News of Note—BioLineRx financing; Ablynx fast track; Ophthotech pivot; Dynavax briefing documents

> BioLineRx secured a $9.6 million investment from its largest shareholder. The Novartis-partnered biotech raised the money from BVF Partners to fund clinical development. Release

> The FDA awarded fast-track status to Ablynx’s caplacizumab in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Ablynx is planning to file for FDA approval of the anti-von Willebrand factor single-domain antibody next year. The fast-track nod means caplacizumab is eligible for priority review by the regulator. Statement

> Ophthotech pivoted into rare diseases. The biotech plans to test C5 complement inhibitor Zimura in Stargardt disease. Ophthotech’s interest in testing the drug in rare diseases follows setbacks to its ambition to treat age-related retinal conditions. Release

> The FDA has published the briefing documents for an advisory committee meeting about Dynavax’s hepatitis B vaccine. Documents (PDF)