Digital health bucked uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic, reeling in $6.3 billion in funding in the first half of 2020, according to a new report from Mercom Capital Group. The record-setting, global haul was 24% higher than last year’s first-half raise of $5.1 billion.

DUBLIN – Verona Pharma plc raised $200 million in a combined private placement and share subscription, which ensures the London-based firm has the funds in place to proceed with a phase III program for its lead drug candidate, ensifentrine, as maintenance therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s solid evidence that the company’s decision to bring in a new senior management team earlier this year is working. CEO David Zaccardelli and Chief Financial Officer Mark Hahn joined up in February, not long after they had led specialty pharma firm Dova Pharmaceuticals Inc. to a buyout deal with Stockholm-based Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB, worth up to $915 million.

PARIS – Affluent Medical SA recently raised $17.8 million in new financing. This will be used to bring forward the clinical program for its minimally invasive implants, designed to restore physiological function in patients suffering from structural heart disease as well as urinary incontinence.

Robust financial markets continue to fuel the industry despite gloom over the COVID-19 pandemic, with Relay Therapeutics Inc. pricing its upsized, 20 million-share IPO at $20 per unit to reap $400 million.