LONDON – A new mouse model for bipolar disorder is now available. The mouse, which has decreased activity of an enzyme already suspected of involvement in the development of bipolar disorder, will help researchers to identify new drugs to treat this condition, which affects 1 in 100 people.

To say that Timo Veromaa, CEO of Biotie Therapies Oyj was not best pleased with Merck Serono SA's surprise decision to exit a partnership with Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA on the Parkinson's drug safinamide would be an understatement.The timing of the announcement – smack in the middle of Biotie's proposed takeover of Newron – "is completely unorthodox," he told BioWorld International. "To drop the ball right in the middle of [a pivotal Phase III program] is astonishing."

LONDON – The prospects for commercializing any treatments based on human embryonic stem cell research carried out in Europe are looking dim after a final court ruling that any invention involving the removal of a stem cell from an embryo cannot be patented. (BioWorld International)

LONDON – The UK biopharmaceutical industry is preparing a new defense against the incursions that health technology assessments (HTA) are making on its ability to get reimbursement for some drugs and the full price for others, turning to real-world data to demonstrate the value of its products. (BioWorld International)