Sana Biotechnology has closed its first round at more than $700m after investors including GV swung behind its vision to commercialise cell therapies.

The kidney care services provider has now collected more than $105m to date, Optum Ventures co-leading a round also featuring Blue Venture Fund.

Gilead Sciences will invest $275m for a 49.9% stake in the UofT and UCSF-linked company as part of a $1.47bn deal to potentially purchase Pionyr outright.

Existing backer Bristol Myers Squibb returned to commit to healthcare venture firm BioGeneration Ventures' oversubscribed BGV IV vehicle.

Chiesi chipped in as the drug discovery platform developer closed a series B round that will fund its expansion into the agrochemical industry.

Sana Biotechnology has closed its first round with more than $700m after investors including GV swung behind its vision to commercialise cell therapies.

Repare Therapeutics, which is commericalising precision cancer drugs based on research at UofT and NYU, added $33m to its IPO after its shares rose 65% post-offering.

Forma Therapeutics, whose investors include Eli Lilly and Novartis, has closed its IPO after seeing its shares double in price.

The home care provider has closed a round led by Optum Ventures and backed by Humana and Echo Health Ventures at approximately $136m.

Celgene Switzerland and BMS-backed precision cancer drug developer Repare Therapeutics added $33m to its IPO after its shares rose 65% post-offering.