News

Evolva reports on drug for diabetic complications

Country
Switzerland

Evolva Holding SA has successfully completed a Phase 1 study of a new small molecule compound that is being positioned to treat people with diabetes at risk of vascular or renal complications. The study involved 32 volunteers.

Wilex looks ahead to clinical milestones

Country
Germany

After a period active deal-making, Wilex AG is positioning itself for some key milestones in the coming months including the reporting of an interim analysis of a Phase 3 trial of Rencarex (girentuximab), its therapy for renal cell cancer.

EU project to study cell and gene therapy in heart disease

Country
United Kingdom

The European Commission has awarded €5.3 million over four years to a consortium led by Ark Therapeutics Group Plc to investigate the possible use of gene and cell therapy, along with stents, in the treatment of coronary heart disease.

Roslin Cells and Pfizer sign stem-cell agreement

Country
United States

Roslin Cells Ltd has reached an agreement with Pfizer Inc giving the US multinational access to its pluripotent stem cell lines with a view to assessing their potential for specific clinical therapies. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Trials using hESC technology under way in US

Country
United States

Advanced Cell Technology Inc has announced the dosing of the first patients in each of its two Phase 1/2 clinical trials for eye disorders using retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

FDA issues draft guidance on companion diagnostics

Country
United States

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a draft guidance for companies that are developing diagnostic tests intended to be used with targeted drug therapies. The document gives the agency’s approach towards the review of these products.

Micromet, Amgen to collaborate on solid tumours

Country
United States

Amgen Inc is set to pay Micromet Inc €10 million upfront as part of a collaboration to research the company’s bi-specific antibody technology against three undisclosed solid tumour targets. Micromet is based in the US but  has a research facility in Germany.

Ipsen and Salk Institute renew research agreement

Country
France

Ipsen SA and The Salk Institute for Biological Studies of the US are renewing for another three years, their research collaboration to explore the biology of proliferative and degenerative diseases. Financial details were not disclosed.

French developer of artificial heart to raise additional funds

Country
France

A French developer of an artificial heart for patients with heart failure, has announced plans to raise additional capital through a rights issue with preferential rights for existing shareholders. Proceeds will support clinical development of the device.

EMA reviews cardiovascular risk of Multaq

Country
United Kingdom

The European Medicines Agency said it is reviewing the cardiovascular risk of the anti-arrhythmic medicine, Multaq (dronedarone) from Sanofi SA, following the company’s announcement on 7 July that it was halting a Phase 3b trial of the drug.