CureBeta, the diabetes research alliance between Evotec AG and Doug Melton's lab in Harvard University's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, has found an early taker for its preclinical portfolio of small molecules and biologics that can trigger growth of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells. Read More
Synageva BioPharma Corp. rode the crest of its soaring stock to boost the size of its public offering by 25 percent, from approximately 1.9 million shares cited in its preliminary SEC filing to 2.4 million shares priced at Monday's closing price of $41.20. Read More
Diabetic patients are two to three times as likely to be depressed as the general population. This week, scientists reported that they have identified a molecule that is low in both conditions, and may serve as a point of therapeutic intervention. Read More
Biolex Therapeutics Inc., of Pittsboro, N.C., filed for bankruptcy liquidation, according to its partner OctoPlus N.V. The company aimed to make a better interferon for hepatitis C virus (HCV), and to that end burned through $185 million in venture capital since it was founded in 1997. Read More
• Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd., of Charlotte, N.C., disclosed plans to reduce head count "significantly," retaining only employees needed to pursue FDA approval of Northera (droxidopa) for symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) in patients with primary autonomic failure. Read More
• Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Lexington, Mass., appointed Robert Perez president and chief operating officer; Michael Tomsicek senior vice president and deputy chief financial officer; and Thomas Rollins senior vice president of program and portfolio management. Read More
• OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Bothell, Wash., updated its clinical development plans for custirsen with details for a Phase III trial in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to begin enrollment later this year. The open-label, 1,100-patient study will evaluate the potential survival benefit of combining custirsen with docetaxel in patients who have progressed after first-line treatment. Read More
