Two Phase 3 studies of an ultra-long-acting insulin, degludec, and developed by Novo Nordisk A/S, have been published in the 21 April edition of The Lancet. The data were originally disclosed at two scientific conferences in 2011.
SkyePharma Plc has confirmed receipt of a previously forecasted milestone payment amounting to $10 million in connection with the launch of a new anaesthetic in the US. The payment has been made by Pacira Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Human Genome Sciences Inc has rejected as inadequate an unsolicited takeover bid from GlaxoSmithKline Plc that is priced at $13 per share in cash. The offer values the company at approximately $2.59 billion, according to the Associated Press.
Sanofi SA has entered into a collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to conduct a clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of a Sanofi phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The Roche Group has decided not to extend the deadline of 20 April 2012 on its offer for Illumina Inc of $51.00 per share.
Research published in the Lancet Oncology suggests that the use of high intensity focused ultrasound may be an alternative to surgery or radiotherapy to treat men with prostate cancer, with fewer side effects. The study involved 42 patients.
Merck & Co Inc is to pay Endocyte Inc $120 million upfront and up to $880 million in performance-based milestones for rights to a candidate compound for ovarian cancer, vintafolide. The compound is being tested with a companion diagnostic.
Oxford BioMedica Plc said that its gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease, ProSavin, met is primary endpoint in a Phase 1/2 study which evaluated the safety of the medicine in three ascending doses. Fifteen patients participated in the trial.
UCB SA said that a Phase 3 study of its antibody, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), in the new indication of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) reached its primary endpoint. Cimzia is a peglated, anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) compound.
The Roche group said sales of its pharmaceutical products should accelerate in 2012 giving a rate of growth in the low to mid-single-digits. This follows a first quarter in which group and pharmaceutical sales rose by 2% in constant currencies.