DUBLIN – Glaxosmithkline plc is adding a second cytokine-targeting antibody to its respiratory disease portfolio by in-licensing Johnson & Johnson's CNTO 7160, a phase I antibody that targets the interleukin-33 (IL-33) receptor. The deal is worth up to £175 million (US$229 million), comprising an undisclosed up-front payment plus milestones covering development and first commercial sales. J&J would also gain tiered sales royalties, should the product gain approval, plus additional payments tied to its sales performance. Read More
Anyone confusing biosimilars with small molecule generics in the U.S. has only to look at the FDA fee schedules to see a big difference between the two. Read More
A site investigator in the failed phase III study by Taurx Therapeutics Ltd. told BioWorld Today that Alzheimer's disease (AD) "absolutely" will best be attacked by a combination approach, despite the finding that tau aggregation blocker LMTX when used along with the standard, "modestly" beneficial AD drugs "doesn't add any value." Read More
As the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community hailed work published this week identifying a new gene linked to the disease, Cytokinetics Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc. strengthened their existing skeletal muscle activator deal with a focus on ALS, including an option to Astellas for rights to tirasemtiv, currently being tested in the phase III VITALITY-ALS study that could lead to approval applications in the U.S. and Europe. Read More
Apricus Biosciences Inc., of San Diego, said the Republic of Lebanon Ministry of Public Health has granted market approval to Vitaros, a topical cream indicated for the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction. Apricus has an exclusive license agreement with Elis Pharmaceuticals Ltd., of Dubai, for the commercialization of Vitaros in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and part of the Middle East. Read More
Onconova Therapeutics Inc., of Newtown, Pa., said the subscription period for its previously announced rights offering of units at $4.10 each has expired and preliminary estimates indicate that more than $17 million were raised in the oversubscribed offering. Maxim Group LLC acted as sole dealer-manager for the rights offering. Read More
The Medicines Co., of Parsippany, N.J., reported that for their second quarter ended June 30, 2016 worldwide net revenue was $54.7 million compared to $74.5 million in the second quarter of 2015. Included in total was $24.4 million of royalty revenues derived from the gross profit of authorized generic sales of Angiomax (bivalirudin) by Sandoz Inc. Read More
