Novartis reported a modest increase in sales and earnings in the second quarter as it continued to work on the divestment of two of its businesses, create a joint venture for a third, and expand its presence in oncology.
A Phase 3 trial of a combination therapy for metastatic melanoma has been stopped early because an interim analysis showed an overall survival benefit for the treatment group compared with the control, according to the developer GlaxoSmithKline Plc.
Scientists at Heptares Therapeutics Ltd of the UK have described for the first time the structure of a domain of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) complex – membrane proteins that are involved in a broad range of biological processes and diseases. The findings were published online in Nature.
A vaccine designed to protect children in poorer nations against infection from the Dengue virus has been shown to be effective in a Phase 3 trial which was carried out over two years in five countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pharming Group NV of the Netherlands has received approval to market its drug for hereditary angioedema (HAE), Ruconest, in the US following approval by Food and Drug Administration. The approval comes nearly four years after the drug was authorised for marketing in Europe.
Immunocore Ltd of Oxford, UK has secured another partnership with a major pharmaceutical company relating to the exploitation of its recombinant T cell receptor technology platform – this time with Eli Lilly and Company.
Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH has received €22 million from its venture capital investors – the final tranche in a Series D round that will enable it to complete a Phase 3 trial of a cancer vaccine for renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.
A Phase 3 trial of a new combination therapy for advanced melanoma has reached its primary endpoint of progression-free survival, the Roche Group announced. The trial was investigating Zelboraf and the experimental drug cobimetinib versus Zelboraf alone.
The Board of Shire Plc has responded favourably to a revised takeover proposal from AbbVie Inc which values Shire at £53.20 per share, up from £51.15 per share earlier. The board is in detailed discussions with the US company about other terms of the proposed deal.
Salix Pharmaceuticals Inc is the latest company to take advantage of low corporate tax rates in Ireland through its planned merger with the Irish subsidiary of Cosmo Pharmaceuticals SpA of Italy. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter.