Eleven months ago, Celgene Corp. tapped Forma Therapeutics Holdings LLC for a multicandidate collaboration targeting the relatively new biology of protein homeostasis. In a deal, disclosed Tuesday, the big biotech returned, inking a second, wider deal that brings Forma $225 million in up-front cash and sets the stage for two additional collaborations and a buyout option down the road. Read More
Citing the need for a bigger arsenal in the war against infectious diseases, the FDA’s Anti-infective Drugs Advisory Committee (AIDAC) unanimously supported approval Monday of two new weapons to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by certain gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Read More
Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc. has enrolled the first patient in a pair of pivotal phase III trials of AN2728, its lead topical anti-inflammatory candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis that could eventually offer a new alternative to corticosteroids and topical immunomodulator therapies for the common skin conditions. Read More
LONDON – Skyepharma plc is “unshackling” itself from debt by raising £112 million (US$186.5 million) in placings and an open offer, enabling it to make early repayment of bonds worth £120 million that were not due to be redeemed until 2017. Read More
With its protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor evolocumab showing strong anti-cholesterol results across patient populations and dosing schedules (monthly as well as every two weeks) in phase III trials, Amgen Inc. held fast against data provided thus far by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. with alirocumab, also targeting PCSK9. Read More
LONDON – Astrazeneca plc and Glaxosmithkline (GSK) plc are both forming partnerships with publicly funded research bodies to set up new centers for early stage drug research in Cambridge. Read More
HONG KONG — Publication of the first comprehensive map of gene activity throughout the human body should play a key role in the identification of those genes involved in disease and lead to the development of new personalized treatments. Read More
Cellectis SA, of Paris, closed a €20.5 million (US$28.2 million) share capital increase subscribed on March 24, by U.S. biotechnology institutional investors. Read More
Biolight Israeli Life Sciences Investments Ltd., of Tel Aviv, said Visci, its wholly owned subsidiary, has filed an investigational new drug application with the FDA to conduct a phase I/IIa study with its subconjunctival Latanoprost controlled-release insert for the treatment of glaucoma. Read More
Capricor Therapeutics Inc., of Los Angeles, presented data at the American College of Cardiology 63rd Annual Scientific Session and Expo highlighting positive data from the phase I portion of the company’s ALLSTAR (ALLogeneic heart STem cells to Achieve myocardial Regeneration) phase I/II trial, which met its primary endpoint of safety. Read More
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., of Jerusalem, said the U.S. Supreme Court has granted the company’s Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) certiorari petition and will hear its appeal of a decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that invalidated the claim of U.S. Patent 5,800,808 (the “’808 patent”). Read More
Forest Laboratories Inc., of New York, and Gedeon Richter Plc, of Budapest, Hungary, reported positive top-line results from a global, randomized, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, eight-week phase IIb trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of cariprazine in patients with depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. Read More
