Breaking News on Drug Discovery
All news articles > February 2005
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28-Feb-2005
Morphosys returns first profit in 2004
German antibody specialist Morphosys recorded its first full year of profits in 2004, helped by the first full year of contribution from its Antibodies by Design business which was set up in 2003.
Pharmacogenomics to replace pharma's business model
Pharmacogenomics will alter the balance of power in the way drugs are developed, tested, marketed and prescribed during the next decade, and the blockbuster business model of big pharmaceutical companies will eventually give way to a more targeted approach.
Alliance plans to improve polyketide production
UK-based biotechnology firm Biotica Technology and the University of Cambridge have secured funding for a collaborative research initiative into new expression systems for the production of polyketides.
Hamilton launches Automated Cloning System
Hamilton Life Science Robotics has taken Invitrogen's Gateway Technology one step further by creating an automated cloning system that monitors and tracks each plate undergoing various processes. The system aims to further refine the drug development process and gain further insights into genetic interactions.
Pfizer acquires Idun Pharmaceuticals
Pfizer is to acquire Idun Pharmaceuticals in an agreement, which includes a new technology platform with potential applications in liver disease, inflammation and cancer.
Japan's Daiichi, Sankyo confirm merger plans
The rumours of a marriage between Japanese drugmakers Sankyo and Daiichi Pharmaceutical were confirmed on Friday, when the two companies officially announced their intention to merge in a stock deal valued at around Y 813.0 billion yen (€5.88bn).
25-Feb-2005
CDK patent granted to Cyclacel
Cyclacel has received a US patent that covers a novel series of pyrimidine small molecules shown to inhibit the progress of cells through the cancer cell cycle. The patented compounds may be useful as therapeutics for cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Pharma R&D investment tops €29.3 billion
New statistics released today show that total US investments in R&D made by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry topped $38.8 billion (€29.3 billion) during 2004. This beats the $34.5 billion total set in 2003 and demonstrates the steady increase in R&D over more than two decades, from an estimated investment of $2 billion in 1980.
ITI launches €7.9 million programme
ITI Life Sciences and CXR Biosciences together with Artemis Pharmaceuticals have entered into a £5.5 million (€7.9 million) R&D programme to develop new screening and safety models to more accurately predict the effects of drug compounds and their breakdown products in the human body.
Suicidal cancer cells sustained by protein
Researchers have found a protein, which plays a significant role in colorectal carcinoma. The protein blocks the ability of tumours to activate a natural self-destruct mechanism that would clear the cancer from the body.
Nano-enabled drug discovery set to dominate
Nanotechnology for molecular targeting and drug delivery is set to become a trillion-dollar industry, fuelled by the pharmaceutical industry, which faces increasingly challenging market conditions. This has lead to an intensified search for better drug discovery technologies.
23-Feb-2005
Serologicals buys media firm to hike stem cell focus
Serologicals has continued its acquisitive streak, buying the cell culture business Specialty Media from Sentigen Holding Corp, for $6.5m (€4.9m) in cash. The unit will be integrated into Serologicals' Chemicon subsidiary.
Proteomics market to reach $17.5 billion by 2009
According to a recent report, projected sales for the worldwide DNA sequencing and proteomics markets are expected to rise at an average annual growth rate of 17.6 per cent from $7.8 billion (€5.9 billion) in 2004 to $17.5 billion in 2009.
Researchers discover tumour resistance mechanism
Researchers in the US have shed light on how tumours acquire resistance to kinase inhibitors. The discovery may help explain the acquired resistance observed in chemotherapy, which currently blights existing cancer treatments.
Novartis deal puts spotlight on generics
Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant has acquired two companies as it aims to expand its generics drug portfolio and increase its presence in the generics sector. The strategic move is expected to make Novartis the world's top seller of branded drugs.
Post surgery drugs fuelling drug resistance
According to a latest study, only half of all patients receive appropriately administered antimicrobial infection medication within one hour of major surgery. The figure emphasises just how much patients are at risk from surgical site infections.
21-Feb-2005
TZD class emerges as next-gen diabetic treatment
A report into the therapeutics market for diabetics has identified the need for new drug therapies. In addition the report identified significant interest in Amylin's/Lilly's Exenatide and the Thiazolidinedione (TZD) therapeutic class.
Molecular machine to aid drug discovery
A crystallised form of a new molecular machine may lead to new drugs to combat human diseases by using a technique that removes any malfunctioning genes. The thinking is that normal genes can take over without actually changing the genetic code.
Pharma and biotech industry thriving in 'new' EU
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the 'new' EU countries are rapidly expanding, presenting considerable potential, although parallel imports remain a challenge.
Millennium's antibody-chemotherapeutic shows promise
Millenium Pharmaceuticals has announced final results from a clinical trial of MLN2704, a novel antibody intended for the chemotherapeutic treatment of advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Cyclacel solve 3-D structures of PCNA complexes
Cyclacel researchers and collaborators have solved the 3-D atomic structure of human Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), a protein involved in cancer. The discovery should prove crucial in designing and developing drugs that act on the cancer cell cycle through a variety of targets.
