Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly EuroBiotech Report. This week was a big one for Ablynx. The Belgian biotech laid the groundwork for its evolution into a commercial-stage player with phase 3 data and a filing to list on Nasdaq. A few years back it looked like Immatics might have undergone that evolution itself by now. Instead, the German biotech is just embarking on its second crack at the clinic—and has tapped Amgen and others for $58 million to fund the work. Motif Bio posted phase 3 data that position it to file for approval of its once-rejected antibiotic. AMR Centre licensed a research-stage antibiotic-resistance program from Medivir. And more. Nick Taylor
1. Ablynx’s caplacizumab hits primary endpoint in phase 3
A phase 3 trial of Ablynx’s caplacizumab has met its primary endpoint. The trial linked the anti-von Willebrand factor single-domain antibody to a statistically significant drop in time to platelet count response, bolstering Ablynx’s pitch for approvals in the U.S. and Europe.
2. Ablynx files for $150M IPO to build on phase 3 boost
Ablynx has moved quickly to capitalize on the boost to its prominence and prospects provided by recent phase 3 data. The Belgian biotech has joined the reopened path from Europe to Wall Street in pursuit of $150 million (€128 million) to support its commercialization and clinical trial activities.
3. Amgen helps Immatics to $58M round to fund cancer trials
Immatics has raised $58 million (€49 million) to push its cancer immunotherapies deeper into the clinic. The German T-cell specialist turned to its existing investors and new partner Amgen to put together the round, which brings its amount raised to date up toward €200 million.
4. Motif Bio phase 3 hits endpoint, teeing up date with FDA
A second phase 3 trial of Motif Bio’s antibiotic iclaprim has hit its primary endpoint. The data tee Motif Bio up to file for approval of a drug that was knocked back by the FDA in 2009 and almost sunk the biotech 12 months ago.
5. AMR Centre picks up Medivir’s superbug-busting candidate
AMR Centre has licensed a program from Medivir. The metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitors (MBLI) are designed to inactivate the NDM-1 mechanism, rendering drug-resistant bacteria vulnerable to beta-lactam antibiotics.