Plus, news about Enveric, Aries Science, LENZ, MediWound and Destiny Pharma:
Evofem acquires antimicrobial: The contraceptive maker is buying Lupin’s US commercial women’s health specialty business for up to $84 million in a deal that includes the antimicrobial Solosec for two common sexual health infections. Evofem scrapped plans in 2022 to bring its non-hormonal birth control Phexxi to market for two different STIs after it failed a Phase 3 trial. — Nicole DeFeudis
Enveric, Aries Science announce licensing deal: Enveric is giving a license to Aries for a topical product designed to treat radiation dermatitis, which can be a side effect for people undergoing radiation therapy. No information about an upfront payment was disclosed, but Enveric said it could receive milestones of up to $61 million, as well as royalties. — Max Gelman
AusperBio raises $37M Series A: The round was led by InnoPinnacle Fund, and the startup plans to put the money toward its lead candidate in chronic hepatitis B. AHB-137 is an antisense oligonucleotide currently undergoing a Phase 1b trial in multiple countries and a Phase 2 study in China. — Max Gelman
LENZ Therapeutics gets $30M PIPE: The investment came from Ridgeback Capital and will be used to get its LNZ100 program, designed to treat the eye condition presbyopia, ready for a potential launch. LENZ has said it plans to file a new drug application in mid-2024. — Max Gelman
MediWound raises $25M in private placement: The Israeli drugmaker is selling about 1.5 million shares at $17.20 apiece. The proceeds will be used to support “pre-commercial activities” for MediWound’s debridement therapy EscharEx, including the development of “large-scale manufacturing capabilities.” — Ayisha Sharma
Destiny Pharma delists from London exchange: The Brighton, UK-based biotech left the AIM exchange after listing in 2017. Destiny ended 2023 with just £6.4 million ($8.3 million) in cash and equivalents, and it has struggled to find a partner to support its XF-73 nasal gel program for the prevention of post-surgical infections. — Ayisha Sharma