A norovirus vaccine breakthrough? 

Norovirus has long evaded effective drug development, partly due to the compact structure of its genome. Now, researchers at Yale University may have discovered a way to untangle the virus’ RNA. 

In the study, scientists disrupted parts of the virus’ folded RNA structure, causing them to “unzip.”  The research was effective in mouse models and could have broader implications for other RNA viruses like influenza, the scientists reported. 

They’re not the only researchers looking to outwit norovirus. This week, we featured a conversation with the new CEO of Cocrystal Pharma on the biotech’s antiviral norovirus candidate and why it might succeed as a treatment where vaccines have traditionally failed in prevention. 

Evvy pulls in $40 million for its healthtech platform for women

Innovative approaches to tackling women’s health are still stoking excitement among some investors. 

Evvy, a company that developed a vaginal microbiome test, just pulled in $40 million as part of a series B fundraising haul. Evvy said 100,000 patients have used its platform, which can diagnose fertility issues while offering personalized treatments and biomarker tracking. The funding will help Evvy validate new AI-powered diagnostic and care models.

As more companies try to unravel women’s health issues, boosting female participation in drug trials remains a critical piece of the puzzle — an ongoing issue we looked at this week. 

Sling’s fundraising fling

Sling Therapeutics’ $123 million financing announced Wednesday came with a clear next step: a phase 3 trial.

The biotech raised the money to advance its experimental pill for thyroid eye disease and announced that the first patients have been dosed in its confirmatory study. Sling is banking on the competitive advantage of an oral treatment over the disease’s approved injectable therapies.

That’s a venture financing tale. But it puts a familiar question in focus for companies approaching the public markets: What will the next round of money accomplish?

For the eight biotech IPO prospects we examined this week, the answers vary. Some are seeking funding for pivotal trials. Others still need more capital to complete future studies. Their clinical evidence, financing needs and readiness for public ownership make for very different investment propositions.