Vertex has acquired the full assets to a promising protease-based drug platform from Catalyst, broadening its R&D base once again.

Concert’s deuterated ruxolitinib analog is potentially third in line to market for alopecia areata, behind Lilly’s Olumiant and a Pfizer JAK3 inhibitor, but may be demonstrating a best-in-class profile.

As it prepares to file lebrikizumab for atopic dermatitis, the Spanish group is looking to expand into vitiligo through a collaboration with France’s Inserm Transfert to develop topical therapies for the condition where pale patches develop on the skin caused by the lack of melanin.

Taiho will pay Cullinan Oncology up to $405m for their joint venture and lead candidate for a form of lung cancer. Plus deals involving Zhaoke/Visus, AnGes/Eiger, Juniper/Helsinn, Peak Bio and more.