News

Phase 3 trial of combination paediatric vaccine starts

Country
United States

A Phase 3 trial of a combination vaccine intended to protect children against six infectious diseases is being launched at multiple sites in the US according to its sponsors, Merck & Co and Sanofi Pasteur. The trial will involve 1,440 infants.

Allogeneic cell therapy to be tested for stroke

Country
United States

The Stanford University School of Medicine, together with privately-held SanBio Inc, have started a Phase 1/2a trial of an allogeneic cell therapy on patients with stable deficits resulting from a stroke.

Legal settlement boosts Elan’s Q1 results

Country
Ireland

Elan Corporation Plc more than trebled its operating income in the 2011 first quarter following settlement of a patent suit. Revenue however was only slightly ahead as brisk Tysabri sales were nearly offset by the divestment of three legacy products.

FDA approves Rituxan for two rare disorders

Country
United States

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Rituxan (rituximab), in combination with glucocorticoids, to treat patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis and microscopic polyangiitis, two rare disorders that cause blood vessel inflammation.

NicOx withdraws application for naproxcinod

Country
France

NicOx SA has decided to withdraw its European marketing authorisation application for naproxcinod, a candidate drug for osteoarthritis, following feedback from the CHMP that more data would be required in order to get a positive opinion.

Novartis generates $3.1 bln from new products in Q1

Country
Switzerland

Novartis generated $3.1 billion in net sales from recently launched products in the 2011 first quarter, a period that was otherwise marked by a flat operating income and a decline in the company’s operating margin.

Circassia raises £60 million for allergy products

Country
United Kingdom

Privately-held Circassia Ltd of the UK has raised £60 million to be paid over two years from Imperial Innovations Group Plc and other investors in order to finance the development of its T-cell vaccines to treat a range of allergies.

Novartis withdraws EMA application for lumiracoxib

Country
United Kingdom

Novartis has decided to withdraw its marketing authorisation application for Joicela (lumiracoxib) from the European Medicines Agency, the EMA announced. Joicela was intended to be used for symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis.

FDA approves Actemra for juvenile arthritis

Country
Switzerland

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Actemra (tocilizumab), given alone or in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged two or over. Roche is the developer