Several presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research's (AACR) Annual Meeting this week underscored the size of the epigenetic space. Targeting epigenetic alterations has gone far beyond histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, which are the two classes of epigenetic enzymes that have approved drugs targeting them. Read More
As the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index close at record highs, one might think that respectable Chinese biopharmas on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq would be well positioned to enjoy the benefits of such a robust stock market. In fact, many are cutting their ties. Read More
Gene therapy start-up GenSight Biologics has raised €32 million (US$41.6 million) in a Series A funding, hinting that following on from the first European regulatory approval of a gene therapy and with an increasing volume of positive clinical data, this iconic field is now de-risked in the eyes of venture capital investors. Read More
Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Roche AG have partnered to develop therapies for Huntington's disease using Isis antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology. The two companies will also work together to increase brain penetration of ASOs. Roche will pay $30 million up front to Isis, with milestone payments up to $362 million, including $80 million in commercial milestones. Read More
The Arkansas Supreme Court is being asked to overturn the $1.2 billion penalty assessed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. in a case that could open other drugmakers to hefty penalties when the state decides FDA-approved labeling is inadequate. Read More
• Canbex Therapeutics Ltd., of London, said it completed £2.1 million (US$3.2 million) fundraising round that will enable the firm to complete the early development of its lead compound for treating spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Read More
• Resverlogix Corp., of Calgary, Alberta, said its board approved a proposal to spin out its subsidiary, RVX Therapeutics Inc., which will focus on drug research and development by leveraging its epigenetics platform. Read More
• Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc., of Calabasas, Calif., disclosed positive interim results from a Phase IIIb, multicenter, open-label study (ATX-101-11-26) of ATX-101 during the "Innovations and Renewals" session of the 11th Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Read More
• Merz Pharma Group, of Frankfurt, Germany, said it withdrew its nonbinding proposal to acquire the outstanding common stock of Obagi Medical Products Inc., of Long Beach, Calif., for $22 per share in cash. Read More
