Less than a month after Phase III-stage anti-CD20 antibody ocrelizumab dropped out of the race to market in the already crowded rheumatoid arthritis space, Pfizer Inc. said it was dropping work on TRU-105, the lead molecule in its RA collaboration with Trubion Pharmaceuticals Inc., in favor of a next-generation program. (BioWorld Today)
Multikinase inhibitor Nexavar's (sorafenib) failure in first-line non-small-cell lung cancer came as little surprise to investors of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., who have their eyes trained on much-anticipated Phase IIb data for multiple myeloma drug carfilzomib, which, if positive, could be enough for an FDA filing late this year. (BioWorld Today)
It was a good news/bad news day for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., which reported Phase III data showing that IL-1 blocker Arcalyst (rilonacept) was successful in preventing gout attacks but failed to provide pain relief in the acute gout treatment setting. (BioWorld Today)
In its first major collaboration since being founded in 2003, privately held Ascenta Therapeutics Inc. partnered an early stage cancer program with Sanofi-Aventis SA in exchange for up to $398 million in up-front and milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on any products that make it to market. (BioWorld Today)
Nearly two months ahead of its July 25 PDUFA date, Amgen Inc.'s Prolia (denosumab) gained FDA approval in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who are at high risk for fractures, and that earlier-than-expected win could bode well as the Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based firm seeks to expand denosumab in other indications. (BioWorld Today)
