Clinuvel's Scenesse for the ultra-rare, light-induced disease erythoropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is already approved in Europe and the company is hopeful that a rolling NDA submission could pave the way for a US launch.

The rare disease specialist gained 10 gene therapy programs with the acquisition of Celenex, including two in clinical-stage development for Batten disease, in exchange for $100m up front. President Bradley Campbell talked to Scrip about the process that led to the deal and next steps for development.

Clovis, CEO Patrick Mahaffy and former CFO Erie Mast will pay more than $20m to settle charges by the SEC that the company misled investors on the efficacy of rociletinib. Clovis raised $298m in a public stock offering during the timeframe SEC says it misled investors.

Inflammation and Immunology Chief Scientific Officer Michael Vincent talked to Scrip about the first positive Phase II data testing a JAK inhibitor for hair loss caused by alopecia areata, next steps for development and the broader I&I portfolio.

It remains unclear what impact the consolidation within the drug-distribution sector may have on pricing. Pfizer partners with France’s Cytoo for its new gene therapy approach to DMD, while Gilead teams with Precision BioSciences for its goal to cure HBV.

Respivant will be Roivant's 13th "vant," focused on developing what was Patara Pharma's mast cell stimulator for chronic cough in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Former Patara CEO Bill Gerhart will lead the firm.