Private Company Edition: Alexis Borisy and his Curie.Bio co-founders will invest $5m-$7m to help companies get to lead optimization within 12-18 months. Also, Feng Zhang-founded Aera launched with $193m, Hexagon Bio raised a $77.3m series B round and Halda emerged with $76m.

The commission no longer has a voice opposing aggressive antitrust enforcement actions and President Biden's replacement may be more receptive to the stance of the three current Democratic commissioners. Amgen’s proposed acquisition of Horizon is facing FTC scrutiny.

China biotechs appear increasingly interested in partnering with domestic counterparts amid signs the Chinese government's restrictive "COVID Zero" policies are likely to stay until well into 2023.

Pfizer’s acquisition of Arena without FTC intervention and Hikma’s acquisition of Custopharm with one product divestiture shows the commission is bound by anticompetitive facts of a deal. A more controversial merger may not get through, former FTC attorney says.