Philadelphia-based Latus Bio Inc., co-founded by serial biotech entrepreneurs P. Peter Ghoroghchian and Beverly Davidson, launched on May 2 with two lead adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy candidates and $54 million in a series A financing.

Dynamic Therapeutics Ltd. is looking to commercialize its U-Rhythm technology which it hopes will transform the way hormones are measured. U-Rhythm, a portable device which collects biochemical samples from the patient throughout the day, will significantly change the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, Stafford Lightman, co-founder of Dynamic Therapeutics told BioWorld.

Latus Bio Inc. has launched with a focus on developing novel gene therapy candidates for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. An initial close of $54 million in series A financing will support the company.

Despite a couple of med-tech deals transacted this year and more liquidity in the market, early-stage medical device companies in Europe continue to struggle to raise funds. To attract interest from Venture Capital (VC) funds, these companies must ensure they have a disruptive technology, be willing to change their story, and do the math to ensure that VC firms who back them can get an adequate return, investors advised at the recent LSX World Congress in London.

“A white space opportunity.” That’s how Enlaza Therapeutics Inc. co-founder and CEO Sergio Duron described to BioWorld the company’s efforts to develop the first covalent biologics, an endeavor that has gained the backing of an impressive group of investors in a recently closed $100 million series A round.