Nanocarrier Co. Ltd., of Chiba, Japan, submitted an investigational new drug application to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency in Japan for the phase III clinical trial of NC-6004 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. The drug consists of micellar nanoparticles containing cisplatin derivatives. Read More

HONG KONG – Claims last year that the Chinese market was due for a massive exodus, particularly in the biotech space, may have been somewhat premature. Both international and domestic investors are actively betting on the country's pharmaceutical sector. Read More

HONG KONG — Based on the findings of advanced molecular simulations, Japanese researchers have proposed potent new curcumin derivatives for the inhibition of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides, the main causal agents of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The findings could lead to new treatments for AD and other diseases. Read More

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Translational science specialist BRIM Biotechnology Inc. has entered a collaboration agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., a unit of Johnson & Johnson, for research, development and commercialization of compounds identified by Janssen for dengue fever indications. Read More

HONG KONG – The life sciences industry is watching closely to see if Australia follows the U.S. lead in rejecting patent claims involving isolated DNA. Read More

Word leaked out late last week of China's rejection of a patent application by Gilead Sciences Inc. related to the blockbuster hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug, Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), putting a damper – at least for now – on the company's scheme to introduce one of its top-selling drugs into the world's most populous country. Read More

SHANGHAI – Beigene Co. Ltd. is betting its Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, BGB-3111, has world-class potential and is gearing up for proof-of-concept trials in the U.S. to find out. The company just received approval for its investigational new drug application from the FDA and is beginning to build up its U.S.-based operation to support the upcoming trials. Read More

HONG KONG – A group of investors, including one from Singapore, have acquired a majority stake in Iceland-based biosimilar and generics maker Alvogen Inc. The company has been expanding both its expertise in biotech and its presence in Asia-Pacific. Read More