France has long been a European leader in rare diseases, from its scientific research and academic hospitals, through to patient advocacy and regulatory reforms that have encouraged R&D. Its biotech and pharmaceutical industries are now leading the way, discovering the next generation of therapies for patients that are often overlooked.

Private Company Edition: Scion’s first fund exceeded its initial $250m fundraising goal. Also, The Column Group’s incubator raised a $400m-plus fund and Seroba’s fourth fund reaches $134m, while Neurona raised a $120m financing and Cour closed a $105m series A round.

Public Company Edition: Lexeo raised $100m to advance its genetic medicines. Also, Blue Owl Capital acquired funds managed by Cowen Healthcare Investments, gaining about $1bn in life science assets, BMS priced $4.5bn in notes to fund its Mirati purchase and Viridian raised $185m in a private placement.

Plus deals involving Advanz/Dimerix, Boehringer Ingelheim/Zeiss Medical Technology, Roche/Ionis, Kriya/Everads and updates from the world of technology transfer.