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All news articles > October 2004
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29-Oct-2004
Qiagen launches EU-approved NA purification system
Qiagen has launched the world's first automated sample preparation system for viral nucleic acids to aid molecular diagnostics that conforms to a European Union Directive on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Roche partners next-gen hep C therapy
Pharmasset of the US could receive funding of $168 million (€131.8m) in upfront and milestone payments - with the prospect of receiving more - after licensing its preclinical hepatitis C drug programme to Swiss drug giant Roche.
Accelrys reports disappointing 2Q performance
Accelrys has reported a decrease in revenue in the second quarter of the year. Revenues were slightly down but the company saw a substantial increase in net loss for this year, which it attributed to 'change in revenue recognition.'
Invitrogen buys nucleic acid purification firm
Invitrogen, which supplies reagents, services and software for the life science market, has continued its acquisitive streak with the announcement that it is paying $35 million (€27.5m) for a UK firm - DNA Research Innovations - specialising in nucleic acid purification technologies.
Bruker launches next-gen MALDI-TOF/TOF system
Bruker Daltonics, has launched a new MALDI-TOF and TOF mass spectrometer that offers improved sensitivity, resolution and mass accuracy of TOF/TOF systems for expression proteomics, quantitative proteomics and biomarker discovery.
People on the move
Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced the sudden death of James Palmer, aged 51, the firm's chief scientific officer and president of the Pharmaceutical Research Institute. His death occurred after undergoing surgery. Elliot Sigal, BMS' senior vice president of global clinical and pharmaceutical development, becomes acting president of the PRI.
28-Oct-2004
Girindus adds microwave capability
German contract development and manufacturing company Girindus has installed a microwave system at its plant in the US, reflecting a growing trend in the sector to use microwaves to improve reaction yields.
UK government report warns of potential nanotechnology risks
A report by the UK's Health and Safety Executive has concluded that the safety of the tiny particles created by the emerging nanotechnology industry has not been fully assessed.
27-Oct-2004
Outsourcing on the rise, says CHA report
More than half of pharmaceuticals outsourced at least 20 per cent of their ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicology) studies in 2003, according to a new market research report looking at outsourcing in the sector.
HTS to become key drug discovery tool?
A report focusing on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets in Europe has singled out high throughput screening (HTS) as an approach that will provide mechanistic insights and new drug leads with improved efficiency whilst reducing cost.
Rub-on vaccines do away with needles
US company Sontra Medical has successfully completed the first tests of a novel technology that allows vaccines to be applied topically to the skin, rather than delivered through a needle. Preliminary data suggest the method is as effective as injection in stimulating an immune response.
BioAlliance's buccal bioadhesive brings better results
Bioalliance Pharma, a pharmaceutical company focused on the field of drug resistance, revealed results of a study that indicated a new formulation of miconazole administered as a bioadhesive extended release buccal tablet was more effective compared to the same drug applied in a topical gel for treatment of thrush.
MWG forced to slash staff
Germany's MWG Biotech has said it will slash nearly two thirds of its workforce in a further effort to reduce costs, prompting speculation about the long-term future of the company in its present state.
Protein discovered that halts Alzheimer's progression
Researchers have identified a protein that protects the brain from the destructive effects of Alzheimer's disease, protecting brain cells by blocking another toxic protein that contributes to the disease process
Roche uncovers rapid way to find disease genes
A novel computational method to detect disease-causing genes accurately and rapidly has been reported in the latest issue of Science (22 October).
25-Oct-2004
Novis beats media old guard for publishing awards
Novis, now with almost half a million readers, last week earned broad industry recognition with two further publishing awards, following on from its best publication prize earlier this year.
QTL launch non-radioactive kinase platform
QTL Biosystems announced the introduction of its QTL LightSpeed Kinase platform and four new kinase Activity Assays, which uses a unique polymer technology that does not require antibodies or radioactive labels, providing a distinct advantage over current homogeneous high-throughput kinase assays.
