Breaking News on Drug Discovery
All news articles > November 2006
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30-Nov-2006
Vector Capital acquires Tripos Discovery Informatics
Tripos has announced the sale of its Discovery Informatics Business, as an initial step towards liquidation, in light of the current trend to low-cost Asian outsourcing.
RPS continues expansion in Latin America
ReSearch Pharmaceutical Services (RPS), a US based outsourcing company, has announced expansion plans in Latin America. This reflects the increasing trend of pharmaceutical companies exploiting the cost benefits associated with outsourcing their work in the developing world.
29-Nov-2006
Contract overhaul to speed UK trials
The turnaround time of clinical trials in the UK may soon speed up after the Department of Health (DH) announced a planned overhaul of the way contractual agreements are made.
Stem cell discovery brings regenerative heart therapy closer
The recent discovery of master cardiac stem cells with the capacity to produce all three major heart tissue types brings heart tissue regeneration after injury a step closer.
Tougher regulations boost lab information management systems growth
The necessity for drug manufacturers to comply with increasingly rigorous regulations is driving laboratory information management systems (LIMS) growth, according a new study.
28-Nov-2006
Crucell strengthens vaccine portfolio with SBL purchase
Dutch biotech company Crucell said last week that it had completed its acquisition of SBL Vaccin in an agreement worth €39.4m, but remained tight-lipped about its plans for the Swedish firm's contract manufacturing business.
MultiCell drug tackles virally-induced cancers
MultiCell Therapeutics, a recent US spin-out, has designed an anticancer therapy that has been shown in animal models to completely destroy malignant tumours, even when very advanced.
Amyloid-busting compound to start trials in Alzheimer's
US drug developer Samaritan Pharmaceuticals has filed a patent for a new drug that could treat a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, by clearing out amyloid plaques in the brain.
27-Nov-2006
Galapagos wins grant for cystic fibrosis programme
The search for novel drug targets for cystic fibrosis received a boost after Dutch biotechnology company Galapagos announced the extension of its alliance with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics (CFFT), the non-profit drug discovery and development affiliate of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Researchers devise method to search for breast cancer drugs
Scientists have found a computational method that charts chemical space in the search for new breast cancer treatments. The technique has already resulted in the discovery of compounds that have performed better than current standard antioestrogen drug tamoxifen.
Abcellute kidney cell preserver reaches Japanese market
A cell preservation solution that makes research using kidney cells easier to carry out, developed by UK firm Abcellute, has been made available on the Japanese market. Abcellute licensed Japanese rights to the product to GeneFrontier, introducing the product into the world's third-largest pharmaceutical market.
24-Nov-2006
Drug design made easier by advanced NMR method
Scientists have managed to gain unique insights into the future design of drugs for a selection of medical conditions using innovative NMR equipment to study a range of biological processes.
Surface Logix presents positive trial data on dyslipidemia
Surface Logix has presented encouraging Phase 1 trial data for a drug candidate that is being developed for the treatment of abnormal levels of lipids in the bloodstream - a condition that affects approximately 10 per cent of the global population.
Bayer and Innogenetics launches HCV genotype assay
Bayer Diagnostics and Innogenetics have launched an assay that allows genotyping for the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), permitting broader identification of HCV genotypes with improved accuracy, not possible by current HCV genotyping products.
23-Nov-2006
Offshoring trend threatens Western employment
Continual price pressures within the pharmaceutical industry are driving more Western firms to turn to offshore employment.
22-Nov-2006
Singapore drives pharma industry forward
Singapore has successfully completed the first phase of its biomedical science (BMS) initiative and is now pushing the second phase forward in order to drive growth in its pharma industry further.
Pasteur-Weizmann/Servier prize winners advance diabetes therapy R&D
The Servier Institute and Pasteur-Weizmann Council has awarded its annual prize in biomedical research to two scientists for their work in diabetes and autoimmunity, paving the way for improved treatment and an eventual cure for this debilitating disorder.
PETA accuses Pfizer of denying animal testing pledge
Animal welfare group, PETA has reportedly targeted Pfizer, accusing them of also trying to avoid US animal welfare laws by exporting its animal testing to countries with no or poor animal welfare standards.
Covance invests to gain edge in drug safety testing
Covance has invested in mass spectrometer technology that it hopes will give it the edge over other contract research organisations (CROs) in the safety testing of new drug candidates.
Merck tests India's outsourcing capabilities
US-based drug maker Merck, has agreed to outsource some of its preclinical trial work to an Indian-based company, marking the first time the pharma giant has used an Indian company to conduct drug research.
20-Nov-2006
US hit by major Bayer consolidation
Bayer has announced major global consolidation plans as it prepares to absorb its newly-acquired German rival, Schering.
Merck and Chi-Med start anti-cancer drug collaboration
Merck and Chi-Med have announced the start of their collaboration, which aims to discover novel small molecule anti-cancer drugs derived from natural products that modulate oncological pathways.
Seattle Genetics initiates PI trial of Hodgkin's disease therapy
Seattle Genetics revealed details of a phase I clinical trial investigating the viability of a treatment for Hodgkin's disease and other CD30-positive haematologic malignancies.
New study identifies SARS component as drug target
Researchers have characterised a component of the severe acquired respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus that looks to be a promising target for new anti-SARS virus drugs.
17-Nov-2006
Metabolex recieves European patent for diabetic drug
Metabolex, has received its first European patent for metaglidasen (MBX-102), the company's lead drug candidate for treating type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and obesity.
