Merck’s latest pneumococcal vaccine and Pfizer’s RSV vaccine notched new BTDs, along with Zambon’s inhaled antibiotic for non-CF bronchiectasis, Acer’s vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome drug and Dizal’s targeted lung cancer candidate.

Following safety issues raised by the US FDA, no toxicity concerns have emerged in preclinical studies of Newron’s candidate schizophrenia therapy, evenamide, and a clinical safety study has started to evaluate its CNS effects.

Sarizotan, licensed from Merck KGaA in 2011 for Rett syndrome, was seen as a potential gamechanger for Newron but the termination of the project leaves a huge hole in the Italian group's pipeline.

Aspen Neuroscience, Pandion and iTeos raised $70m, $80m and $125m, respectively. Also, Glide Healthcare closed a €416m ($450m) fund; ElevateBio, Kallyope and SutroVax reveal VC mega-rounds; and Dragonfly adds new funding to its partnering proceeds.