Affymetrix Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif., introduced two GeneChip probe arrays for the measurement and analysis of gene expression. The GeneChip Human Cancer G110 array enables the simultaneous measurement of more than 1,700 genes linked to cancer. The GeneChip Yeast Genome S98 array permits single array-based analysis of the entire yeast genome.
AVI BioPharma Inc., of Portland, Ore., said it selected Lenox Hill Hospital in New York for its Phase II trials of Resten-NG. It will be evaluated in cardiovascular restenosis.
Axonyx Inc., of New York, said it is continuing its Phase I trial for Phenserine, its lead Alzheimers disease drug, by administering the drug to its second group of healthy, elderly volunteers. The study is expected to be completed before the end of the second quarter.
Bio-Technology General Corp., of Iselin, N.J., said Draximage Inc. began a Phase III trial of Fibrimage, a diagnostic agent for the detection of deep vein thrombosis. The trial is expected to involve 130 patients in Canada and is expected to be completed this year.
Cell Genesys Inc., of Foster City, Calif., received a $2 million payment from Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., formerly Hoechst Marion Roussel Inc., of Frankfurt, Germany, in connection with the anniversary of their licensing agreement for Cell Genesys gene activation technology.
Cell Pathways Inc., of Horsham, Pa., said it will conduct trials investigating the therapeutic potential of Aptosyn (exisulind) in combination with Nutley, N.J.-based Roche Laboratories Inc.s Xeloda (capecitabine). The trials will investigate the combination therapy in the treatment of breast and colorectal cancers.
Cellegy Pharmaceuticals Inc., of South San Francisco, said it will initiate a Phase II trial designed to determine the effectiveness of Anogesic (nitroglycerin ointment) in treating various major symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. The trial will evaluate the ability of Anogesic to reduce the bleeding frequently associated with hemorrhoids and will assess the drugs ability to reduce pain intensity, itching and the severity of hemorrhoids.
Cognetix Inc., of Salt Lake City, completed a licensing and collaboration agreement with Elan Corp. plc, of Dublin, Ireland, to develop and commercialize contulakin-G (CGX-1160) for short-term management of post-operative pain using Elans Medipad drug delivery system. CGX-1160 is a conopeptide derived from the venom of the marine snail Conus geographus.
Gene Logic Inc., said it completed a $270 million follow-on offering of 4.8 million shares of common stock at $56 per share. The total includes the exercise of the underwriters overallotment option of 630,000 shares. Gross proceeds to the company as a result were $262 million. (See BioWorld Today, Jan. 28, 2000, p. 1.)
Genetronics Biomedical Ltd., of San Diego, said it extended its platform technology, electroporation, into gene therapy. Electroporation therapy has shown to be an effective method for delivering therapeutic molecules into cells.
Genzyme General, of Cambridge, Mass., said it received registration approval for Thyrogen hormone in Brazil for use in follow-up screening of patients who have been treated for thyroid cancer. Genzyme also said Brazils largest biotechnology company, Biobras SA, will exclusively distribute and market Thyrogen in that country. Biobras will make a series of undisclosed payments to Genzyme.
Hyseq Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., said George Rathmann joined the company as chairman. Rathmann co-founded Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based Amgen Inc. in 1980, and served as a director of the company until 1993. In 1990, he also founded Icos Corp., of Bothell, Wash., where he served as chairman until last month.
Incyte Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., said it raised $150 million in the private placement of 5.5 percent convertible subordinated notes due 2007. The offering is expected to close Friday, the company said. The company also granted to the initial purchasers an option to purchase up to an additional $50 million in principal amounts of notes. The notes are convertible into Incyte common stock at an initial conversion price of about $134.84 per share. (See BioWorld Today, Jan. 28, 2000, p. 2.)
InterMune Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., initiated a Phase II trial evaluating the safety, efficacy and dosing of Actimmune in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. The study will be conducted at seven medical centers in the U.S. and two in Peru. It will enroll 60 patients.