18-Feb-2005
Purdue uses nanomaterials for drug discovery
Researchers have built and demonstrated a prototype for a new class of miniature devices to study synthetic cell membranes in an effort to speed the discovery of new drugs for a variety of diseases, including cancer.
DOR BioPharma initiates botulinum program
DOR BioPharma has announced the initiation of drug design program to identify oral, small molecule drugs to counter the effects of botulinum toxin exposure. Currently, there are no clinically acceptable drugs that either slow or reverse the effects of botulinum toxin.
Researchers identify target for cancer drugs
Researchers have presented findings, which go some way in understanding a communication pathway inside of cells that contributes to development of brain and prostate cancers. The discovery may present drug makers with a significant drug target.
Affinium launches new class of antibiotics
Affinium Pharmaceuticals announced today it has selected a drug candidate, which may represent a potential breakthrough as the first antibiotic to a newly targeted bacterial pathway in 40 years.
GPhA urges FDA to support generic drugs
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) has praised the Food and Drug Administration for validating the science of generic biopharmaceuticals and making significant progress in establishing requirements to approve these medicines.
16-Feb-2005
Neurodegeneration treatments identified in study
Researchers in the US have identified several promising drug compounds, which when combined, show the potential to treat Huntingdon's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Big pharma missing nanotechnology opportunities
A new report reveals that large pharmaceutical companies are investing in less money and people in nanotech than other industries, despite pressure to replace fading blockbuster drugs.
New HT service accelerates cellular target screening
A new high throughput ion channel screening service has been launched by BioFocus, which will allow pharmaceutical companies to pre-screen libraries against defined cell lines, identifying target compounds and limiting the use of more time-consuming electrophysiological evaluation techniques.
FDA in the dock over drug scandals
US officials attempted to restore the reputation of the pharmaceutical industry by announcing plans to introduce an independent board, which aims to monitor the safety of drugs on the market.
Sigma-Aldrich introduces gene knockout system
Sigma-Aldrich introduces the TargeTron gene knockout system, a tool that is set to feature prominently in functional genomics and systems biology. It incorporates technology that exploits the retrohoming ability of group II introns, which "target" the exact position of gene disruption.
15-Feb-2005
Human microdose trial data encouraging
As the cost of commercialising drugs continues to spiral, results from a trial evaluating the concept of human microdosing is set to offer great potential in drug development. The pharmaceutical industry is placing importance in finding ways of getting new, safe drugs to the market within a quicker time period.
Molecular Devices introduces ion channel screening system
Molecular Devices has introduced the IonWorks Quattro, which claims to have four times the throughput capability over its predecessor the IonWorks HT.
Education system fails pharma industry
The UK education system is failing to provide sufficient high calibre scientists needed for the research-based pharmaceutical industry. The concern is that financial targets have meant university science departments becoming increasingly vulnerable to closure.
Drug-resistant HIV puts pressure on industry
The first documented case of drug resistant HIV has prompted calls to step up HIV drug research after the victim developed full-blown AIDS in just three months.
Scientists discover signal KO's cause diabetes
US scientists have demonstrated that by knocking out two key signals in liver cells causes diabetes. These findings pave the way for drug strategies to boost these two different signals and treat the different metabolic components in sufferers.
11-Feb-2005
Antibiotic resistance rises in European regions
High rates of antibiotic resistance in South and East Europe are higher than in northern Europe because the regions have high rates of antibiotic use, according to a study published in this week's issue of The Lancet.
€10 million EU project devoted to biocrystallography
A €10 million grant from the EU has allowed researchers throughout Europe to advance their research in the field of 'biological crystallography,' which aims to create precise, 3-D "architectural" models of biological molecules.
Studies improve understanding of drug targets
Researchers have developed a new structural understanding of how the two key subunits of kinases, one of the most important classes of enzymes, work together. kinases have increasingly become prime targets for drugs to treat an array of diseases.
Genetix launches technology for biopharma development
Genetix Limited has launched the ClonePixFL, a mammalian cell imaging and picking instrument that builds upon the success of the ClonePix adding fluorescent capabilities to its clone picking abilities.
Genomic Solutions launches plate arraying technology
Genomic Solutions have launched its plate arraying technology on the BioRobotics MicroGrid II and the GeneMachines OmniGrid Accent. This technology allows the production of DNA and protein microarrays in 96 and 384-well microplates allowing the printing of over 1000 features within an individual well in a 96-well microplate.
09-Feb-2005
Pharmaceutical firms must innovate faster
According to a recent survey, leading pharmaceutical firms claim that despite the decline in R&D productivity, scientists are working harder and completing more projects.
Sanofi's new Eloxatin consolidates its strong position
FDA's approval of Sanofi-Aventis' Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) is unlikely to increase the drug's patient base, but the new formulation should consolidate Sanofi-Aventis' position as the largest pharmaceutical firm in Europe and a major player in colorectal cancer treatment.
