• Aida Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Hangzhou, China, successfully concluded Phase I trials for its gene therapy antitumor drug Rh-Apo2L. The studies, which included 20 patients with different cancers, found that the drug reduces tumor size of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, sarcoma and adrenal gland cortical tumors, and has an effect on other tumor types. The company plans to apply for Phase II and Phase III trials, and said it anticipates completing all trials by the end of next year for potential commercialization in 2008. Rh-Apo2L is a broad-spectrum genetic cell apoptosis agent.

• Amarin Corp., of London, successfully completed enrolling 240 patients for its European Phase III trial of Miraxion in Huntington's disease ahead of schedule. The trial is designed to evaluate the drug's effects, compared to placebo, using the Total Motor Score-4 subscale of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale. Combined with the fully enrolled North American study, a total of 540 patients are participating in the Phase III program. Amarin anticipates reporting data in late first quarter or early second quarter of 2007. Miraxion has orphan drug designation in both the U.S. and Europe and fast-track status in the U.S.

• Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Durham, N.C., initiated a Phase III trial of denufosol tetrasodium inhalation solution in patients with mild cystic fibrosis lung disease. The TIGER-1 (Transport of Ions to Generate Epithelial Rehydration) is designed to randomize about 350 patients, ages 5 and older, and will include a 24-week efficacy treatment period followed by a 24-week safety extension period. To participate in the trial, patients must have FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) greater than or equal to 75 percent of predicted normal. The primary efficacy endpoint is change from baseline in FEV1 (liters) at the 24-week mark. Secondary endpoints include other lung function parameters, pulmonary exacerbations, requirements for concomitant CF medications and quality of life. Denufosol has fast-track and orphan drug status in the U.S. and European Union.

• Revotar Biopharmaceuticals AG, of Brandenburg, Germany, reported positive results from a Phase I study of bimosiamose, a synthetic, small-molecule pan-selectin antagonist, in 24 healthy male patients. Data demonstrated safety and tolerability after single and multiple subcutaneous administrations, and indicated that pharmacokinetic results support once-daily dosing. Bimosiamose is in development to treat chronic inflammatory disorders.