Genmab A/S has entered into a research collaboration with Seattle Genetics Inc to research and possibly co-develop monoclonal antibody conjugates for solid tumours. Financial details were not disclosed.
Evolva Holding SA reported a 21% increase in revenue in the 2010 first half, largely due to income from projects being carrying out for agencies of the US Department of Defense. The Switzerland-based company works in the area of synthetic biology.
The Pharming Group NV is set to receive $15 million upfront from Santarus Inc as part of a commercialisation deal for North America for Rhucin, its recombinant protein for hereditary angioedema. Pharming is planning an FDA filing soon.
The Zurich-based investment management firm, Nextech Invest Ltd has raised €26 million for its third fund, which invests in companies developing novel oncology products. This brings the total raised for oncology since 1999 to €121 million.
Novartis International AG said that the Russian health authority has approved its oral therapy for the treatment of relapsing, remitting multiple sclerosis, Gilenya (fingolimod). Earlier, Russia approved a competing MS drug from Merck Serono.
Galápagos NV is set to acquire GlaxoSmithKline’s Zagreb, Croatia-based research site as well as provide research and development services to the UK multinational in a three-year fee-for-service contract.
Addex Pharmaceuticals Ltd of Switzerland has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation in the US to help fund a Phase 2 study of its candidate treatment for Parkinson’s disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia, ADX48621.
Regulators meeting in London on 2 and 3 September 2010 agreed that procedures in place to assess the current generation of nanomedicines are adequate. But as nanotechnology advances, adaptations will be necessary.
The Roche Group has launched a review of its staffing levels and other expenses in light of pressure on revenue from healthcare reform in the US and Europe and set-backs in its late-stage drug pipeline. Details will be announced before the end of 2010.
Forbion Capital Partners has raised €190 million for investment in the life sciences in what the managing partner described as conditions that have never been more challenging.