Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a mechanism that permits the body to distinguish between its own RNA and RNA from foreign organisms. Errors in the mechanism are thought to be a cause of autoimmune diseases.
Pfizer Inc has signalled its determination to stay ahead in oncology by agreeing to pay Merck KGaA up to $2.85 billion for rights to the German company’s early-stage checkpoint inhibitor and collaborate on up to 20 other immuno-oncology programmes.
AstraZeneca Plc has identified oncology as a key business segment as the company takes steps to restore revenue growth and maintain its independence. By 2020 it expects to bring six new cancer medicines to patients.
2015 is expected to be the year in which gene and cell therapy companies produce enough clinical data to give investors a steer on the commercialistion prospects for the industry as a whole.
The US Food and Drug Administration has granted ‘breakthrough therapy’ status to a gene therapy that is in Phase 3 development for patients with an inherited eye disorder that can lead to blindness. The developer is Spark Therapeutics of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After issuing a complete response letter in late 2013, the Food and Drug Administration has now approved Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. This follows a review of efficacy data from two Phase 3 trials.
Fresh from a European initial public share offering that raised €41.8 million, ArGEN-X NV has advanced development of its lead antibody ARGX-110 for CD70-positive cancers, including plans for a US study in an incurable B-cell lymphoma.
Dendreon Corporation, developer of the first ever FDA-approved cellular immunotherapy, announced on 10 November that it had filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code.
Evotec AG has confirmed its guidance for 2014 according to which it expects to deliver a positive operating cash flow and liquidity in excess of €90 million by 31 December. This takes into account planned investments of €5 to €7 million to upgrade infrastructure.
Histide AG, a Swiss biotech company founded in 2014, has raised CHF 4.5 million (€3.74 million) to develop its extracellular technology for directing cell fate. The funds were provided by Parter Capital Group AG and a number of private investors.