News

ArGEN-X advances antibody candidate

Country
Netherlands

ArGEN-X NV, a young Dutch antibody company whose technology is based on the llama, has progressed a candidate antibody into preclinical development, its second therapeutic candidate. The compound targets an undisclosed cancer cell receptor.

Anti-PIGF agent moved forward in the clinic

Country
Belgium

A monoclonal antibody that targets placental growth factor (PIGF) has been taken to the next stage of clinical development with the start of a Phase 1b/2 study in patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive type of brain cancer.

FDA approves new hepatitis C drug

Country
United States

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced the approval of Victrelis (boceprevir) to treat certain adults with chronic hepatitis C. It has been authorised for use in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin.

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.