Sanofi moves into ROR gamma T R&D for potential autoimmune therapies in collaboration with Lead Pharma, while Intrexon acquires Belgium’s ActoGeniX and its platform technology for creating a novel class of biotherapeutics targeting the oral and GI tracts. Teva heads off dispute with Eagle, bringing in new bendamustine formulation.

Disappointing Phase III results have pushed AstraZeneca to end yet another partnership, leaving Rigel in a tough spot as the biotech considers how to move forward now that its largest partner has jumped ship.

Six $1bn+ alliances were penned in October. Topping the list was a potential $3.6bn deal between Poseida Therapeutics and Takeda to utilize Poseida's genetic engineering platforms for the research and development of up to eight gene therapies. The collaboration will focus on non-viral in vivo gene therapy programs, including Poseida's preclinical hemophilia A program P-FVIII-101. Poseida will lead research activities up to candidate selection, after which Takeda will assume responsibility for further exclusive global development and commercialization.