Shionogi is hoping to demonstrate the efficacy of its oral COVID-19 candidate Xocova through an appropriate primary endpoint in its Phase III trial, while the Japanese firm is also eyeing global expansion for the drug should a world-first domestic approval be granted.

Cidara gets $30m up front for US rights to the weekly echinocandin candidate for candidemia and invasive candidiasis. Takeda walks away from oncolytic virus candidate licensed from Turnstone.

Private Company Edition: In other $100m-plus venture capital rounds, Third Harmonic Bio emerged with $155m, including a new $105m series B round. Also, Europe- and Japan-focused Newton Biocapital launched its second VC fund with €50m in initial capital and a €150m fundraising goal. 

Private Company Edition: Jeito says its new first fund is Europe’s largest life science-focused fund. Illumina will use its venture capital to support tools, diagnostics, therapeutics and more. Also, IASO closed a $108m series C round and Amolyt raised $80m in series C financing.