Instead of opening up a clinic to perform transfusions of young blood, Alkahest researchers aim to develop drugs for age-related diseases which are inspired by their work with plasma.

Meanwhile, Novartis’s crosstown rival Roche Holding AG has enlisted privately held SQZ for up to $1 billion in milestone payments. SQZ created a device that constricts cells to the point where small holes are formed in their outer membranes, allowing genetic material to pass through. The powered-up cells are then able to recognize antigens on a cancer cell, prompting an immune response.

Vaccine maker Valneva has some experience pumping up a Big Pharma also-ran, and now it’s looking for more.

The company, which is working on drugs based on antisense oligonucleotides to treat genetic conditions, announced a reverse merger with Ohr Pharmaceutical on Jan. 3, which would allow its stock to trade publicly.

Dietrich Stephan, one of the pioneers in the field of precision medicine, was in process of raising venture funds for his gene-silencing company NeuBase Therapeutics when he was introduced to the team at the struggling eye drug developer Ohr Pharmaceutical $OHRP.

Leslie Williams, CEO of ImmusanT, discusses the company’s research for developing a disease-modifying therapeutic for patients with celiac disease.

Check-Cap received CE mark for its C-Scan Capsule in January of this year, now the Isfiya, Israel-based company is setting its sights on the U.S. market.