Kite Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative targeted immunotherapies for cancer, has closed a $20 million private placement of shares of its Series A Preferred Stock. Joined by a new investor, Alta Partners, all existing major investors participated in the financing.

Kiadis Pharma, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for blood cancers, has raised 10 million euros ($12.8 million) in an equity financing round. The round was led by Life Sciences Partners and supported by a large investment from DFJ-Esprit. Other investors included Alta Partners, Quest for Growth and NOM.

While tech trends fluctuate wildly, one survey notes life science VCs have quietly racked up impressive returns.

San Francisco-based Sutro Biopharma has closed a $16.5 million second tranche of its Series C financing. The financing was led by Skyline Ventures and included participation of Lilly Ventures, Amgen Ventures, SV Life Sciences and Alta Partners. Sutro has raised almost $60 million since its founding in 2003. PRESS RELEASE Sutro Biopharma today announced the [...]

Protein therapeutics company aTyr Pharma has appointed R. Alan Ezekowitz to aTyr’s Therapeutic advisory board. Physician scientist Dr. Ezekowitz has led various research and development programs at Merck. The privately-held biotech company was founded by The Scripps Research Institute Professor Paul Schimmel and is backed by life sciences investors Alta Partners, Cardinal Partners, Domain Associates [...]

Pfizer Inc. is buying Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Excaliard develops drugs for the treatment of skin fibrosis. Excaliard Pharmaceuticals previously raised venture financing from Alta Partners, ProQuest Investments and RiverVest Venture Partners.

Brisbane, Calif.-based SARcode Bioscience has closed on $44 million in Series B financing, led by Sofinnova Ventures. Rho Ventures also participated, as did existing investors Alta Partners and Clarus Venture Partners. The money will go toward clinical development of the company’s treatment for dry eye syndrome.

Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company focused on medical innovations in ophthalmology, has closed $30 million in Series B financing. Clarus Ventures and Sofinnova Ventures co-led the round, with participation from Osage University Partners and existing investors Alta Partners and TPG Biotech. Aerie Pharmaceuticals has offices in Research Triangle Park, N.C. and in Bridgewater, N.J.

Daiichi Sankyo has agreed to buy Plexxikon for $805 million, providing an exit for venture investors including Belgian firm GIMV. Future milestone payments could total an additional $130 million, the company said. Plexxikon develops novel small molecule pharmaceuticals to treat human disease. Gimv first invested in Plexxikon during a series B financing in 2002. The company is also backed by Alta Partners, ATV, Walden International, Pappas Ventures and CW Ventures.

Publicly traded Gilead Sciences Inc. will pay $375 million to acquire venture-backed Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, a company developing treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases. Calistoga could net up an additional $225 million in milestone-based earn-outs. Seattle-based Calistoga has raised more than $90 million from venture investors including Alta Partners, Amgen Ventures, Frazier Healthcare and Three Arch Partners and Latterell Venture Partners.