Two potential COVID-19 vaccine trials from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are set to resume in the US following temporary pauses due to safety concerns. Data from both could come later this year.

After buying BlueRock Therapeutics outright last year, the Leverkusen-headquartered group has put down $2bn up front to acquire another cell and gene therapy specialist in Asklepios BioPharmaceutical.

Public Company Edition: Four health care special purpose acquisition vehicles went public and two others announced mergers, but only one biopharma firm priced an IPO during the week of 19-23 October. Replimune’s $250m offering led recent FOPOs.

The rare disease-focused firm will pay $90m up front to acquire Orphan Technologies and its Phase I/II enzyme replacement therapy for homocystinuria. Earnouts up to $427m are possible as well.