Phase 3 lung cancer study halted early
An experimental lung cancer drug that was strategically important to both Novartis and Antisoma Plc has run into what looks to be an insurmountable obstacle.
News
Neuropharm explores voluntary liquidation
Neuropharm Group Plc, whose investigational treatment for autism failed to show efficacy at Phase 3, is exploring a voluntary liquidation and a return of cash to shareholders. The UK company is listed on AIM.
MediGene finance director quits over policy differences
Thomas Klaue, chief financial officer of MediGene AG since 2007, is leaving the company following differences with other members of the management team over strategy.
Evotec stays on course for achieving profitability in 2012
Evotec AG is on course to achieve profitability in 2012, according to a company statement released in connection with its 2009 results.
New boost for iPS cell technology
A team of researchers from North America has shown that it is possible to reverse the process of aging in certain induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), potentially increasing their usefulness as future therapies for age-related degenerative disease.
AstraZeneca to collaborate with UPenn on Alzheimer’s disease
AstraZeneca Plc has concluded a collaborative research agreement with the University of Pennsylvania in the US to generate new drug candidates for Alzheimer’s disease. Financial details were not disclosed.
New treatment option for Tarceva in Europe
The European Medicines Agency is recommending that the cancer drug, Tarceva (erlotinib), be approved for maintenance treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. This represents a new treatment option.
Initial public offering for French company with novel arthritis therapy
Neovacs SA, a privately-held company with a novel therapy for treating arthritis and several other diseases, is making an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares on the NYSE-Euronext in Paris.
UK cancer charity in deal with Cephalon Inc
Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the technology transfer arm of the charity, Cancer Research UK, has reached an agreement with Cephalon Inc of the US to develop new small molecule drugs targeting members of the protein kinase C family.
TiGenix commercialises cell therapy
TiGenix NV of Belgium has moved quickly to commercialise its cell therapy for knee injuries, five months after getting marketing approval in Europe. The product is the first cell therapy to be approved under new EU legislation for advanced therapies.