With a just-completed $100 million common stock financing, Flame Biosciences Inc. plans to target the inflammasome, a protein complex that sets off innate immune responses by activating the cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18.

DUBLIN – Roche Holding AG is taking a second shot on the NLRP3 inflammasome by acquiring Dublin-based Inflazome Ltd. for €380 million (US$447.8 million) up front plus undisclosed milestones linked to the progress of its two clinical-stage candidates inzomelid and somalix. In terms of cash on the table, the deal is the largest yet for a portfolio of drug candidates that acts on the NLRP3 inflammasome, and it represents a profitable exit for Inflazome’s investors, who put €55 million into the company over two funding rounds, in 2016 and in 2018.

Amytrx Therapeutics Inc., of Nashville, Tenn., founded in 2014 but coming out of stealth now, is developing a therapeutic for treating multiple inflammatory, autoimmune and metabolic diseases.