Researchers at the University of Heidelberg have discovered that the Ebola virus needs cholesterol to create its cytotoxic effect. Using lipid-lowering agents, including a statin, the researchers were able to reduce the amount of cholesterol in cell cultures in an experiment and suppress the virus’ damage.
Merck & Co Inc has announced plans to collaborate with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas to investigate combinations of its checkpoint antibody Keytruda (pembrolizumab) with other agents as possible treatments for three solid tumours.
A Phase 2 study of venetoclax, a new drug for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), has shown a clinically meaningful reduction in cancer cells in patients with a specific genetic mutation known as the 17p deletion. The patients all had refractory CLL.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in Germany have identified a regulatory mechanism that could be a factor in the development of high blood pressure, a primary risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases.
Evotec AG increased its revenue by 37% to €55 million in the first half year, helped by favourable exchange rates, milestone payments and fees from pharmaceutical partners for whom it provides services. For the year as a whole, the company expects revenue to grow by 35%.
Merus BV of the Netherlands has secured another legal victory over Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc in a battle over intellectual property rights to transgenic mouse technology for the production of therapeutic antibodies.
Kiadis Pharma of the Netherlands has raised an additional €2 million from its initial public offering (IPO) of shares on the Euronext stock exchange in Amsterdam and Brussels following the partial exercise of an over-allotment option.
The Wellcome Trust has awarded $3.84 million to Karuna Pharmaceuticals Inc to further develop a novel treatment for schizophrenia that combines the experimental compound xanomeline with an approved medicine called trospium chloride.
Oxford Biotrans Ltd, a spin-out of the University of Oxford, has received £2.5 million in a Series A funding round to commercialise an enzyme technology that has application to soft drinks and confectionary as well as to pharmaceuticals.
France-based TxCell SA has raised €8 million in a private share placement to support development of its two lead cell therapy products, the first of which is in a Phase 2b study in patients with refractory Crohn’s disease. The funds will also support general R&D and manufacturing activities.