• Isotechnika Pharma Inc., of Edmonton, Alberta, and privately held Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Victoria, British Columbia, said they signed a binding term sheet for a merger to create a clinical-stage firm focused on the global nephrology market. Under the terms, Isotechnika will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding securities of Aurinia, a spinout of Swiss company Galenica Group's Vifor Pharma unit, and the deal will result in a 60-40 postmerger ownership, with Isotechnika retaining the larger portion.