Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly EuroBiotech Report. We start this week with BioNTech, which is reportedly planning to raise $800 million on Nasdaq. The listing would see BioNTech replace its mRNA rival Moderna at the top of the list of the biggest biotech IPOs.
The rest of our stories carry more modest numbers. AstraZeneca put up $20 million to work with Seres Therapeutics on the application of the microbiome to immuno-oncology. Snipr Biome raised $50 million to use CRISPR to modulate the microbiome, including in ways that dial up the efficacy of oncology drugs. And Germany committed $40 million to the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.
Elsewhere, the European Medicines Agency began moving its staff into its temporary Amsterdam offices. And more. — Nick Taylor
1. BioNTech lines up $800M Nasdaq IPO to fuel mRNA R&D: Reuters
BioNTech is lining up a Nasdaq IPO that could raise $800 million, according to Reuters. The German mRNA specialist is reportedly planning to fuel its cash-intensive plans by following rival Moderna on to public markets.
2. AstraZeneca taps microbiome specialist Seres for I-O support
AstraZeneca has teamed up with Seres Therapeutics to explore whether microbiome therapeutics can increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. The deal will see AstraZeneca pay $20 million to collaborate with Seres and test SER-401 in combination with its oncology assets.
3. Snipr raises $50M to use CRISPR to modulate the microbiome
Snipr Biome has raised $50 million (€43 million, DKK320 million) to take CRISPR-based microbiome drugs into clinical trials. The Danish biotech is using CRISPR/Cas to selectively target and kill bacteria with specific DNA sequences.
4. Germany joins CARB-X, commits €40M to fighting bacteria
The German government has committed €40 million ($45 million) to the development of products that tackle the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. German officials put up the money as part of their decision to join U.S. and U.K. authorities in the CARB-X partnership.
5. EMA opens Amsterdam office as Brexit enters critical phase
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has officially begun operating out of its new temporary home in Amsterdam. Staff will move into the offices throughout the coming week having left the U.K. as it enters a critical moment in the Brexit process.