Breaking News on Drug Discovery
All news articles > July 2005
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29-Jul-2005
Cara Therapeutics announces novel analgesic trial
Cara Therapeutics has announced positive results of a phase 1 clinical trial for its new class of peripherally acting kappa opioid agonists currently under development for the treatment of postoperative pain.
Optoelectronic tweezers created to sort cells
A new device - dubbed an "optoelectronic tweezer," enables researchers to manipulate large numbers of single cells and particles using optical images projected onto a glass slide coated with photoconductive materials. The device could prove essential in a number of pharmaceutical R&D applications.
Applied Biosystems profit rises on sales
Applied Biosystems Group reported a 40 per cent leap in profits as the company released its forth quarter 2005 figures. The rise in sales reflects the increased demand for biosecurity and human identification products as well as its TaqMan gene expression assays.
Invitrogen acquires BioSource International
Invitrogen Corporation has acquired the publicly held life sciences company BioSource International in a transaction totalling approximately $130 million. This deal adds to Invitrogen's growing collection of protein and primary antibody products reflected in the acquisitions of Zymed Laboratories and Caltag Laboratories.
28-Jul-2005
R&D spending per NME declines
According to a recent survey, the pharma industry spent an estimated $1.25 billion for each new molecular entity (NME) approved by the FDA in 2004. The figure represents the second consecutive year in which this figure has declined from the high of $1.82 billion in 2002, and reflects the sharp upturn in NME approvals in 2003 and 2004.
27-Jul-2005
Pharma managers wanted in science journalism
Novis is currently seeking experts to develop as science journalists across several of its pharmaceutical and food industry news services.
Varian launches magnets for routine lab applications
Global supplier of scientific instruments, Varian, have launched its first premium shielded vertical high-resolution superconducting magnets designed to reduce stray magnetic fields by up to fivefold (in volume). Pharmaceutical and academic laboratories are to benefit by making nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) more accessible for routine applications.
Labcyte raises $21 million in financing round
Labcyte has announced that it has closed its latest round of financing in which $21 milllion was raised. The funds will be used to expand its low-volume liquid handling business with a view to marketing the next Labcyte product in the genomics and proteomics market.
26-Jul-2005
Acambis commences C. difficile vaccine trial
Acambis has commenced clinical trials of its investigational vaccine against Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) - a common hospital-acquired infection, in which a new virulent strain has emerged, causing sharp increases in the number of infections and associated deaths worldwide.
Sirna demonstrates siRNA efficacy
The first study of systemic siRNA efficacy at therapeutically relevant doses has been published by Sirna Therapeutics, who have demonstrated an almost complete reduction of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The study establishes a strong scientific foundation for the human application of RNAi-based therapeutics.
J&JPRD and Hurel enter scientific collaboration
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development (J&JPRD) and the Hurel Corporation have entered into a joint scientific collaboration to develop microfluidic, technology, with a view to launching the world's first in vitro test of first-pass liver bioavailability in humans
25-Jul-2005
Maxim issued with novel cancer drug patent
Maxim Pharmaceuticals has been issued with a US patent that covers a novel class of potent apoptosis inducers with vascular targeting activity that inhibits microtubule formation - a prime drug target in the fight against cancer.
Nanodrop introduces new fluorospectrometer
NanoDrop Technologies has introduced a fluorospectrometer to its line of analytical instruments that allow researchers to measure ever-smaller sample amounts making it ideal for today's drug research environment.
Scientists discover molecule potential for Alzheimer's
Scientists from the University of California have discovered three molecules that show great potential in the development of new Alzheimer's drugs. The new therapy targets a protein that accumulates in Alzheimer's victims effectively curing the patient.
Schering raises forecasts after strong first-half
The world's biggest maker of birth-control pills, Schering AG, has unveiled its second-quarter profit for 2005, which saw the drugmaker's profits rise by 34 per cent, helped by sales of its Yasmin contraceptive and gains from the sale of its stake in a marketing company.
22-Jul-2005
Provectus begins cancer treatment trials
Provectus Pharmaceuticals are to begin phase 1 clinical trials of new cancer treatment, PV-10, the company's new drug candidate for the treatment of metastatic melanoma (the most aggressive form of skin cancer), in which 53,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the US.
Pfizer harnesses Indian IT strength
Pfizer has revealed that it is set to outsource some of its technology jobs to India, harnessing the country's IT infrastructure to focus more on clinical trial and other R&D-related information management.
Animal extremists torch university boathouse
Animal rights extremists sunk to a new low as Oxford University was targeted in an arson campaign, which resulted in an estimated £500,000 (€719 000) worth of damage to boats and property. The attack was specifically intended to halt construction of a primate research centre.
21-Jul-2005
Sosei deal beefs up Japanese presence
Japanese biopharmaceutical company Sosei, is to acquire UK-based Arakis, in a £106.5 million deal that includes a £213 million ($375 million) global partnership with Novartis for its lead product, a once daily, inhaled, long-acting antimuscarinic agent for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
BioGenex launches the Xmatrx
BioGenex announces the launch of the Xmatrx, a walk-away system for automation of FISH, ISH, and IHC for molecular diagnostics and therapeutic target identification and validation as well as cell and tissue staining applications, proving ideal for drug research and development.
