The $68m raised by Createrna in a series A round was the biggest biotech financing deal backed by venture capital firms in China in September. Two other noteworthy fundings in the country involved cell therapy specialist Qihan Biotech and therapeutic cancer vaccine maker Neoantigen Therapeutics.

Private Company Edition: Alexis Borisy and his Curie.Bio co-founders will invest $5m-$7m to help companies get to lead optimization within 12-18 months. Also, Feng Zhang-founded Aera launched with $193m, Hexagon Bio raised a $77.3m series B round and Halda emerged with $76m.

The commission no longer has a voice opposing aggressive antitrust enforcement actions and President Biden's replacement may be more receptive to the stance of the three current Democratic commissioners. Amgen’s proposed acquisition of Horizon is facing FTC scrutiny.

China biotechs appear increasingly interested in partnering with domestic counterparts amid signs the Chinese government's restrictive "COVID Zero" policies are likely to stay until well into 2023.