Researchers have implicated epigenetic mechanisms in the earliest stages of the cognitive decline that is perhaps the most feared aspect of Alzheimer's disease, and they have shown that inhibiting the epigenetic enzyme HDAC2 can reverse some of the damage of the disease. Read More
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Most of the companies represented at the BioPartnering North America meeting earlier this week either were looking for opportunities to invest in, or looking to find investments. Read More
• AtheroNova Inc., of Irvine, Calif., initiated the first shipment of AHRO-001 active pharmaceutical ingredient to R&D partner CardioNova Ltd., a Russian subsidiary of Maxwell Biotech Group, for Phase I and II studies in AHRO-001's initial application in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. AHRO-001 uses natural compounds to reduce atherosclerotic plaque deposits through delipidization, which dissolves plaques in artery walls and enables them to be removed by natural body processes. Read More
• Nymox Pharmaceutical Corp., of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., said it started a Phase II study of NX-1207 in low-grade localized prostate cancer. The study is expected to enroll 150 men in a two-dose, six-week design. NX-1207 currently is in Phase III testing for benign prostatic hyperplasia, but preclinical studies have shown that the drug also has activity against prostate cancer cells when administered at higher dosage levels. Read More
• Bionovo Inc., of Emeryville, Calif., filed a registration statement to raise up to $25 million in convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock. The offering is structured to be funded in four tranches. Bionovo, which earlier this month decided to explore strategic options, said prompt completion of the offering is critical to the company's continued operations throughout 2012. Read More
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Pfizer Inc., both of New York, said the FDA extended the PDUFA date for their new drug application (NDA) for Eliquis (apixaban) by three months to June 28. The companies said they submitted additional information about the Eliquis clinical program to the FDA after filing the NDA, constituting a major amendment to the application. Read More
