Intercell AG is recalling batch JEV09L37 its Japanese encephalitis vaccine, Ixiaro, because it is less potent than expected. At a result, the CHMP committee of the European Medicines Agency recommended revaccination with a different batch.
Evotec AG has announced the start of a strategic alliance with PsychoGenics Inc of the US to enhance its capabilities in the area of drug discovery for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Novartis said the results of two Phase-3 studies of ACZ885 (canakinumab) indicate that the human monoclonal antibody can slow attacks of severe gouty arthritis by up to 68% when compared with the standard steroid treatment (triamcinolone acetonide TA).
Privately-owned GenKyoTex SA has raised 14.5 million Euro to bring a compound for diabetic nephropathy into the clinic and advance other programmes. The Series C round was led by Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners of Paris, France.
Lab21 Ltd, a diagnostic service provider, has announced the acquisition of Myconostica Ltd of the UK which develops molecular tests for the diagnosis of fungal infections. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has given a positive opinion to Benlysta (belimumab), GlaxoSmithKline’s new medicine for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The drug was approved by the FDA on 9 March 2011.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first test for establishing whether a pregnant woman or a person with swollen lymph nodes who tests positive for toxoplasmosis has developed the infection within the past four months.
Evotec AG and the Roche group said they have voluntarily ended a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in a candidate molecule for treatment-resistant depression. The decision was triggered by difficulties recruiting patients under the study protocol.
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd is set to significantly increase its commercial presence in Europe with the planned acquisition of privately-owned Nycomed A/S of Switzerland. Under the agreed takeover, Takeda will pay €9.6 billion in cash to Nycomed’s shareholders who are members of a consortium of private equity funds led by Nordic Capital Private Equity Funds.
Curetis AG, a molecular diagnostics company specialising in the development of in-vitro diagnostic products for infectious diseases, has raised €4.5 million in an extension of a Series A financing, bringing the total for the round to €24.5 million.