NeuroMed Technologies Inc, Vancouver, has bucked the cooling trend in biotechnology financing raised $17 million to take its pain compounds up to the beginning of Phase II clinical trials. Its R&D into neur-onal calcium blockers aims to develop alternative painkillers to morphine and neuroprotective drugs for stroke. The second-round private financing was provided by GrowthWorks Capital, MDS Capital, Royal Bank Capital Partners, Trian Equities, Business Development Bank of Canada, Pictet & Cie, Biofuture Fund, Exella Ventures, Future Fund Capital and several individuals....