Breaking News on Drug Discovery
All news articles > January 2006
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31-Jan-2006
Pharmion and MethylGene in $272 million cancer drug deal
Pharmion and MethylGene has announced the formation of an international licensing agreement potentially worth $272 million (€224 million) for new class of compounds that inhibits gene expression providing a tumour and haematological malignancy treatment platform.
Xceleron leads EU microdose programme
As proof of microdosing's potential in drug development, bioanalytical CRO, Xceleron, is to lead the European Union Microdose AMS Partnership Programme (EUMAPP) having additionally been awarded €2.1 million to further develop this technology.
Sanofi 4Q overshadowed by impending legislation
French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Aventis, reported an increase in sales for the fourth quarter with its vaccine business continuing to impress. The company's performance precedes two upcoming decisions later this year that will greatly impact its financial future.
Ingenuity Systems launches pathway analysis tool
Ingenuity Systems have launched the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) 3.1, a web-based software application that enables biologists and bioinformaticians to understand biological mechanisms, pathways and functions.
Researchers prove custom-designed enzymes are possible
Researchers have come up with definitive proof that proteins can be custom-designed for a new and pre-determined activity, signalling a new direction in drug production as well as having relevance to the biotechnological and medicinal industry.
26-Jan-2006
3D HIV structure reveals new insghts
Scientists have taken a major step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV as it was revealed that the virus' 3D structure had been constructed. This achievement will prove instrumental in the development of more effective therapeutic drug approaches.
Roche in anti-inflammatory partnership with Amira
Swiss pharma giants, Roche, has announced a collaboration with Amira Pharmaceuticals, which is to focus on inflammatory disease targets, in a deal that could build on Roche's strong position in the inflammatory market, having established its MabThera, CellCept and Actemra products in this sector.
Biovitrum deal develops recombinant haemophilia treatment
Biovitrum and Syntonix have entered into agreement to jointly develop and commercialise a genetically engineered product to treat haemophilia, a rare hereditary disorder, which the life expectancy of haemophilia patients is about 10 years less than for individuals without haemophilia.
Scienion introduces ultra low-level liquid handling system
Scienion introduces its ultra low-level liquid handling system, which allows the aspiration and dispensing of single cells or low amount of cells for cell-based assays in the drug development field.
25-Jan-2006
Biochips advancement held back by high price
According to a new report, technical advances in the R&D environment have promoted the uptake of biochips in clinical research applications. However, the report identified the high prices as a prime area of concern.
24-Jan-2006
Phosphagenics initiates anti-cancer compound animal trials
Pharmaceutical company, Phosphagenics, has announced the commencement of animal studies on its anti-cancer compound, which claims to destroy diseased cells while not affecting normal ones by primarily acting as a signalling molecule and modulator of cancer pathways.
Thermo introduces next-gen HCS technology
Thermo have introduced, what it claims is the next generation of high content screening (HCS), launching a compact system that has a small footprint, which frees up valuable lab floor space. The product additionally offers turnkey simplicity and high throughput.
Oxford Immunotec introduces improved TB test
Oxford Immunotec makes available an in vitro diagnostic that measures T-cells specific to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) antigens diagnosing both latent and active TB infection in immunocompromised humans - a significant problem with some existing tests.
VASTox announces positive DMD preclinical news
Genomics company, VASTox, has announced encouraging preclinical results in its drug discovery programme, which aims to find the next generation of treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a disease of which there is no known cure.
Immupharma set to join AIM
ImmuPharma, a drug discovery and development company, are to seek admission to the Alternative Investments Market (AIM), in a move that will give the group the resources necessary to finance initial clinical trials on ImmuPharma's lead drug candidates for severe pain and MRSA-related infections.
19-Jan-2006
Varian introduces two new SPE formats
Varian introduces two new micro extraction solid phase extraction (SPE) formats for bioanalytical research that aims to deliver improved performance and a more streamlined sample preparation process enabling vacuum-free SPE processing of biofluid samples directly in the tip of a popular liquid-handling device.
Enanta Pharma initiates Phase 2 macrolide study
Enanta Pharmaceuticals has announced the initiation of Phase 2 studies investigating a first in class antibiotic candidate that treats community-acquired respiratory tract infections, which has become the sixth most common cause of death in the US.
Scientists isolate suppressor gene as potential drug target
Scientists have found an unusual lung-cancer tumour-suppressor gene, which was shown to restore the inactivated gene slowing the growth of tumour cells. Its importance in cancers of the lung and head and neck may make it a viable drug target.
Beckman launches latest Biomek incarnation
Beckman Coulter makes available a new workstation that automates microarray sample preparation for gene expression studies that offered at a lower cost than other options on the market. The workstation is an evolution of the higher throughput Biomek FX ArrayPLEX application.
MerLion announces dengue drug deal with NITD
MerLion Pharmaceuticals has formed a collaboration with Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, which is to focus on identifying compounds for the treatment of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that is prevalent in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.
17-Jan-2006
Boehringer and Evotec extend drug discovery collaboration
Boehringer Ingelheim has extended its joint drug discovery collaboration with Evotec initiated in September 2004, which targeted therapeutics acting on G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). The extension will include targets from different target classes, including ion channels and enzymes.
Vertex and CFFT extends CF collaboration
Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics have extended their research collaboration initiated in May 2000, in which CFFT will provide an additional $22 million to further develop Vertex's therapies that restore the function of a defective protein.