Millipore posts stronger revenue, but profits close
Manufacturing consolidation and acquisition costs helped reduce net income as Millipore revealed its 2005 second quarter financial results. The company has just completed the purchase of two companies with the intention of increasing its presence in the bioprocess market.
20-Jul-2005
Sigma-Aldrich launches research tools
Sigma-Aldrich has launched a handful of laboratory equipment and technological developments that could prove useful in drug discovery. The life science company is currently in the midst of a reorganisation of its operating structure involving Sigma's two life science and high-tech research businesses.
Cylene enters novel cancer agent trials
A first-in-class small molecule with a novel mechanism of action that selectively induces cancer cell death is to undergo phase I clinical trials. Its makers, Cylene Pharmaceuticals have claimed the drug candidate has shown efficacy in colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
InterMune and Array expand Hep C collaboration
Intermune and Array BioPharma have agreed to extend and expand their current Hepatitis C (HCV) drug discovery collaboration. The main area of focus, protease inhibitors, represents a promising class of drugs for HCV because of its involvement in viral replication and suppressive effects on host response to viral invasion.
19-Jul-2005
Data states IND applications up from 2004
According to latest findings, the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry submitted 542 commercial Investigational New Drug (IND) applications in 2004, increasing by more than a third from the previous year.
Roche acquires Swiss-based GlycArt
Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has acquired GlycArt Biotechnology in an attempt to further strengthen Roche's capabilities in the therapeutic antibody research sector, capitalising on their pre-existing collaboration in September 2004.
18-Jul-2005
Abingworth raises $53M for drug investment
Life sciences investment group Abingworth Management has announced the initial Abingworth BioEquities Fund (ABE) has raised $53 million (€44 million) to invest across the life sciences field including human therapeutics.
rap.ID launches new particle identifier
A particle finder, which can determine particle size, number and shape within 15 seconds, has been launched by German equipment supplier rap.ID, which believes such technology could solve the problem of foreign particle contamination in pharmaceutical products.
Nanion shrinks electrophysiology for pharma
Nanion has launched the world's smallest first generation of throughput optimised patch-clamp automats. This drug discovery technology is based on a micro-structured chip, which facilitates electrophysiological experiments for ion channel screening - a long and well-established target for drug therapy.
Drug may repair DMD heart damage
Scientists believe they may have found a way to prevent heart failure associated with the genetic disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The study is the first to demonstrate a new, promising approach to repairing the cardiac damage inflicted.
15-Jul-2005
T-cell control discovery boosts new drug research
Scientists have taken a major step forward in autoimmune disease research after the process of T-cell trafficking through the blood and lymph nodes to fight infection was discovered. Controlling this process with drugs offers "enormous potential" against devastating immune reactions.
Life Therapeutics acquires Pyramid Biological Corp
Life Therapeutics has announced the acquisition of Pyramid Biological Corporation in a deal that increases Life Therapeutics presence in the source plasma sector - a market that has nearly doubled, from $125 million (€103 million) to $230 million, averaging over 6 per cent annual growth.
Pharma shift determines venture capital landscape
According to new data, venture capital funding is on a downswing with a demand for acquisitions shifting in the pharmaceutical sector. The news could signal a trend towards the acquisition of compounds, rights, licenses and product lines, rather than deals for entire companies.
Sigma-Aldrich restructures research units
Sigma-Aldrich is reorganising its operating structure, although its fine chemicals unit SAFC will be unaffected by the restructuring.
SIDMAP expands with new lab facility
Metabolic profiling company SIDMAP has opened a new laboratory in West Los Angeles, California, US.
14-Jul-2005
Report identifies investigator recruitment tactics
A recent report has identified the need for effective clinical investigator recruitment, which has become so crucial in the laboratory management of successful clinical trials and subsequent product launches.
Takeda acquires next-gen diabetes treatment rights
Pharmaceutical company, Takeda, has struck a deal with pharmaceutical services provider, PPD, in which it has acquired the rights to all dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibitors - one of a new generation of agents for diabetes treatment.
Gene therapy market suffers growth setbacks
New analysis into the gene therapy market reveals that toxicological complications and poor therapy efficacy have hampered the growth of this sector in which new ways must be found to improve clinical efficiency and generate revenue.
13-Jul-2005
Infinity initiates Phase I myeloma drug trial
Infinity Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of a phase I clinical trial of the company's lead investigational anticancer agent for the development of a potential treatment for patients with multiple myeloma. The compound will subsequently be developed for additional hematologic (blood) cancers and solid tumour indications.
Thermo Electron launches CDS software for LIMS
Thermo Electron announces the launch of its chromatography data system (CDS), which provides enhancements in data integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for improved laboratory productivity.
12-Jul-2005
Proteus offers services to 3rd parties
French biotechnology company Proteus is launching a business unit to provide protein engineering and production services for the life science industry.
