A study brought new insights into miR-34a's role in prostate cancer this week. The microRNA appears to be important for preventing prostate cancer cells from developing cancer stem cell-like properties. Systemic delivery of a miR-34a mimic inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in mice with xenografted prostate tumors. Read More
MannKind Corp. took one squarely on the chin Thursday as the market responded to breaking news late Wednesday that the FDA had issued a second complete response letter for inhaled insulin candidate Afrezza (insulin human [rDNA origin] to treat adults with Type I and Type II diabetes. (See BioWorld Today, Jan. 20, 2011.) Read More
NeoStem Inc., of New York, acquired Progenitor Cell Therapy LLC, of Allendale, N.J. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but NeoStem recently raised $19 million to fund the acquisition. The deal is designed to offer single source for the collection, storage, manufacturing, therapeutic development and transportation of cells for cell-based medicine and regenerative science. Investment banking firm LifeTech Capital, a division of Aurora Capital LLC, advised NeoStem by providing a valuation analysis of the transaction. (See BioWorld Today, Nov. 17, 2010.) Read More
Allos Therapeutics Inc., of Westminster, Colo., said data from the Phase II PROPEL study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that Folotyn (pralatrexate) in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma patients produced an overall response rate of 29 percent, with 11 percent of patients experiencing a complete response or unconfirmed complete response. Folotyn was granted accelerated approval in PTCL in 2009. Read More
ArQule Inc. priced a public offering of 7 million shares of common stock at $6.15 per share to boost research and development of its pipeline of cancer products. The offering, which is expected to close Jan. 25, grants underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 1.05 million additional shares to cover overallotments. Read More
