Roche has announced a 4% rise in sales in 2012 based on the strong performance of its oncology portfolio which featured the launch of Perjeta (pertuzumab), a new drug for breast cancer. The company expects to maintain this sales momentum in 2013.
Ark Therapeutics Group Plc has appointed WG Partners LLP to explore a number of strategic options including the possible sale of the company. This follows the company’s failure to raise additional funding for the business.
4-Antibody AG of Switzerland and its research partner, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, have entered into a collaboration with Recepta Biopharma SA of Brazil to develop three antibody products for cancer.
The management of large pharmaceutical companies often struggle in deciding which products to bring forward into the expensive final stage of development. However, two venture capital companies have developed a way of ‘underwriting’ so that pharma can have more choices.
Bone Therapeutics SA of Belgium has raised €7.7 million from existing private and institutional investors and the Walloon regional government to advance the clinical development of its lead cell therapy product for bone disease.
Scientists at the Scripps Clinic in California have started research on an autologous stem-cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease intended to help patients produce sufficient amounts of dopamine to alleviate the worst symptoms of the disorder.
Developers of stem cell and gene therapies and tissue engineered products have until 31 March to give their views on the effectiveness of EU legislation that defines the regulatory framework for these products, known as advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
In a bid to speed up the translation of medical ideas into new products, six technology transfer organisations from Europe and North America have formed an alliance to share best practice and collaborate on drug discovery and development.
Researchers from International Business Machines Corp (IBM) have developed a new antimicrobial hydrogel which, the company says, could be used to treat antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Novartis expects flat sales in 2013 – a period during which the company will also experience a change in leadership. Chairman Daniel Vasella has decided to stand down and will be replaced by Jörg Reinhardt, currently chairman of Bayer HealthCare AG.