Regen acquisition boosts Alzheimer's research
Regen Therapeutics (ReGen) announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire Guildford Clinical Pharmacology Unit Limited (GCPUL) confirming its strategy to develop its medical service revenue generating business and developing its Alzheimers treatment, Colostrinin.
Europe's generics market set to double
The growing loss of patent protection on blockbuster drugs over the next few years and the rising need to contain spiralling healthcare costs are going to lend significant impetus to the growth of Europe's generics and biogenerics market, says a new report.
New insight into schizophrenia from post mortem tissue
US target discovery company Psychiatric Genomics has shed new light on the mechanisms behind schizophrenia, pointing to a possible new cellular target that does not rely on modulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
3Q results reflect Serologicals' successful expansion
US life science company Serologicals' decision to enter into a €167.6 million merger with cell signalling specialist Upstate looks to have been the right one as its third quarter performance indicates its increasing presence in the preclinical drug screening and target validation market.
EU accepts BioPartner's interferon as first 'biosimilar' filing
Swiss biopharmaceuticals company BioPartners has filed its first application in Europe for a generic version of interferon alpha, a biological drug. If approved, the 'biosimilar' could be on the market as early as next year.
22-Oct-2004
Macrolide drug class extended to treat TB
A class of drug, which is currently used to fight respiratory tract infections, has demonstrated pharmacological features and potential antibacterial drug activity that may prove effective against Tuberculosis, which is currently experiencing a worldwide resurgence.
Arcoxia data indicates COX-II are safe
Drug company Merck, has presented data this week showing its latest arthrirtis drug, Arcoxia, a treatment in the same class as its recently withdrawn Vioxx, displays no significant difference in the number of serious side effects than those treated with a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Evotec Q3 down from 2003
German biotech company Evotec OAI posted decreased third quarterly revenues of €16.1 million, down 26 per cent compared to 2003. Evotec's performance reflects the difficult operating environment for companies supplying drug discovery technologies.
Pharma industry consolidation to end?
After over fifteen years of consolidation, the pharmaceutical industry may have reached a 'steady state', or even be facing future fragmentation.
LabCD plays assays to GENESIS tunes
Tecan Europe has made available the LabCD, a centrifugally driven microfluidics disc platform which the makers say will provide a seamless in vitro method for ADMET applications in the drug development process.
21-Oct-2004
Nobex teams up with Biocon for oral insulin
Nobex has partnered with Biocon of India to accelerate its project to develop an oral formulation of insulin, to provide a more patient-friendly alternative to current injectable products for diabetes.
Vaccines without refrigeration possible, says Cambridge Biostability
A new technology that could revolutionise vaccine delivery by eliminating the need for refrigeration has been given UK government funding in a project to deliver immunisations to the developing world.
20-Oct-2004
B-MS arthritis drug shows promise in Ph III
Bristol-Myers Squibb has reported encouraging data from two late-stage trials of a new drug for rheumatoid arthritis, abatacept, the first in a new class of T cell costimulation modulators.
Implantable RFID chip decision draws criticism
This week's announcement of the US approval for an implantable radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip for use in humans as a prescription device has been met with consternation by a consumer group, which fears the technology could infringe civil liberties.
Dynex deal strengthens Magellan microplate market spot
Magellan Biosciences' expressed interest in the life science, research and clinical diagnostics market turned to action after the life sciences company confirmed the acquisition of Dynex Technologies.
New drug candidate for stroke makes progress
The road to a new treatment for stroke is littered with the remains of failed projects, so any data suggesting that a drug has activity in this indication should be greeted with cautious optimism at best. But AstraZeneca has joined those vying to become only the second approved drug for stroke.
Technique set to improve drug design
Researchers in the US believe the discovery of a technique, which once applied to an enzyme that degrades anti-cancer drugs in humans, may improve such drugs' design and effectiveness.
Pumps as good as jabs in diabetic infants
Pre-school youngsters with type I diabetes can be treated as successfully with insulin pumps as with daily injections, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine report.