Roche, GE link up on personalised medicine
Roche and GE Healthcare have entered into a collaboration aimed at developing a personalised care strategy for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Finding sheds light on drug toxicity
Researchers in the US have uncovered the mechanism underlying a genetic tendency for some patients to be more susceptible to side effects of drugs than others.
AstraZeneca licenses cholesterol drug class from Avanir
AstraZeneca has forged a deal with US biotechnology company Avanir Pharmaceuticals - valued at up to $340 million - for the development of a new type of treatment for high cholesterol that could be more effective than current drugs in treating established cardiovascular disease.
Applied Bio, Invitrogen forge proteomics alliance
Applied Biosystems has teamed up with Invitrogen to combine forces on providing proteomic analyses and biomarker studies in drug discovery and disease research.
08-Jul-2005
Dendritic cell vaccines allow rapid response
The efficiency of vaccinations could be dramatically improved by combining peptide antigens with dendritic cells, according to new research published in the journal Nature Medicine (July issue).
Ambion library helps map out endocytosis
A small interfering RNA (siRNA) library developed by Ambion has been used to provide a detailed analysis of endocytosis, the process by which cells internalise nutrient, cell signalling, and other molecules.
Triple reuptake inhibitors will inherit depression market
A new class of antipressant - dubbed the triple reuptake inhibitor - will in time come to dominate the market for depression treatments and achieve multibillion dollar revenues, according to new market research.
Merck licenses Sumitomo schizophrenia agent
US drugmaker Merck & Co has signed a deal with Japan's Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals, which gives it an exclusive license to SM13496 (lurasidone), an atypical antipsychotic that the latter company is developing for the treatment of schizophrenia.
07-Jul-2005
Belgium is OECD star on biopharma innovation
A recent study designed to assess biopharmaceutical innovation in the member states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has found that, in terms of innovation and biotechnology industry development, Belgium is the best performing country.
Hamilton launches automation solutions
Hamilton launches two new products, which are set to aid the facilitation of automation in laboratories, placing tedious and time-consuming processes in the hands of cutting edge and cost-effective technology for automation.
06-Jul-2005
Gene scanning technology advances disease research
A new gene scanning technology, developed by researchers in the UK, is set to have a major impact on healthcare in the future with the potential to lead a very personalised genetic profile relevant to drug prescribing, leading to more personalised medicine and screening.
New HIV drug class forms deal focus
ViroLogic, announced the signing of a multi-year, $4.8 million (€4 million) service agreement with Schering-Plough Research Institute, to use ViroLogic's novel HIV resistance testing technology to support Schering-Plough's drug R&D into a new class of HIV drug.
05-Jul-2005
Phytomedics licenses plant-derived drug compound
Botanical drug specialists, Phytomedics, has licensed a novel anti-inflammatory compound, achieving development of heterogenous plant-derived products as ethical drugs in the US, while reducing costs and time frames in comparison to new chemical entities or biologics with a product that has strong drug market exclusivity.
Death-inducing cell overcomes resistance
The drug resistance encountered by scientists when treating cancer cells has been the subject of research by German scientists who believe they have identified a cellular protein, which mediates a death signal.
Arena announces P1 insomnia drug data
Arena Pharmaceuticals has announced the latest results of a phase I clinical trial that is testing a novel insomnia compound, which could treat the 30 to 40 per cent of US adults, who complain about some level of insomnia in the course of a year, and the 10 to 15 per cent of US adults who complain that their condition is severe or chronic.
04-Jul-2005
Topigen introduces FANA technology for drug R&D
Topigen Pharmaceuticals has launched a new 3rd generation chemistry technology, which has been designed for improving oligonucleotide-based therapeutics that has the potential for broad gene-targeting drug applications.
Sigma launches FluoroProfile
Sigma Aldrich has launched a new kit, which incorporates a novel approach for the fluorescent quantification of proteins offering numerous advantages over existing kits that include reversible covalent binding, large dynamic range, improved sensitivity, and emission stability.
Bayer publishes clinical trial data
Bayer Healthcare has announced that it will publish information about its ongoing clinical trials, reinforcing the intention of the pharmaceutical companies within the industry to provide an arena in which they can publish information on their international and national clinical trials.
Scientists show microRNA development role
US scientists have shown that microRNA (miRNA) plays an essential role in the development of the fruit fly. The discovery means that miRNA could emerge as a new target for interventions aimed at treating disease, or as a therapeutic in its own right.
01-Jul-2005
Silver antimicrobial use granted US patent
An ionic silver complex designed for human antimicrobial use has received a US patent, in a move that could well see increased usage of this technology that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial qualities as well as displaying a lack of causing resistant strains.
Qiagen buys Nextal tools for €8 millon
Dutch nucleic acid specialist, Qiagen, has entered into an agreement to acquire Nextal Biotechnology, a provider of sample preparation tools which make protein crystallisation more accessible. The deal also signals Qiagen's intention towards standardisation of complex preanalytical processes, replacing homebrew methods.
EMEA finalises EU pharma guideline procedure
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has finalised a new procedure designed to make the process for the development, consultation, finalisation and implementation of pharmaceutical guidelines clearer.
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