Scientists working for Addex Pharmaceuticals Ltd of Switzerland have reported discovering an apparently novel interaction between two members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family which may have implications for the treatment of diabetes.
Galapagos NV has become the latest company to report positive clinical data for an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor in rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that is estimated to affect about 1% of the world’s population. Current treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; methotrexate, and biologic medicines.
The US government is to co-fund a four-year vaccine research project that involves technology from three European companies including that from CureVac GmbH which has developed a technology for messenger RNA vaccines.
Sanofi SA has reported further positive data for the candidate multiple sclerosis treatment, alemtuzumab, this time from a Phase 3 trial in patients with relapsing-remitting MS who had relapsed while on therapy. The comparator was Rebif.
Using new screening technology, UK researchers have been able to describe how the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, invades human red blood cells. The finding was published online in Nature on 9 November 2011.
The first of four Phase 3 trials which are investigating a new compound as an adjunct therapy to antidepressants has failed to meet its primary endpoint, according to AstraZeneca Plc and Targacept Inc, the sponsors.
Evolva Holding SA said it has received regulatory clearance to start a Phase 2a study in Germany of a compound to treat the complications of diabetes. The compound, EV-077, is thought to have potential as a treatment for vascular events in diabetics.
CureVac GmbH has reported data from an early clinical trial of a second cancer vaccine that is based on messenger RNA (mRNA). The study showed that 65% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer responded to at least one of five antigens.
Transgene SA of France and Jennerex Inc of the US have announced the start of a Phase 2b study of a vaccine for patients with advanced liver cancer who have failed prior treatment with sorafenib, the only approved drug for the disease.
Transgene SA said it expects to start recruiting patients in December for a Phase 2b study of its cancer vaccine, TG4010, in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This follows regulatory approvals in the UK and France with further approvals expected soon.