Lonza expands peptide capacity through acquisition
Lonza has boosted its capacity to produce peptides through liquid phasetechnology with the €120 million acquisition of UCB's Bioproductsmanufacturing division.
Lipoxen listing on AIM raises £3.78M
Lipoxen has announced that its move to list the company on the Alternative Investments Market (AIM) has raised £3.78 million (€5.5 million) in a fundraising effort that will allow them to proceed with preclinical trials to treat disorders such as diabetes, Pneumococcal infections, and hepatitis C.
Genevac launches next-gen evaporator
Genevac announces the launch of a new second-generation version of its EZ-2 centrifugal evaporator, which is able to take tubes, flasks and vials directly from the synthesis process, providing flexibility for those switching their compound generation programmes from serial chemistry to parallel synthesis.
12-Jan-2006
Viral 'fitness' explains various AIDS drugs resistance
AIDS researchers have uncovered new evidence, which points to the 'fitness' of the HIV virus as a primary factor in explaining different resistant patterns to the drugs that treat the disease.
Computational tool uptake dependent on validation issues
A new report reveals that a lack of validation amongst drug discovery processes has emerged as a major restraint to the uptake and penetration levels of computational biology tools in the drug discovery industry.
Sigma introduces one-step affinity purification column
Sigma Aldrich has launched a new integrated lysis and affinity purification (iLAP) column, which greatly simplifies the process of cell lysis and histidine-tagged protein purification into one step, allowing fast, efficient and non-denaturing protein extraction directly from microbial cultures.
Cyprotex adds PAMPA service for drug discovery
ADME/toxicity service providers, Cyprotex, launch a new service to help drug discovery groups assess new oral drug candidates. The service will equip researchers with new pharmacokinetic insights as early as possible, aiming to improve on similar methods currently available.
Protein finding could lead to inflammatory treatment
Researchers are looking into the possibility of using a protein that undesirably shields a skin poxvirus from the immune system as the key ingredient in a new topical treatment for inflammatory diseases.
10-Jan-2006
NanoDrop introduces new spectrophotometer software
NanoDrop Technologies has introduced new software for the NanoDrop ND-1000 UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, which aims to make it an even more powerful and convenient tool for measuring 1 ul samples.
Velocity11 announces automation of cell-based Elisa
Velocity11 has announced a new configuration of its BioCel sample-processing platform that will allow all cell-based Elisa procedures to become fully automated, reducing the risk of human error, contamination and time spent on tedious procedures.
Scynexis Europe renamed Selcia following sale
Scynexis Europe is to operate under the name Selcia after Scynexis sold its subsidiary in the United Kingdom to its UK management in a move that allows Selcia to provide custom radiolabeling, chemistry and analytics services to a broader customer base.
Pfizer extends ZFP collaboration with Sangamo
Pfizer has announced the expansion of an existing collaboration with Sangamo Biosciences, which will use zinc finger DNA-binding protein (ZFP) technology to develop additional cell lines for enhanced protein production.
Drug induces nerves to repair themselves
New drugs that are based on a compound found in the body may give renewed hope to stroke victims and sufferers of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's as researchers are hopeful of a new therapeutic approach.
05-Jan-2006
New therapeutic targets for CV disease
Research undertaken by Nastech has uncovered that endothelial tight junctions play a role in atherosclerosis, which may provide new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
CROs key to successful patient trials recruitment
According to a new report, the costs of clinical development are rising more rapidly in relation to the other parts of the R&D process, placing greater emphasis on the recruitment of test subjects, as clinical trial service providers become increasingly important in the drug development cycle.
Emergent, CRO, in deal to develop Anthrax therapy
Clinical research organisation, Covalent Group, has agreed with Emergent BioSolutions to develop immune globulins for treatment exposure of anthrax infection, signifying another step in the worldwide drive to bring an effective treatment for this killer disease.
Genzyme strengthens its gene therapy program
With two acquisitions in two months, US biotechnology major Genzyme has strengthened and diversified its ability to develop gene therapy products that use either adenovirus or adeno-associated virus vectors.
PCR patent expiry offers NA technology growth
The expiration of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) patent is set to offer growth opportunities for nucleic acid purification and amplification technologies, particularly for small companies, who can offer tests without developing a novel nucleic acid technology, which normally requires heavy R&D investment.
03-Jan-2006
New target to stop bitter tasting drugs
A recent study highlights the importance of a new a target for taste modulation that could be the key to helping drug manufacturers mask bitter, unwanted tastes that turn many people off their medicines.
Crucell strengthens PER.C6 DSM deal
Crucell and DSM have announced the expansion of its original agreement, building on existing work achieved in the PER.C6 Protein and Monoclonal Antibody Licensing Business.
Europe must invest in nanotechnology R&D
A new report warns that as nanotechnology becomes a reality, Europe must not miss the boat, and raises the alarm that the potential benefits of nanomedicine in Europe will be lost without major investment in R&D.
Penicillin and Amoxicillin's days are numbered
The threat of antibiotic resistance reared its ugly head again after US researchers found that the most common antibiotic treatments do not work in a significant number of cases, leading for calls to find viable alternatives to ageing, established, antibiotics.
Genome discovery may lead to new drugs
A group of researchers think they have cracked the gene code behind a key family of fungi, which includes the leading cause of death in leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. The genome discovery could help combat disease and lead to new drugs.
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