Etherna Immunotherapies NV has raised €39 million (US$39 million) in new financing as it pivots to an mRNA-platform strategy. It has added a couple of heavy hitters to its board and its roster of investors, indicating that the move has already gained traction in the marketplace.

Epigenic Therapeutics Co. Ltd., a company developing epigenomic-focused gene therapies in multiple indications, has raised $20 million across angel and pre-series A rounds to support preclinical studies, early stage research, and growth for its team.

Western Australia’s private investment group Tattarang has launched a new AU$250 million (US$173.6 million) investment fund called Tenmile that will invest in early stage Australian biotech and med-tech companies. One of Australia’s largest private investment groups, Tattarang is owned by the Forrest family and has five business divisions made up of real estate, agriculture, energy, mining and hospitality.

Orna Therapeutics Inc., which is pioneering a novel circular RNA protein expression technology in several therapeutic areas, has achieved lift-off. The Cambridge, Mass.-based company has closed a broadly based alliance in infectious disease and oncology with Merck & Co. Inc., under which it is getting $150 million up front and up to $3.5 billion in development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. In addition, Merck, of Rahway, N.J., is investing another $100 million in Orna’s equity, as part of its $221 million series B round, which the company also disclosed on Aug. 16.

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. announced a AU$66 million (US$46.39 million) capital raise to fund its phase III pivotal trial for injectable Zilosul (pentosan polysulfate) to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.