A possible alternative to Pfizer and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, Providence Therapeutics’ mRNA candidate is seen moving into Phase III trials during the calendar first quarter of next year. While partners Everest Medicines and Biological E have kept the ball rolling, the Canadian biotech will seek further funding, CEO Brad Sorenson tells Scrip in this audio interview.

Also, Atlas Venture and Advent France Biotechnology raise new venture capital funds, Corium secures $235m in debt to commercialize ADHD drug and CBMG leads recent VC financings with $120m series A round.

Deal Snapshot: VectivBio is expanding its existing focus on rare diseases into inherited metabolic disorders, which affect about one in 800 live births and cause significant mortality in infants and young people.

The board members of Vectura, a manufacturer of inhalers and inhaled drugs, have approved a $1.4bn takeover bid by Philip Morris International, the manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes.