Metabasis Therapeutics Inc. signed a $203 million research collaboration with F. Hoffmann La-Roche Ltd., resulting in some much-needed validation for its HepDirect liver-targeting technology as well as a boost to its stock price and cash balance. (BioWorld Today)

Dynavax Technologies Corp. and partner Merck & Co. Inc. said their Phase III trial of hepatitis B vaccine Heplisav met its primary endpoint of inducing a noninferior antibody response compared to GlaxoSmithKline plc's marketed hepatitis B vaccine, Engerix-B. (BioWorld Today)

As part of an ongoing effort to streamline and focus its operations, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International sold its Western and Eastern European businesses to specialty pharma company Meda AB for $392 million in cash. (BioWorld Today)