Roche has told a scientific meeting in San Diego that its candidate antibody for patients with severe uncontrolled asthma and high levels of periostin has shown promising results in two Phase 2b studies. The antibody, lebrikizumab, targets IL-13.
Merck & Co Inc said told a scientific meeting in San Diego that its candidate immunotherapy for house dust mite allergy showed a significant dose-and time-dependent reduction in a nasal symptom score. The therapy is called MK-8237.
Genmab A/S said that its partner, Janssen Biotech Inc, is set to begin a Phase 3 study of its monoclonal antibody targeting CD38 in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Daratumumab has received ‘breakthrough therapy’ designation from the FDA.
Advanced Accelerator Applications SA, a French manufacturer of nuclear medicine products, is set to acquire Imaging Equipment Ltd, a privately-held UK distributor of nuclear medicine supplies, including products made by AAA.
Roche has announced that the data monitoring committee overseeing its Phase 3 study of onartuzumab for patients with MET-positive non-small lung cancer has recommended that the study be stopped due to a lack of “clinically meaningful efficacy.”
Transgene SA, a French company specialising in oncolytic virus therapies, plans to raise €45.5 million with a partially underwritten equity offering on the Euronext Paris stock exchange. The company is offering 4,553,551 new ordinary shares at €10 per share.
Ablynx NV recorded significant gains in 2013 in both financial and drug development spheres. Cash income from its collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies increased fourfold to €157.6 million from €36.5 million a year earlier while the net loss for the period narrowed to €19.5 million.
Ipsen SA reported little change in revenue for 2013 at €1.28 billion but within that figure pharmaceutical sales rose by 2.1% to €1.19 billion at constant exchange rates.
MorphoSys AG reported a 50% increase in revenue in 2013, mainly the result of antibody licensing deals with GlaxoSmithKline Plc and Celgene Corp and the sale of its service business AbD Serotec.
Actelion Ltd’s investigational antibiotic for the treatment of Clostridium difficule-associated diarrhoea has been singled out for a ‘fast track’ designation by the US Food and Drug Administration because of its potential to improve public health.