Two groups of scientists – led by researchers from Genentech Inc. and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, respectively – have reported on why some cancer cells are resistant to drugs, such as Taxol, that target microtubules. Such drugs are among the most widely prescribed chemotherapeutic agents. Read More
The Sabin Vaccine Institute is on a mission not only to bring vaccines for neglected tropical diseases (NTD) to residents of some of the world's poorest countries, but also to help nurture world peace. Peter J. Hotez, president of the institute and research professor at George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, characterizes the institute's mission as "vaccine diplomacy," noting that the U.S. has an unprecedented opportunity to improve relations with Islamic nations by helping to ease the burden of disease in those countries. Read More
BerGenBio A/S, of Bergen, Norway, secured NOK7 million (US$1.3 million) from local Sarsia Seed and Development Funds to continue its R&D activities in cancer. The firm is working on its CellSelect platform, which uses information from RNAi screening studies to identify drug targets Read More
OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Redwood City, Calif., said preclinical data demonstrated its lead candidate, OMP-21M18, inhibits tumor growth and reduces cancer stem cell frequency when administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy in human colorectal cancer tumors with or without KRAS mutations. The data were published in the March 1, 2011, issue of Cancer Research. Read More
GTx Inc. plans to walk away from toremifene after the company "mutually agreed to terminate" its collaboration with Ipsen Group SA to develop and commercialize the drug, GTx CEO Mitchell Steiner told BioWorld Today. Read More
The European Medicines Agency gave Vical Inc., of San Diego, scientific advice pertaining to its endpoints for a Phase III trial of TransVax, a cytomegalovirus vaccine. The EMA said that a CMV disease endpoint was not practical, because of the low incidence of CMV disease and the small size of the target population. Vical is also working on plans for a pivotal Phase III trial with the FDA. Read More
A complete response letter caps the latest chapter in the troubled tale of EMD Serono Inc.'s cladribine tablets for relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The German company, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, has struggled to get the drug through the U.S. and European regulatory gauntlet, suffering setbacks nearly every step of the way. Read More
