EuroBiotech Report—Fund hires ex-FDA leader, EMA-Brexit, Erytech IPO, Genfit financing and Adocia-Lilly arbitration

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly EuroBiotech Report. Malin became the latest fund to gain big-name support when it appointed ex-FDA commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., as its chief medical adviser. The European Medicines Agency put out a big tender for temporary workers, in part to provide it with help in case Brexit blows a hole in its headcount. Two perennial candidates for a Nasdaq IPO clarified their positions. Erytech hit go on its plan with a filing to raise $100 million, while Genfit leaned once again on its local listing for the cash to further its NASH program. Adocia started arbitration proceedings against two-time former partner Eli Lilly. And more.—Nick Taylor  

1. Ex-FDA commissioner joins former Elan team at VC fund

Malin has named Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D., as its chief medical adviser. The appointment puts the former FDA commissioner in a position to work with Immunocore, Poseida Therapeutics and the other cancer biotechs Malin has backed.

2. EMA, facing a Brexit-shaped hole, moves to add staff

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has put out a big tender for temporary workers. EMA’s call for extra staff comes as it is bracing itself for the likely loss of employees when it moves from its current home in London.

3. Erytech seeks $100M IPO for pivotal tumor starvation trial

Erytech Pharma has filed to raise up to $100 million (€85 million) in a Nasdaq IPO to fund a phase 3 pancreatic cancer trial. The filing positions one of 2017’s star performers on European exchanges to start trading in the U.S.

4. Genfit seeks €150M to wrap up phase 3 NASH program

Genfit is looking to raise €150 million ($177 million) to wrap up phase 3 development of its NASH candidate. The planned cash injection will also position Genfit to look to life beyond the phase 3 by supporting commercial preparations and the in-licensing of assets.

5. Lilly under legal fire over split from Adocia

Adocia is taking legal action against two-time former partner Eli Lilly. The diabetes biotech wants Lilly to pay $11 million (€9 million) plus extras to offset perceived harm caused by its changes to the product development plan.

And more articles of note>>