With no approved therapies globally for Stargardt's, competition in the indication is increasing in Japan, where Kubota Vision is seeking for conditional approval for emixustat, while Belite Bio’s contender tinlarebant has received Sakigake designation as a local Phase III program continues.

Astellas set to acquire private US firm to add to its strategic capabilities in ophthalmology focus area, along with another revenue pillar as it prepares for Xtandi expiry. 

The year to date has been a depressing period for initial public offerings, especially in Europe, but the Madrid-based epigenetics specialist is evaluating whether to head west and list in the US.

Venture capital funding for biotechs remains aplenty even as listed companies’ stock prices drop. Biogen’s Papadopoulos, Fidelity’s Kaul and Gurnet’s and ex-Sanofi Viehbacher deliberate on whether there is a valuation disconnect and if this is the next "tulip mania."