In late June, when Pfizer Inc. unveiled the first phase Ib data, mixed safety signal and all, for its Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy, PF-06939926, investors in Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. as well as Solid Biosciences Inc. watched with particular interest. The latter firm seems none the worse for wear, though, raising $60 million in a private placement.

Nanophotonics pioneer Naomi Halas is one of the most recognized researchers in the field of nanotechnology, best known for her invention of nanoshells, a new type of nanoparticle with tunable optical properties especially suited for biotechnology applications. Now her invention is bearing fruit via a company she and her nanoshell collaborator Jennifer West founded. Nanospectra Biosciences, of Houston, has commenced a pilot human trial of its AuroLase Therapy in refractory and/or recurrent head and neck cancers.