Insmed trials encourage further cancer R&D
Biopharmaceutical company, Insmed, are to commence clinical development of a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has demonstrated anti-tumour activity in preclinical studies of breast, lung, pancreatic and prostate tumours.
18-Oct-2004
Applied Bio system speeds PCR
Applied Biosystems has launched a new system for carrying out polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments in 96-well plates that can dramatically cut the time it takes to carry out the procedure.
Drug target for muscle wasting emerges
Research into the causes of muscle wasting in diseases such as cancer and diabetes have thrown up a new potential drug target, according to US researchers, who report their findings in Cell (15 October issue).
Belgium's Peakadilly set up to exploit 'pharmacoproteomics'
A new biotechnology company - Peakadilly - has been set up in Belgium to provide molecular diagnostic tools to guide the development of new drugs. The company maintains that the tools will make drug development more efficient, effective and economical, writes Phil Taylor.
Cranberry treatment for herpes?
Alpine cranberries may help to fight infection by the herpes virus, one of the most common viral infections in humans, according to new findings by a Taiwan team.
BMJ report seeks side effect disclosure
Researchers writing in the British Medical Journal have argued that drug companies must disclose all adverse events encountered during drug development ahead of licensing.
Positive steps forward in malaria prevention
Children around the world at risk of malaria took a step closer to having a protective vaccine with the reporting of encouraging new data on a candidate developed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.
FDA clears RFID chip for humans
The US Food and Drug Administration this week approved the first implantable radiofrequency identification microchip for human use, elevating RFID from a tool for supply chain management into an enabling technology for improving healthcare delivery to patients.
15-Oct-2004
Synairgen's flotation raises asthma research finance
Asthma research company Synairgen, has announced plans to seek a listing on London's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) to raise funds for the research and development of chronic bronchitis (COPD) and asthma.
Beckman launches flow cytometry software
Leading instrument company Beckman Coulter has launched new software for its Cytomics FC 500 MPL flow cytometer which it enables users to automate instrument set-up and data acquisition, which could help the process of identifying new drug targets.
Avecia wins $50m plague vaccine contract
UK-based Avecia has been awarded a $50.7 million (€41m) contract by the US government for the development of a recombinant plague vaccine. The contract provides funds for pilot lot manufacture, release, testing and initial human clinical trials over the next three years.
Serologicals completes Upstate buy
Serologicals has completed its acquisition of Upstate Group, acquiring the privately held company for $205 million (€166m) in cash ($102.5m) and stock.
Benitec licenses RNAi delivery system
Australia's Benitec, a specialist in gene silencing technologies based on RNA interference (RNAi), has broadened its patent estate by licensing a technology from Stanford University in the US that could overcome the problems in delivering these agents as therapeutics.
14-Oct-2004
Iron imbalance linked to Parkinson's disease
Too much or too little iron intake may have a significant impact on the brain, increasing the risk of Parkinson's disease, according to a US team.
Nanofibres to deliver drugs to wounds
Researchers in the US have reported the initial development of a biodegradable polymeric nanofibre-based antibiotic delivery system, which promotes the healing process even in hard-to-treat wounds.
13-Oct-2004
Zambon, ObeTherapy start obesity collaboration
Italian pharmaceuticals company Zambon has linked up with France's ObeTherapy Biotechnology in a project to screen low-molecular weight drugs against a novel target in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia, metabolic syndrome and obesity.
Fuji develops system for nucleic acid market
Fuji Photo Film has entered the worldwide nucleic acid extraction marketplace with a product which it claims can deliver DNA whole blood samples in as little as six minutes.
AstraZeneca delays diabetes drug
AstraZeneca has suffered another disappointment in its late-stage pipeline, with the news that the filing for approval of Galida (tesaglitazar), its new drug for diabetes, will be delayed by the need to carry out more studies.
