Open Innovation and global partnering are becoming one of the most frequent themes of bio conferences in South Korea and elsewhere. Scrip talked to global experts at the recent Bio Korea 2018 meeting about their views on the current climate and trends for open innovation in Asia, as well as some challenges and benefits in pursuing open innovation approaches with Asian companies.

Emerging Company Profile: Where other microbiome-focused firms seek to add bacteria to the patient's gut, Israel's BiomX thinks it can treat IBD and other conditions with phage therapies that subtract harmful microbiota.

Events are moving fast in the microbiome field. The sector is expecting results from numerous initial clinical studies during 2018, from across a spectrum of approaches and mechanisms of action, which could lead to new rounds of financings and M&A activity.