If not for the coronavirus and a highly contested U.S. presidential election, 2020 might just be the year of the biopharma financing. With 1,320 transactions tallied and the amount raised hitting $115.77 billion, the year represents the highest volume and value for the industry to date.

HONG KONG – Pangyo, South Korea-based SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has agreed to collaborate with New York-based Lifesci Venture Partners to invest in private health care companies developing novel therapies and innovative technologies.

When entrepreneurs and emerging businesses raise seed capital for a new business or generate funding for business growth, they often turn to the exempt offering framework under the Securities Act. However, when doing so, they are faced with a confusing and complex system that must be navigated. To simplify the process, the SEC has announced that it is amending its rules that govern offering exemptions, which small and medium-sized business rely on to raise capital.

The dramatic increase in COVID-19 infections in Europe and the U.S., combined with information overload surrounding the lead up to the Nov. 3 contentious U.S. presidential election, was more than enough to send investors to the sidelines in October.

LONDON – Former CEO of Novartis AG Joe Jimenez is emerging back into the limelight as founder and managing director of Aditum Bio, a new $135 million venture capital fund set up to create five to six companies to take forward early stage compounds in-licensed from pharma.