Sanofi Pasteur is to investigate an immunological approach to acne prevention and treatment by targeting Propionibacterium acnes factors in inflammation. This will be done in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego.
Vernalis Plc said it has achieved a research milestone in its drug discovery collaboration with H. Lundbeck A/S, triggering a payment of £0.3 million. The UK company is identifying candidate compounds targeting the kinase, LRRK2.
Merck & Co has out-licensed its gene therapy portfolio to a new Finland-based company, FKD Therapies Oy, that was founded in early 2011 to source and develop gene-based medicines. Merck has taken an undisclosed equity stake in the company.
Apogenix GmbH said it has finished recruiting patients for its ongoing Phase 2 study of a new agent for glioblastoma. The experimental treatment is an inhibitor of the CD95 ligand, which is thought to play a growth-promoting role in tumours.
Merck Serono has taken steps to expand its franchise in multiple sclerosis by acquiring exclusive rights to an experimental drug described as a second-generation peptide copolymer. Teva Pharmaceuticals’ Copaxone is also a peptide copolymer.
A supplemental new drug application for the AIDS medicine, maraviroc (Celsentri/Selzentry), has been withdrawn by its developers pending further studies of the drug’s efficacy as a once-daily treatment.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two new indications for the osteoporosis drug, Prolia (denosumab), enabling it to be used for cancer treatment-induced bone loss, according to Amgen Inc, the developer.
GlaxoSmithKline Plc has taken the unusual step of tapping the engineering expertise of a sports car manufacturer, the McLaren Group, in order to improve the way it conducts clinical trials, and manufactures pharmaceuticals.
Privately-held Humabs BioMed SA of Switzerland has been launched as an independent company in order to commercialise antibody technology that includes a prospective broadly neutralising antibody against Groups 1 and 2 influenza A viruses.
The US Food and Drug Administration has reorganised the office that deals with oncology drug products in order to take a more disease-specific approach to the evaluation of these medicines. Richard Pazdur will continue as director.