TAIPEI, Taiwan – Diminutive drug discovery firm PRISM Pharma Co. Ltd., of Yokohama, Japan, has closed a Series C round of funding of approximately ¥1.4 billion (US$15 million) with the funds earmarked for upcoming clinical trials for the company's investigative oncology drug PRI-724 in non-oncology related conditions, initially fibrosis. Read More
The FDA etched a distinct line between orphan drug designation and exclusivity in a final rule released Wednesday, making it clear that getting the designation doesn't guarantee seven years of market exclusivity. Read More
Researchers from the University of California at Berkeley have developed a method that allows them to better target gene therapy viral vectors via directed evolution. For now, they have used their method to make a vector that can more easily reach the back of the eye. Read More
Atlanta's Emory University launched a new initiative to help bridge the ever-widening gap between the laboratory discoveries that trumpet the possibility of breakthrough medical treatments and the proof-of-concept data that are needed to entice significant industry investment – known as the dreaded "Valley of Death" in the landscape of drug discovery. Read More
• Neurovive Pharmaceuticals AB, of Stockholm, Sweden, said it inked a collaboration deal with Isomerase Therapeutics Ltd., of Cambridge, UK, to develop the molecules that were recently acquired from struggling UK firm Biotica Technology Ltd. Read More
• Grupo Ferrer Internacional SA, of Barcelona, Spain, completed a global Phase III trial evaluating ozenoxacin formulated as a topical treatment in adult and in pediatric patients 2 years and older with impetigo. Read More