Invitrogen acquires Dynal Biotech for €300 million
Invitrogen announced it is to acquire Dynal Biotech, the molecular separation and purification technology company. The deal will provide Invitrogen with bead-based isolation technologies that targets key medical research issues.
ITI Life Sciences to focus on 3D assays
ITI Life Sciences launches the first R&D programme to develop 3-dimensional cell-based assays with fluorescence lifetime detection technology that aims to address a significant bottleneck in the drug discovery and development process.
08-Feb-2005
Terrorist fears drive bomb detector sales in pharma
A UK company is finding that the pharmaceutical industry is a lucrative new market for its under vehicle bomb detector, now that terrorist attacks are no longer confined to political and military targets.
Substance protects resilient Staph bacteria
Researchers have identified a promising new drug target in their fight against resilient Staphylococcus bacteria that can be transmitted to patients in hospitals via contaminated medical implants.
Biacore launches protein analysis system
Biacore International has launched the Biacore T100, a system that analyses the protein interactions that occur in disease pathways, selection of drug candidates and decisions on the safety of a protein therapeutic.
India begins its first human AIDS trial
India begins its first ever human clinical trial of an investigational vaccine candidate designed to treat HIV/AIDS, which now has a worldwide infection rate of 14,000 every day.
First 900 MHz NMR magnet installation achieved
Bruker Biospin has announced the successful delivery and installation of its 900MHz NMR magnet, delivering the highest field strength actively shielded NMR magnet available today.
EiRx and Merck sign agreement
EiRx Therapeutics has entered into an agreement with Merck to carry out research using its cancer cell assays to use its technology for identifying drug targets.
04-Feb-2005
Qiagen launches siRNA design service
Qiagen launches a unique siRNA design service that provides a guarantee that at least 50 per cent of the siRNAs produced will result in efficient knockdown to the researcher's specific requirements.
Wyatt demonstrates drug molecular characterisation
US company Wyatt Technology has demonstrated the importance of macromolecular characterisation in drug discovery using its DAWN EOS detector.
Hana initiates trials of PT-523 for lung cancer
Hana Biosciences announced today the clinical trial initiation of PT-523 to evaluate this compound as a single agent in relapsed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung cancer continues to carry the poorest prognosis of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 10 -15 per cent.
Researchers target Alzheimer's enzyme
Significant progress toward a more targeted treatment of Alzheimer's disease was made as scientists targeted an enzyme, which has a differentiated role and opens up perspectives for new drugs that have fewer undesired side effects.
Next-gen renin inhibitor results encouraging
Speedel Experimenta has announced the completion of its human micro-dosing studies into renin inhibitors that are set to provide an effective means of treating hypertension and for protecting end organs such as the heart and kidneys.
03-Feb-2005
Post-tsunami diseases increase victim numbers
According to a new report, the number of victims claimed by the South-East Asian tsunami is likely to rise due to the lack of drugs in active development for post-tsunami diseases. The report identified only 87 drugs in active development for some of the diseases most likely to be threatening the disaster victims.
New reader speeds up cell-based assays
Cybio has launched a new flash luminescence reader that improves throughput and data quality in functional screening of G-Protein coupled receptors and calcium channels in drug discovery and research.
MAbs to replace ineffective conventional therapies
The European monoclonal antibody therapeutics market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.1 per cent to $11.4 billion (€8.7 billion) by 2011. The growth is fuelled by the need for safe and effective treatment alternatives to autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
GPC Biotech starts trials of cancer antibody
GPC Biotech announced the initiation of a Phase I trial with its anticancer monoclonal antibody, 1D09C3, which has already proved effective in the treatment of lymphoid tumours including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Nobex issued PEG-based polymer patents
Nobex Corporation has been granted two new US patents, which expand its 'PEGylation' technology of small polyethylene glycols (PEG) for modifying molecules for improved drug performance.
01-Feb-2005
Genaissance service a potential 'life saver'
Genaissance Pharmaceuticals expansion of its genetic testing service comes after it was revealed there are over 50 approved drugs which prolong the QT interval potentially causing cardiac arrythmias and safety concerns amongst effective anti-arrhythmic agents.
Singapore's pharma sector exceeds aims
Singapore's manufacturing output, which includes pharmaceutical technology, recorded a 33 per cent growth in 2004, achieving this target one year ahead of schedule and exceeding projected figures compiled in 2000.
Vitra and IDBS deal combines lead id tools
Vitra Bioscience and IDBS have entered into an agreement that merges IDBS' MathIQ software with Vitra's CellCard System. The combination of such technologies is an attempt to accelerate the identification of lead compounds that currently limits the drug discovery process.
Pharma industry applauds animal extremism bill
Pharmaceutical industry groups today welcomed new government legislation, which ensures animal extremists who are found guilty of "economic damage" to research laboratories will face imprisonment of five years.
Avian flu 'passed between humans'
The latest case of the bird flu passing from human-to-human is likely to be the first of many after researchers concluded a victim of the virus may have contracted the disease from her daughter.
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