Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., of New York, said research published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that combining targeted radiation therapy with immunotherapy drug Yervoy (ipilimumab) fostered a strong immune response and a favorable clinical outcome in a patient with melanoma...Novartis AG, of Basel, Switzerland, said a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Signifor (SOM230, pasireotide) normalized cortisol levels and showed clinical benefits in patients with

Baxter International Inc., of Deerfield, Ill., reported long-term data supporting the clinical profile of HyQ, a combo product for use in patients with primary immunodeficiencies

Serendipitously, independent clinical studies of the antecedent biomarkers of AD seem to have corroborated Satori's approach, he added...Despite the huge number of failures, small and large pharma companies have been pouring billions of dollars into the development of molecules that leave a lot to be desired...The company also has an exclusive distribution agreement with Uman Pharma Inc., of Quebec, to commercialize gemcitabine in the U.S. The compound went off patent last year in the U.S

Editor's note: BioWorld has always kept a watchful eye on big pharma developments as they relate to the biotech space...Now we're making it easier for readers by separating pharma business and clinical news into these columns of brief news

ViroPharma Inc., of Exton, Pa., said data from the pivotal study for its orphan drug Plenadren (hydrocortisone, modified-release tablet) were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism...Plenadren was developed by Sweden's DuoCort Pharma AB, which ViroPharma acquired after the drug gained approval in Europe for adrenal insufficiency in adults

Editor's note: BioWorld has always kept a watchful eye on big pharma developments as they relate to the biotech space...Now we're making it easier for readers by separating pharma business and clinical news into these columns of brief news

1 million and will be used to fund R&D efforts, including clinical trials, and for general corporate purposes. (See BioWorld Today, Feb. 10, 2012...The specialty pharma firm also improved its interest terms.

Clinical endpoints are overall survival at two years and progression-free survival at six months...Tiltan Pharma Ltd., of Jerusalem, started a Phase II trial of TL-118 for pancreatic cancer

Secondary endpoints include levels of brachyury-specific T cells, reduction in brachyury serum markers and circulating tumor cells and evidence of clinical benefit...Zealand Pharma A/S, of Copenhagen, Denmark, said partner Sanofi SA, of Paris, disclosed top-line data from the GetGoal-P Phase III study, showing lixisenatide, a once-daily glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist, hit its primary efficacy endpoint of significantly reducing blood glucose levels compared to placebo (p < 0.0001), with HbA1c

and NewLink Genetics Corp., if not boasting approved products like Horizon Pharma Inc...In earlier stages, ChemoCentryx has CCX662, an independent candidate slated to start clinical trials for glioblastoma multiforme later this year, as well as five other wholly owned preclinical candidates...Funds will be used to develop product candidates CEM-101 and Taksta. (See BioWorld Today, Feb. 6, 2012.)

Editor's note: BioWorld has always kept a watchful eye on big pharma developments as they relate to the biotech space...Now we're making it easier for readers by separating pharma business and clinical news into these columns of brief news

The project, "Human genetics-driven discovery of memory-modulating drugs," will start in March and will include three clinical studies supported by a CTI grant for three years...The dose-escalating trial is designed to determine the appropriate dose of CDX-301, a recombinant human FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, for further clinical development...Niiki Pharma Inc., of Hoboken, N.J., said it completed the dose-escalation portion of its Phase I trial of NKP-1339, a small molecule designed to down

The study, funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, is being conducted in collaboration with several groups, including the South African TB Vaccine Initiative...Vical's partner, Astellas Pharma Inc., of Tokyo, is preparing to move TransVax into a multinational Phase III trial to control cytomegalovirus reactivation in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, plus a Phase II trial in solid organ transplant recipients. (See BioWorld Today, July 18, 2011, and

Vical also has completed a Phase I trial of a DNA vaccine for H1N1 pandemic influenza, and its partner, Astellas Pharma Inc., of Tokyo, is preparing to move TransVax into a multinational Phase III trial to control cytomegalovirus reactivation in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, plus a Phase II trial in solid organ transplant recipients...Funds are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, which might include R&D expenses, clinical trial expenditures, manufacture and supply

support clinical development of chemotherapeutic gold nanoparticles targeting ovarian, lung and breast carcinoma...Syndexa Pharmaceuticals Corp., of Watertown, Mass., secured additional Series B1 financing from MP Healthcare Venture Management (MPH), a jointly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) and Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (MCHC...The company plans to use the proceeds to advance its hepatitis C virus program, earlier-stage pipeline opportunities and its

Elevation holds the global rights to PARI Pharma's nebulizer and plans to take EP-101 – believed to be the first-in-class nebulized LAMA for COPD – worldwide...The offering is expected to be completed by Jan. 31 with the goal of supporting clinical trials of the company's HIV vaccines. (See BioWorld Today, Jan. 26, 2006...Lead QC inhibitor, PQ912, is in clinical development for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The company also said it inked a partnership with an undisclosed Pacific Rim pharma partner and investor to finance clinical costs, bridging studies and regulatory development for the drug in that region...Vivo said it plans to invest the capital primarily in later development-stage pharma and medical device companies in the U.S

The money will be used to support Acceleron's clinical and preclinical pipeline...Of the firm's four clinical compounds, two are partnered with Celgene: ACE-011 , now dubbed sotatercept, is in a Phase II/III trial for chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer and a Phase II trial for end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis, while ACE-536 moved into Phase I trials in September...Proceeds will allow Marina to continue advancing clinical trials of CEQ508 for

Stamford, Conn.-based Purdue Pharma LP's extended-release hydromorphone product Palladone was voluntarily removed from the market in July 2005 less than a year after approval because of a high occurrence of unintentional "dose-dumping" – when opioids are accidentally or intentionally crushed or dissolved, resulting in the active ingredient being rapidly released into the bloodstream, often causing a euphoric high...is an immediate-release version, which is sold by Purdue Pharma as Dilaudid...Net