HONG KONG – Samsung Group is taking its Samsung Biologics Co. Ltd. subsidiary public in Korea as it renews its commitment to develop more biosimilars. Read More

Versartis Inc. lassoed its first commercial partner, Teijin Pharma Ltd., to develop and market its long-acting recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) candidate, somavaratan (VRS-317), in Japan. The deal, which includes both pediatric and adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) indications, called for Versartis to receive $40 million up front and up to $125 million in potential development, regulatory and sales milestones while retaining exclusive rights to the asset in the rest of the world. Read More

TOKYO – A flurry of activity over the past month suggests that the adoption of biosimilars in Japan is about to accelerate. Partnerships with Indian and U.S. companies are bringing new biosimilars to the market, while an association for the drugs was launched to help promote awareness of their benefits. Read More

HONG KONG – A protein that promotes angiogenesis can successfully be used to treat acute myocardial infarction (MI) in mice, offering the prospect of heart bypass without the need for surgery. The findings of a new collaborative Chinese/U.S. study were reported Aug. 11, 2016, in PLOS Biology. Read More

TOKYO – Japan's major pharmaceutical companies have, by-and-large, managed to overcome a series of reverses including drug price reductions and a slowing economy. Read More

MMJ Phytotech Ltd., of Perth Australia, said its wholly owned, Israeli-based subsidiary Phytotech Therapeutics Ltd. will start a phase II trial testing PTL101 capsules in treating intractable epilepsy in children. Planning for an additional phase II study to treat spasticity related symptoms of multiple sclerosis patients using PTL201 is well advanced, the company said. The capsules contain organically derived, highly purified cannabidiol and are using a formulation developed through the company's Gelpell technology. Read More