Immune Regulation Ltd., a U.S.-U.K. venture advancing peptide-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and allergic diseases, has closed a £40.6 million (US$53.4 million) series B financing that will support its preparation for multiple phase II studies next year, as well as an evaluation of one candidate in COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Morningside Ventures led the round, along with existing shareholders, including London-based 24Haymarket.

Upsized IPOs for high-profile psychedelics venture Compass Pathways plc and the neurodegenerative specialist Athira Pharma Inc. debuted on Nasdaq on Sept. 18, climbing fast alongside a forward-looking follow-on offering from cytokine storm fighter Humanigen Inc. Compass (NASDAQ:CMPS) raised $127.5 million, while Athira (NASDAQ:ATHA) brought in $204 million. Humanigen (NASDAQ:HGEN) raised $68 million.

LONDON – Lava Therapeutics BV has raised $83 million in a series C round, enabling it to begin clinical trials of its bispecific gamma-delta T-cell engager technology, in both a hematologic and a solid tumor indication in 2021.

DUBLIN – Finch Therapeutics Inc. closed a $90 million series D round to take its oral microbiome therapy, CP-101, into late-stage clinical development and registration in chronic Clostridioides difficile infection and to move two additional programs, for chronic hepatitis B virus infection and autistic spectrum disorder, into the clinic.