A new UK company, Poolbeg Pharma, has been set up to develop new anti-infectives in an efficient manner, and already has a repositioned MAP kinase inhibitor for the treatment of severe influenza ready for Phase II studies.

A difficult December for Alexion sees a pivotal study of its blockbuster Soliris failing to show any benefit in preventing delayed graft function in kidney transplant patients, an indication for which there are no approved treatments.

With one of the largest VC-funded financings in Europe this year, the German biotech receives sufficient funds to allow it to prepare marketing submissions for its lead renal cancer vaccine.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Elsevier Business Intelligence’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Recent Financings Of Private Companies column provides a comprehensive monthly review of emerging life science companies that have received venture funding, including companies in the In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals sectors.