12-Oct-2004
NIR studies back up usefulness of technique for QC
A new study has shown that near-infrared sprectroscopy (NIR) can be used to check the active pharmaceutical ingredient content of tablets - even if they are present in very low quantities - supporting its use in process analytical technology (PAT), a system of quality control favoured by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Report recommends more Alzheimer's research
A report that focuses on Alzheimer's Disease and the crop of new drugs to treat it, cites neuroprotection as a potential treatment that may become more effective than the host of symptomatic treatments currently available.
Fujirebio, Carna plan kinase alliance
Medical diagnostics company Fujirebio is to combine its microarray platform with Carna Biosciences to create a series of new products for kinase studies.
Novo launches first prefilled hGH pen in US
Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk has launched a new product in its Norditropin range of human growth hormone (hGH) that simplifies the delivery of the drug to children with growing difficulties.
11-Oct-2004
AK opens Irish centre of excellence
Engineering firm AK Pharmaceuticals is to open a new Engineering Centre of Excellence in Ireland, in a move that reaffirms the healthy position of the Irish pharmaceutical industry. The move is set to create 220 new jobs over the next three years.
A new target to topple cancer resistance?
Efforts to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy by blocking cellular mechanisms that underlie resistance to cytotoxic drugs have promised much but delivered little to date. Now, a team of researchers in the US believe they have uncovered a new molecular target that could re-invigorate research in this area.
BrachySil trial given thumbs up
Nanotechnology company pSivida has announced the results of the BrachySil trial, which has confirmed expectations that the compound (32P-BioSilicon) is safe and effective at tumour progression and raises possibilities of an effective weapon against liver cancer.
Takeda licenses 'first chemoprotective drug'
Japanese pharmaceutical company, Takeda, has entered into collaboration with Bionumerik Pharmaceuticals, with the intention of marketing Bionumerik's Tavocept (dimensa), a chemoprotective drug that relieves the neurotherapy commonly associated with chemotherapy.
MWG to exit microarrays, lab automation sectors
Genomics specialist MWG Biotech has decided to pull out of microarrays and laboratory automation and focus on its core areas of making nucleic acids and oligonucleotides and DNA sequencing.
Report muses on Biomarker future role
A report cites an emerging trend within the pharmaceutical industry that focuses on the human proteome and in turn, gene expression. The findings are certain to play a future in the discovery of protein-based biomarkers and hence determine the direction of drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
DNA analysis firm febit files for bankruptcy
Germany's febit has filed for insolvency, just nine months after launching its first product, the geniom one DNA analysis instrument, into the life science sector.
08-Oct-2004
Absolute Vision flies solo with BioMeridian brand
UK optical recognition company Absolute Vision - a pioneer in the use of two-dimensional data matrix codes used in laboratories - has set up a new brand which signals a decision to ramp up its in-house marketing efforts.
Applied Bio wins out in US PCR case
Applied Biosystems has been victorious in a patent dispute case, brought in the US by Promega, that strove to overturn the company's patents on technology used in gene amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Biotechnology outpacing pharmaceutical growth
According to a latest report, the growth of the biotechnology company will continue to outpace that of pharmaceutical companies, with the seven largest biotechnology companies growing at rates faster than the pharmaceutical industry's 9.1 per cent average.
Reference tool aids drug discovery
Tool supplier, EMD Biosciences has released the first comprehensive guide to inhibitors for signal transduction and drug discovery research that will enable researchers to pinpoint specific enzymes as a possible target for drug therapy.
Molecular Devices tools up for kinase research
US company Molecular Devices has extended the range of reagents for its IMAP assay system with the launch of a new product intended for use in the discovery of drugs targeting kinases.
07-Oct-2004
Novartis launches first systemic OTC in film strip format
Novartis Consumer Health is set to become one of the first companies to launch a pharmaceutical based in the 'film strip' format, which has become a popular alternative to lozenges and gums for freshening the breath.
PAT guidance delivered to drug industry
The US Food and Drug Administration has published its long-awaiting guidance on process analytical technology (PAT), aimed at encouraging its use and raise the standard of manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.
