A new academic study presented at ESMO has provided the first Phase III data for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as a potential new therapeutic class, while industry leader Iovance looks set to have early-stage data for its TIL accepted by the US FDA.

Jiangsu Hengrui subsidiary Reistone and Shanghai Laekna raise a combined $161m for their innovative candidates.

The partners reported initial data at ASH for their BCMA-targeting CAR-T therapy in second-line multiple myeloma that appear consistent with longer-term results and ahead of their main competitor, Bristol’s Abecma.

Private Company Edition: Newpath Partners’ second fund totals $350m, Merck KGaA committed €600m to M Ventures, Eir Ventures raised €122.3m and Breakout Ventures has $112.5m. Recent financings were led by SOTIO ($317.5m), Odyssey ($218m), Avistone ($200m) and Acepodia ($109m).