News

Scientists report regeneration of eye tissue

Country
United States

Researchers from the Schepens Eye Research Institute in the US have reported regenerating retinal tissue in mice using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from mouse skin. The institute is an affiliate of the Harvard Medical School.

Roche makes submissions for personalised medicine

Country
Switzerland

The Roche group has made regulatory submissions in the US and Europe for vemurafenib, a new drug to treat metastatic melanoma, together with a diagnostic test that would identify people with tumours carrying a specific genetic mutation.

Evotec reports first quarter gains

Country
Germany

Evotec AG reported a 54% increase in its first 2011 quarter revenues to €15.1 million as its discovery alliances continued to generate increased income. Its operating loss for the quarter narrowed to €800,000 from €1.5 million a year earlier.

Takeda Ventures invests in Fate Therapeutics

Country
United States

Takeda Ventures Inc, the corporate venture arm of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, is the latest venture fund to invest in Fate Therapeutics Inc which is developing compounds that modulate stem-cell pathways. Financial details were not disclosed.

4SC outlines clinical data due in 2011

Country
Germany

4SC AG ended the 2011 first quarter with an operating loss of €4.8 million and cash and equivalents of €5.5 million. The German small-molecule developer said it is expecting final Phase 2 data this year from three important studies.

Dendreon to expand US production capacity

Country
United Kingdom

Dendreon Corporation is seeking authorisation to open manufacturing sites at two new locations in the US for its prostate cancer vaccine, Provenge (sipuleucel-T), to meet demand for the treatment, David Urdal, CSO, told a London conference.

FDA approves new formulation of Sanofi Pasteur vaccine

Country
France

Sanofi Pasteur has announced US Food and Drug Administration approval of a new formulation of its Fluzone Intradermal vaccine that uses a microinjection system for intradermal delivery. Delivery is via a 90% shorter needle.

FDA approves S. aureus blood test

Country
United States

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced the approval of the first test for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections that can quickly identify whether the bacteria are methicillin resistant (MRSA) or methicillin susceptible (MSSA).

Elan Drug Technologies to merge with Alkermes Inc

Country
Ireland

Elan Corporation Plc said that its drug formulation and manufacturing business, Elan Drug Technologies (EDT), is to merge with Alkermes Inc to create a new company with a portfolio of 25 marketed products and annual revenue of $450 million.

Pfizer returns asthma programme to Rigel

Country
United States

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc announced that Pfizer Inc is returning full rights to its early clinical-stage asthma programme, R343, as a result of Pfizer’s decision to exit from the allergy and respiratory therapeutic area in research and development.