HONG KONG – With increasing demand for drugs targeting chronic diseases in China, investment from multinational pharma giants is set to rise, leading to possible benefits for local firms as well. Much of the focus is likely to be on cancer.
Scientists have a limited understanding of neurodegenerative disease processes, particularly those that occur at a molecular level. That makes it very difficult to develop effective drugs to treat disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Samumed Inc., of San Diego, disclosed the successful completion of a phase I trial in healthy subjects for its potential treatment of chronic tendinopathy. A detailed analysis, including safety and pharmacokinetic results, will be presented at a future medical conference.
Dompé International SA, of Milan, said the European Commission granted marketing authorization of cenegermin eye drops to treat moderate to severe neurotrophic keratitis, becoming the first approved drug in the EU to treat the rare eye disease, which can cause vision loss.
Vanc Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia, said it is conducting a non-brokered private placement of up to 10 million units of the company at C$0.15 per unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1.5 million (US$1.2 million).
Merck & Co. Inc. took cardiovascular disease (CVD) experts – and, perhaps, some of its own decision-makers – by surprise last month when it disclosed that the REVEAL (Randomized EValuation of the Effects of Anacetrapib through Lipid modification) outcomes study of its cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, anacetrapib, met its primary endpoint by reducing major coronary events (defined as the composite of coronary death, myocardial infarction and coronary revascularization) compared to placebo in patients at risk for cardiac events who were already receiving a regimen to lower low-density lipoprotein, or LDL.
DUBLIN – Ablynx NV entered a broadly based alliance with Sanofi SA focused on the development of up to eight multispecific nanobodies across a range of immune-mediated conditions, in return for which it is getting €23 million (US$26.5 million) up front, €8 million in research funding and up to €2.4 billion in milestone payments. It also stands to earn tiered royalties on eventual product sales.
Sarepta therapeutics Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., beat Wall Street estimates in the second quarter. RBC analyst Matthew Eckler called the win a "big splash" for new CEO Douglas Ingram. Revenue from sales of Exondys 51 (eteplirsen) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy hit $35 million, up 114 percent quarter over quarter, vs. RBC's estimate of $25 million and the consensus guess of $22 million.
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