The Bethesda, Md.-based biotech is no stranger to such preclinical deals, having partnered its early MT203 program with Nycomed A/S in a potential €125 million deal and its D93 antibody with Tracon Pharmaceuticals Inc. for up-front and milestone payments that could top $100 million. (See BioWorld Today, March 19, 2007, and May 25, 2007.) (BioWorld Today)
Dutch vaccines maker Crucell NV confirmed that it was talking to Wyeth about a possible merger after reports surfaced Wednesday afternoon that the big pharma firm was interested in an acquisition. (BioWorld Today)
Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. ended 2008 on a high note, inking a potentially lucrative early stage deal with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. for up to three compounds targeting calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) modulator channels for treating inflammatory diseases. (BioWorld Today)
XenoPort Inc., which missed out on an anticipated $23 million milestone payment this quarter after partner GlaxoSmithKline plc yanked the new drug application for Solzira in restless legs syndrome (RLS) due to a filing glitch, beefed up its balance sheet with a $40 million registered direct offering. (BioWorld Today)
AlphaVax Inc. agreed to license rights to its Phase I-stage cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine program to Novartis AG in exchange for a $20 million up-front payment, plus the possibility of an equity investment, milestones and royalties down the road. (BioWorld Today)
