Prosensa Holding NV of the Netherlands has started a trial of its fourth antisense oligonucleotide drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder that causes a progressive loss of muscle strength in patients.
The US Food and Drug Administration has expanded the indication for Abraxane (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) to treat patients with late-stage pancreatic cancer.
Novartis has expanded its presence in the field of cell therapy with the signing of a research collaboration with Regenerex LLC to investigate applications of the US company’s haematopoietic stem cell-based platform.
ThromboGenics NV is set explore a new target for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases following the signing of an exclusive licensing deal with venture capital-backed Bicycle Therapeutics of the UK. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co Ltd has reached an agreement to acquire Astex Pharmaceuticals Inc, which has an oncology portfolio as well as fragment-based drug discovery technology. The deal is valued at $866 million.
Apitope International BV has issued an update on its immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis which is being developed with Merck Serono. A second Phase 1 trial met its safety and tolerability endpoint and showed a significant decrease in new lesions.
GlaxoSmithKline Plc has announced that its investigational immunotherapy for melanoma that targets the MAGE-A3 antigen, did not meet its first co-primary endpoint in a Phase 3 study of patients with the disease.
AstraZeneca Plc has enrolled the first patient in a Phase 3 development programme for olaparib in patients with ovarian cancer. Olaparib was discontinued in this indication in 2011 but is now being re-started in patients with BRCA-mutated disease.
Acacia Pharma Ltd has raised £15 million in a Series B financing from a group led by Fidelity Biosciences and Novo A/S in order to complete Phase 3 development of one cancer supportive care product, and advance development of two others.
Kymab Ltd has announced a change in top management as it prepares to broaden its commercial strategy to include the development of its proprietary antibody drug portfolio in addition to licensing access to its in vivo antibody technology platform.