Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in the US have reported a new gene mutation linked to Parkinson’s disease and identified in a large Swiss family with the disease. The finding was reported in the American Journal of Human Genetics on 19 July.
A recently created spin-out of GlaxoSmithKline Plc has started a Phase 2 study of a new small-molecule treatment for pain that acts against a sodium channel known as Nav1.7. The company is Convergence Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
A combination therapy of pertuzumab, trastuzumab and docetaxel for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer has met its primary endpoint of progression-free survival in a Phase 3 study, according to the trial’s sponsor, Roche.
Evolva Holding SA has successfully completed a Phase 1 study of a new small molecule compound that is being positioned to treat people with diabetes at risk of vascular or renal complications. The study involved 32 volunteers.
The European Commission has awarded €5.3 million over four years to a consortium led by Ark Therapeutics Group Plc to investigate the possible use of gene and cell therapy, along with stents, in the treatment of coronary heart disease.
Ipsen SA and The Salk Institute for Biological Studies of the US are renewing for another three years, their research collaboration to explore the biology of proliferative and degenerative diseases. Financial details were not disclosed.
Venture-capital backed SuppreMol GmbH has announced the start of a Phase 2a study of a recombinant protein for systemic lupus erythematosus. This follows FDA approval in March of an antibody therapeutic for lupus from GSK, the first new drug for the disease since 1955.
A novel monoclonal antibody that is said to have the potential to neutralise most group 2 influenza A viruses has been described in a paper in the journal Science. The research was conducted by Crucell NV and The Scripps Research Institute of the US.
Sanofi SA has stopped a Phase 3b trial of its antiarrhythmic, Multaq (dronedarone), in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation following a significant increase in cardiovascular events in those receiving the drug.
A study published in Nature Medicine has suggested that inhibiting a receptor called death receptor-6 may represent a novel approach for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The study was undertaken by researchers at Biogen Idec of the US.