06-Oct-2004
Chiron troubles add to flu vaccine shortage
Chiron has had to cease production at a UK plant making influenza vaccines, exacerbating an existing shortage of the jab ahead of this year's flu season.
Revolutionary approach hails improved cancer treatment
Cancer treatment to kill tumours could be made more effective by a revolutionary approach to angiogenesis which takes the unusual approach of opening up the tumour blood supply allowing better access for cancer drugs and more effective radiotherapy.
New enzyme theory rewrites catalysis
Scientists have reworked the mechanism of how enzymes work, forcing the pharmaceutical industry to rethink its views on the design of biological catalysts and new drugs.
Biotech's Q3 fundraising brings total to $20 billion
The biotech industry managed to raise almost $6 billion during the third quarter bringing the total raised this year to $20 billion (€16.2 billion), an increase of $3.2 billion from this time last year, reflecting the growing confidence in the biotech sector after a slow summer.
Euro pharma 'needs strong science base'
Franz Humer, president of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations and chief executive of Roche, has issued a plea for a concerted effort at improving Europe's science base at the European Parliament.
BD puts Clontech on the block
Becton Dickinson is planning to sell of its Clontech molecular biology business, five years after purchasing it for $200 million.
Parallel processor opens up genomics data
Fujitsu Laboratories has reported a successful experiment using its BioServer, designed to overcome one of the primary obstacles to drug discovery - taking the huge amount of data coming from genomics efforts and applying it to the design of new drugs.
04-Oct-2004
VEGF contributes to asthma development
Scientists at Yale University in the US have discovered the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of the disease and raises the possibility of new asthma drugs that block VEGF receptors and signalling pathways.
Potential drug discovery for leishmaniasis
Scientists have discovered the antimonial drugs used to treat Leishmaniasis focus on the same drug targets as those drugs used to treat sleeping sickness and Chagas disease, raising the possibility of a multi-functional drug that will cure all three tropical diseases.
Pall filter 'a leap forward' in bioprocessing
Filtration separation specialist Pall has introduced a new filter technology that improves the effectiveness of bioburden reduction in pharmaceutical production and cuts costs.
Beta glucan shown to speed up immune response
Beta glucan appears to help speed up response to infection, which may result in faster healing, report researchers in a new study.
Cottonseed compound could help in prostate cancer
A drug derived from a natural source - the cottonseed rape plant - could find a new application as a cancer drug after failing to prove itself as a male contraceptive.
Transgenic animal model company raises €4m
France's genOway, the company behind the first-ever cloning of a laboratory rat last year, has reported a double whammy of good news, raising €4 million in funding and forging an alliance with the world's number one drugs company.
EU unveils incentives to develop drugs for children
The European Commission has published details of a new proposed regulation aimed at stimulating research into drugs for use in diseases affecting children.
01-Oct-2004
Study backs integrase as novel drug target
A new family of drugs specifically designed to inhibit nuclear import of integrase, blocking viral replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected cells suggests an approach that could be effective against drug resistant strains of HIV-1 which are rapidly emerging.
Database deal delivers detailed drug data
Software provider Accelrys becomes the latest company to exploit the use of compound databases in drug discovery. It has agreed to integrate Sigma-Aldrich's chemical compound catalogs into Accelrys' chemical suppliers database enabling researchers to access compound data, which would otherwise be unavailable.
Heart attack risk forces Merck to pull $2.5bn Vioxx
A best-selling drug used by millions worldwide to treat arthritis has been withdrawn from the market after comprehensive clinical data confirmed long-established concerns that the treatment could increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Pharmacogenetics shows value in cancer treatment
One of the first trials of pharmacogenetics in a clinical setting has revealed that the approach allowed a cancer drug to be used more effectively in patients with a rare and virulent form of brain cancer,
Invitrogen to supply genomics technology
Invitrogen, a provider of life science technologies, has entered into new licensing agreements to supply its Gateway Technology and clones to worldwide genomic research centres. This will allow scientists and laboratories to share the tools of post-genomic biological research, a rapidly expanding area of drug R&D.
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