Private Company Edition: Attovia will advance two anti-IL-31 programs with its $105m in series B funding, while ImmuNext secured $575m in a Royalty Pharma deal for its Sanofi-partnered drug. Also, Bluejay and Aardvark raised $182m and $85m, respectively, in series C rounds. 

The drug maker has its eye on six Phase III or Phase III-ready programs that it hopes will return the company to growth. It also highlighted investments in AI and digital technology.

The FDA would only withdraw a rare disease gene therapy for “pretty clear” reasons, such as when there is minimal benefit with extensive side effects. The one-and-done nature of administration also makes withdrawal easier, CBER Director Peter Marks says.

Bristol Myers Squibb’s head of major markets, Monica Shaw, wants to improve access to lifesaving therapies. Payers and politicians must be persuaded to loosen their purse strings – and open their minds.