The FDA has cleared the novel interleukin-17 blocker izokibep (ABY-035) to proceed to Phase II clinical development in non-infectious intermediate, posterior and pan-uveitis.

Public Company Edition: The new year started with two companies signaling plans for significant near-term initial public offerings, following Inhibikase’s launch as the last IPO of 2020. Other recent financial highlights include layoffs at Calithera and Regenxbio’s $200m Zolgensma royalty sale.

Fresh from a $20m investment from partner Viatris, Mapi Pharma has announced significant progress in its Phase III trial for a long-acting version of Copaxone, which is to be filed through the FDA’s 505(b)(2) hybrid pathway.

Private Company Edition: The flood of venture capital into health care and life science firms continues with Perceptive closing a $1.1bn credit fund and Sanofi investing $50m in Jeito Capital. Also, Ambrx closed a $200m crossover round as biopharma remains on track for a record funding year.