Fierce Biotech

1. JPM: Biotech, VC execs on where the industry should look beyond cancer

   SAN FRANCISCO—Oncology is clearly a major medical and societal issue: a major killer that, while predominately affecting the older population, can strike the young through a mixture of environmental factors or a genetic lottery. It’s no wonder we struggle to even call it by its name, preferring just the "big C."

2. Durect's painkiller gets evenly split decision from expert panel

   A FDA advisory committee has issued an evenly split decision on Durect’s extended-release formulation of bupivacaine. Durect’s share price fell 12% after half of the panel of painkiller experts recommended against approving Posimir on the basis of the available evidence.

3. After closing one of China's biggest-ever raises, I-Mab Biopharma nabs $104M Nasdaq IPO

   China-based cancer and autoimmune disease biotech I-Mab Biopharma has raised $104 million on the U.S. Nasdaq composite.

4. Frazier closes $617M life sciences fund, creating scope for bigger bets

   Frazier Healthcare Partners has closed a $617 million life sciences fund, setting it up to place another set of bets spanning from company creation through public investments. Two-thirds of Frazier Life Sciences X will go into seed and series A rounds. 

5. Pfizer teams up with Insilico to mine data for drug targets

   Pfizer has entered into a research collaboration with Insilico Medicine. The partners will use Insilico’s technology to identify real-world evidence for drug targets in multiple therapeutic areas.