News

Evotec sees continued revenue growth

Country
Germany

Evotec AG expects revenue to increase again this year after achieving a 9% rate of growth in 2012 and the execution of both new alliances and contract extensions. Revenue amounted to €87.3 million for the year of which milestones were €12.3 million.

EMA investigates diabetes drugs

Country
United Kingdom

The European Medicines Agency has announced an investigation into academic findings that suggest an increased risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic duct metaplasia in patients with Type 2 diabetes who take GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors.

Shire to acquire SARcode Bioscience Inc

Country
United States

Shire Plc has bolstered its portfolio for the second time in two weeks with plans to acquire SARcode Bioscience Inc of the US which has a late-stage product for treating the symptoms of dry eye disease. The deal includes an upfront payment of $160 million.

Complete response letter for GSK vaccine

Country
United Kingdom

GlaxoSmithKline Plc has had its application for a new influenza treatment turned back by the US Food and Drug Administration owing to an administrative matter. Announcing receipt of a ‘complete response letter,’ GSK said the matter has recently been resolved.

£25 million for new UK healthcare company

Country
United Kingdom

A new UK company, Infirst Healthcare, that is developing new versions of existing cough, cold and pain medicines has raised £25 million from Invesco Asset Management Ltd to launch its first product in Europe and to complete development of a second.

Newron achieves a turnaround

Country
Italy

Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA, an Italian specialist in diseases of the central nervous system, has achieved a remarkable turnaround with its Swiss-listed shares more than trebling in value in 2012

AZ to consolidate R&D

Country
United Kingdom

In the first big policy change since the appointment of a new chief executive, AstraZeneca Plc has announced plans to concentrate its research and development activities at just three sites in the UK, the US and Sweden.

Who is ahead, Pharma or venture capital?

Country
Spain

Are venture capitalists getting better terms from their portfolio sales to Big Pharma or is it the other way around? In a lively discussion about the state of the biotech industry, panelists from the world of venture capital and industry said the relationship between the two parties can be prickly at times. But both sides need one another. The discussion took place at the annual Bio-Spring meeting in Barcelona Spain on 11 March 2013.

Zealand Pharma announces departure of CSO

Country
Denmark

Zealand Pharma A/S of Denmark has announced the departure of its chief scientific officer, Christian Grøndahl, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests. Dr Grøndahl joined the company in 2010 and was appointed CSO on 3 January 2011.