigil, which is being developed as a treatment for mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease, Globes reports. Avraham tapped a handful of its compatriots, including Clal Biotechnology (TASE:CBI), for the money. Data from the study are due in the third quarter of 2016, at which time Avraham will step up its plans to advance the drug into Phase III. Globes
> Ipsen (EPA:IPN) placed a hefty bet on Exelixis' ($EXEL) cancer drug cabozantinib. The French pharma is paying $200 million (€184 million) upfront and committing to up to $855 million in total to pick up the rights to cabozantinib outside of the U.S., Canada and Japan. While the deal gives Ipsen the expanded portfolio it needs, observers have questioned the amount it is paying. "The deal terms seem relatively onerous, likely requiring near $500 million peak sales for an adequate return," Jefferies analyst Peter Welford wrote in a note to investors. FierceBiotech
> Neil Woodford's fund contributed to a £40 million ($56 million) Series B round in secretive immuno-oncology player Autolus, which has now raised £70 million over the past 18 months while revealing relatively little publicly about its plans. Autolus will use the latest round to advance its pipeline of engineered T-cell products, the science behind which is based on the work of UCL Cancer Institute hematologist Dr. Martin Pule. As well as pulling in the fresh funds, Autolus has licensed additional technologies from Pule's UCL group. Release | FierceBiotech