News

Aleva Neurotherapeutics raises CHF 4 million

Country
Switzerland

Aleva Neurotherapeutics SA of Switzerland has raised CHF 4 million (€3.3 million) in a Series B financing round to advance development of its implant technology for deep brain stimulation. The round was led by Banexi Ventures Partners.

Interview - ThromboGenics NV

Country
Belgium

Fresh from a private placement that raised €77.8 million, ThromboGenics NV of Belgium is expanding its commercial presence in the US ahead of the expected regulatory approval later this year of its lead product for eye disease, ocriplasmin.

New endodermal progenitor cell line described

Country
United States

Researchers from the US and Canada have reported generating a new type of cell line, endodermal progenitor cells, which they say could be used as a new tool for modeling human disease including diabetes and liver disease.

ATMPs need proactive regulation

Country
United Kingdom

A team of experts in advanced therapies has concluded that developers of cell, gene and tissue-engineered therapies may need more support from the regulatory authorities in translating their discoveries into products for possible commercial use.

CHMP chairman resigns

Country
United Kingdom

Eric Abadie, the chair of the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, has resigned and the agency’s executive director, Guido Rasi, has accepted the resignation with immediate effect, the EMA said.

UCB and Amgen start osteoporosis trial

Country
Belgium

UCB SA of Belgium and Amgen Inc have launched a Phase 3 trial of their jointly developed monoclonal antibody for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The antibody binds to and inhibits sclerostin, a protein secreted by bone cells.

BTG raises revenue forecast

Country
United Kingdom

BTG Plc has raised its revenue forecast for the year ended 31 March, in part due to unexpectedly strong sales of the prostate cancer treatment, Zytiga (abiraterone acetate), which is partnered with Johnson & Johnson.

Noxxon reports new data on oncology compound

Country
Germany

Venture capital-backed Noxxon Pharma AG has reported new preclinical data for one of its oligonucleotide-based drugs that is being investigated for a number of oncology indications. The compound, NOX-A12, is in early clinical development.

Battle for Illumina heats up

Country
Switzerland

The battle for Illumina Inc has heated up following Illumina’s rejection of a revised takeover bid from the Roche group on 2 April 2012, and a statement from Roche criticising the US company’s management.

AstraZeneca to pay $50 million for Amgen assets

Country
United Kingdom

AstraZeneca Plc is to pay $50 million upfront to Amgen Inc in a deal where the two companies will jointly develop and commercialise five monoclonal antibodies from Amgen’s clinical inflammation portfolio. AZ announced the agreement on 2 April.