> Swiss biotech CRISPR Therapeutics picked Cambridge, MA, over its home continent as the site for its R&D operations. The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing specialist also has digs in Basel and Stevenage, U.K., but has decided Cambridge is the best location from which to begin hiring up to 50 people to staff its nascent R&D operation. FierceBiotech
> Ipsen (EPA:IPN) took time out from its U.S. invasion to unveil a research collaboration with Hannover Medical School's botulinum neurotoxin expert Thomas Binz. The alliance is investigating the use of recombinant botulinum neurotoxin proteins and targeted secretion inhibitors in the treatment of neurological, endocrinological or oncological diseases. Release
> MorphoSys CEO Simon Moroney defended the prospects of MOR202, the multiple myeloma antibody that Celgene ($CELG) walked away from last week. Moroney accepts that Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) is likely to beat MorphoSys in the race to bring a CD38 antibody to market, but sees no reason that this should condemn MOR202 to also-ran status. FierceBiotech
> Hybrigenics raised €9 million ($9.7 million) to finance mid-phase trials of Inecalcitol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The French biotech initially planned to start the Phase II study at sites in its home country, but now has the cash to enrol patients in the U.S., too. Hybrigenics expects the trial to get underway in the first quarter of 2016. Release (French)
> Adaptimmune Therapeutics became the latest European biotech to set its sights on a Nasdaq IPO. The Oxford, U.K.-based immuno-oncology outfit is swinging for a $150 million (€139 million) IPO to top up coffers that are already stocked with cash from a $350 million alliance with GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) and a $104 million venture round. FierceBiotech
> Silence Therapeutics (AIM:SLN) raised almost £40 million ($60 million) by selling new shares on London's AIM. Almost £13 million of the haul came through a second tranche of broker option shares, the sale of which means the RNA specialist has more cash to advance its preclinical pipeline and hoover up talent. ProactiveInvestors
> Vienna, Austria-based Nabriva Therapeutics nailed down a $120 million (€111 million) venture round to fund a Phase III trial of its antibiotic against community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. The biotech set up shop 9 years ago as a spinout from Sandoz, since when it has attracted investment from the Wellcome Trust and Novartis' ($NVS) VC fund amid renewed interest in antibiotics. FierceBiotech
> Shares in Flamel Technologies ($FLML) dropped more than 10% after its SVP of business and corporate development left the company. Steve Lisi attributed his abrupt departure from the Lyon, France-based drug delivery specialist to a desire to spend more time with his family. Flamel expects to hire a replacement within the next 8 weeks. Release
> Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX:SANN) picked up a fast-track designation from FDA for its Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug, Catena. Phase III data on the treatment--which is known as Raxone in Europe--is currently being prepared for a new drug application. Santhera expects to meet with the FDA to discuss the filing in the coming weeks. The stock traded up 11% following the news. Release