Global private companies have started out the year in record fashion, attracting more than $4.4 billion in the first quarter, 10 percent more than the $4 billion generated in the first quarter last year. In fact, it is also the highest amount raised in this period in the past decade. 

Initial data from the highest dose of the phase I/II Alta trial testing Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. and Pfizer Inc.'s SB-525 hemophilia A gene therapy look promising.