The Swedish biotech is stepping up its business development plans ahead of a mid-stage readout in the summer for ACD440, its TRPV1 antagonist for neuropathic pain.

The US firm’s lead oligonucleotide asset, ENTR-601-44, has received a clinical hold notice after IND submission, adding to a growing list of companies in the Duchenne space facing setbacks.

Entrada gets $250m cash and equity up front under four-year deal, which extends its runway and will enable it to focus on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Vertex further diversifies its pipeline with a novel drug class.

Private Company Edition: Acelyrin will use its latest funding for Phase III development of izokibep in inflammatory diseases. Also, ArsenalBio raised $220m to take its programmable cell therapies into the clinic and RayzeBio’s $160m series D round will fund clinical trials for its radiopharmaceuticals.