HONG KONG – China's Suzhou Alphamab Co. Ltd. has obtained the IND approval from regulators for its HER2 bispecific antibody, KN-026. The phase I trials will commence later this year. Read More
CHICAGO – Attendees of the American Association for Cancer Research that stayed toward the end of the last full day of the meeting were handsomely rewarded with initial data from Grail Inc., which is still enrolling patients in its 15,000-participant Circulating Cell-Free Genome Atlas. Early results showed that by combining signals from cancer patients using cell-free DNA samples processed with whole genome sequencing, a targeted 507 gene panel assay and a whole genome bisulfite assay, it was possible to develop a test with greater than 99 percent specificity. Read More
Despite the growing public health threats of pandemics, disastrous weather events and bioterrorism, the U.S. annually spends about half of what it costs to build an aircraft carrier on developing medical countermeasures, maintaining a stockpile of just-in-case diagnostics and treatments, and preparing and responding to threats that materialize around the world. Read More
Tetherex Pharmaceuticals Inc., a rare Oklahoma City-based biotech, raised $50 million in a private placement of series B stock led by MPM Capital. The funds will support a phase II trial of the company's lead candidate, SEL-K2, for the potential treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery and a second midstage study in Crohn's disease, another inflammatory indication, or cancer. The financing follows an initial raise of about $4.4 million in convertible debt in 2014. Read More
With FDA approval secured for Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Tavalisse (fostamatinib), company backers sought details about price and positioning, but heard they must wait for answers. Read More
Taiwan Liposome Co. Ltd., of Taiwan, which is focused on developing nanomedicines for pain management, ophthalmology and oncology, has set terms for a $35 million IPO from the sale of 4.69 million American depositary shares (ADS). Read More
Delivra Corp., of Toronto, said results of a preclinical study demonstrating the safety and greater bioavailability of transdermal berberine and dihydroberberine for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease related to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels were published in the March 26, 2018, edition of PLOS ONE. Read More
PERTH, Australia – Australia's Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Industry Growth Centre (MTPConnect) and Biopacific Partners have launched a new program that will work with small Australian biotechs to better prepare them for partnering with big pharma. Read More
