April 2 Quick Takes: Horizon takes out Curzion; plus Rgenta, Merck, Novartis-Aurobindo, Kite, Teneobio and Seattle Genetics
Horizon gains sclerosis candidate via Curzion deal
Horizon Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ:HZNP) acquired privately held Curzion Pharmaceuticals Inc., giving it LPAR1 antagonist HZN-825 (CZN001). Curzion’s shareholders received $45 million up front and are eligible for milestones of undisclosed size. CZN001 has completed a Phase IIa study in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis; Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NASDAQ:SNY), which had conducted Phase I testing of the therapy, is also eligible for milestones and royalties.
Boehringer, Matrix back Rgenta in $20M seed round
Rgenta Therapeutics announced a $20 million seed round led by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and Matrix Partners China. Also participating were Kaitai Capital and Legend Star Fund. The start-up is developing RNA-targeting small molecules for oncology and CNS disorders...