UCB looks to new products to offset loss of patent protection
UCB expects that three recently launched drugs will drive the company’s growth for the next decade following a period of extensive restructuring.
News
Merck to acquire Millipore for $7.2 billion
Merck KGaA of Germany has made an agreed bid for the US service provider, Millipore Corp, in a transaction valued at $7.2 billion, including net debt. The merged company is expected to have critical mass in bioresearch and bioprocessing.
EMA seeks to work with government payers
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is looking at ways it can work more closely with government bodies in Europe whose responsibility it is to decide whether or not to subsidize a new medicine based on its relative effectiveness.
FDA approves Shire product for Gaucher disease
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Shire Plc’s treatment for Gaucher disease, Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa), under a special procedure where the review was completed in six months rather than the usual 10.
Ablynx sees clinical progress in 2010
Ablynx NV expects that its heavy-chain-only antibody technology will show clinical progress in 2010 from its own and partnered programmes. It also expects to report progress on new delivery technologies.
Desmoteplase said to still show promise for stroke
The clot-dissolving investigational drug, desmoteplase, still has potential for treating patients with acute ischaemic stroke up to nine hours after the onset of symptoms, the drug’s developer, H. Lundbeck A/S, told an international conference.
MorphoSys shops for antibodies but discovers its own are best
After reviewing 50 possible acquisitions, and carrying out detailed negotiations with three, MorphoSys AG has concluded that there are no takeover opportunities that would significantly enhance its own antibody portfolio.
Basilea partners antifungal agent
Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd has partnered its Phase 3 antifungal agent, isavuconazole, with Astellas Pharma Inc of Japan, making it eligible for an upfront payment of CHF75 million (€51 million).
New collaboration among Big Pharma companies
Three large pharmaceutical companies have set up a new not-for-profit company to conduct research into the most commonly-diagnosed cancers in Asia. The initial focus of the research will be on lung and gastric cancers.
FDA accelerates review of Shire product
The US Food and Drug Administration has accelerated its review of a new product for Fabry disease produced by Shire Plc as supply shortages of the only currently marketed treatment for the disease continue.