VC deals totaled $8.3bn in the first half of 2019, but the year's total rose to just $11.5bn at the end of September, reflecting only a $3.2bn third quarter gain. Among recent financings, Cygnal emerged from stealth mode with $65m invested to date.

Incorporating data from two studies that raised safety and efficacy concerns would give a false sense of security about the drug’s use in pediatric patients, the panel majority said, while dissenters said some pediatric data in labeling is better than no information at all.

Endo seeks to add findings from two open-label pediatric studies to labeling for its immediate-release opioid analgesic but is not seeking a pediatric use indication; advisory committee also will consider whether something more than routine pediatric safety monitoring is needed for Purdue’s OxyContin, which added a pediatric indication in 2015.

Labeled by plaintiffs as a 'front group' for opioid makers, the organization was pulled into the multidistrict litigation in Ohio and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June. It ceased operations in July.