Accelrys enhances drug discovery software
Accelrys are to expand its Discovery Studio software environment with new and enhanced life science modelling and simulation functionality, which is set to deliver a broader range of tools for drug discovery in one environment.
PETA demands explanation on Lilly's animal outsourcing shift
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, has been asked to justify its decision to outsource its animal testing to countries with no or poor animal welfare standards, which go against Lilly's commitment to reducing, refining, and replacing its use of animals.
New discovery paves way for thyroid cancer drug treatment
A discovery made by scientists has pointed to a brighter future in the development of drugs to more effectively target, treat and possibly even prevent inherited and non-inherited thyroid cancers.
New bill clamps down on animal activist activity
The US government to pass new measures that make prosecuting animal-rights activists who target enterprises much easier. The move has lead critics to warn that peaceful demonstrators would be labelled as terrorists.
16-Nov-2006
eClinical creeps across the globe
It has been another few weeks of activity for the budding eClinical industry as sponsors across the globe continue to move away from paper toward electronic reporting in clinical trials.
15-Nov-2006
Oxoid updates contact plate design
Oxoid has introduced a new plate design for the Oxoid range of Contact Plates, which aims to make the microbiological testing of surfaces even easier to store, handle and use.
Researchers identify a new target for painkillers
Scientists, who have been studying the venoms of deadly, sea-dwelling cone snails, believe they have discovered a new target for painkillers, which could represent a new previously unrecognised mechanism for treating pain.
Oxford Biomedica presents encouraging data for Parkinson's treatment
Oxford Biomedica has made available preclinical efficacy data, which suggests that gene-based product could have significant efficacy for those suffering from Parkinson's disease when compared to current treatment methods.
'Big Pharma' slammed over third-world drug domination
Deprived people are dying because pharmaceutical companies and worldwide governments of rich countries are obstructing the developing world from obtaining affordable medicines, according to a new report.
Nautilus and Creabilis demonstrate positive HMGB1 results
Nautilus Biotech and Creabilis Therapeutics have actively demonstrated the increase in biological activity and resistance to proteolysis in vitro of a protein that could play a role in hepatitis B, rheumatoid arthritis, melanoma and sepsis treatments.
13-Nov-2006
ESA introduces detector for fast HPLC
ESA Analytical introduces its latest ultra-high sensitivity detector for fast HPLC, which provides laboratories with the ability to monitor HPLC eluants down to miniscule detection levels.
Waters and Advion combine technologies in deal
The Waters Corporation and Advion Biosciences have formed an agreement in which the two companies intend to combine products and offer life scientists enhanced capabilities.
New coalition campaigns to tighten animal testing legislation
A group of researchers have come together to form a coalition, which aims to campaign for the revision directives on the protection of animals used for scientific research.
10-Nov-2006
NIH employees express dissatisfaction with new rules
A survey conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) has revealed a low level of job satisfaction amongst scientists conducting research at the organisation, exacerbated by the introduction of ethical guidelines.
Pharma selects CROs on cost and quality criteria
According to a new report, CRO's are primarily selected on their scientific expertise and the cost/value ratio as pharmaceutical and biotech companies look to speed up the research and development process whilst adhering to stricter guidelines.
Wyeth enters into Nanobodies agreement with Ablynx
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has announced they have entered into collaboration with Ablynx in a deal, which aims to commercialise a class of antibody-derived therapeutic proteins targeting diseases that include oncology and Alzheimer's disease.
Asterand make available cell ranges for disease research
Asterand is to make available novel research materials to be used in the investigation of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cancer and other diseases making available a range of cell material that is currently difficult to obtain.
09-Nov-2006
New bioprocessing path discovered in bacteria
Scientists have discovered that a bacteria protein secretion path, unexploited until now, could be key in the production of anti-infective biopharmaceuticals.
Charles River latest CRO to muscle in on Phase I
Charles River Laboratories is the latest in a series of large contract research organisations making acquisitions to beef up their Phase I capacity as this market sector remains hot.
Dendrite wins three year deal
Dendrite has won a three-year field support services agreement with an undisclosed European pharma firm.
08-Nov-2006
Pharma abandons blockbuster for niche drugs, claims report
According to a new report, drug makers are shifting to 'niche-buster' drugs in an attempt to drive future sales growth. The niche-buster drug has become a viable alternative to the blockbuster drug model that has served the industry so well.
Ambit Biosciences announces collaboration first with Cephalon
Ambit Biosciences has entered into a discovery and development collaboration with pharmaceutical company Cephalon, signifying the first time a pharma company has decided to characterise their entire library of potential drugs based on how they interact with kinases.
VirtualScopics signs $1.7m osteoarthritis trial contract
VirtualScopics has signed a $1.7m (€1.3m) contract with a pharmaceutical company, which aims to investigate a disease-modifying agent for the bone destroying disease, osteoarthritis.
Tecan release new 96-well format application platform
Tecan release their latest platform that provides reliability and flexibility for a range of 96-well format applications, including washing of ELISAs, cellular assays and protein arrays, and vacuum filtration-to-waste, such as for PCR clean up.
07-Nov-2006
Novartis splashes the cash in Asia
Novartis is splashing its cash in Asia, intending to invest $100m (€79m) in China and INR5bn (€90m) in India to establish large new R&D centres.
06-Nov-2006
IntegraGen announces €2m investment and partnership
IntegraGen has made significant waves in the area of personalised healthcare announcing a collaborative with the DSM Personalised Nutrition Group and a €2m equity investment by DSM Venturing.
Ground Zero Pharma expands regulatory consulting services
Ground Zero Pharmaceuticals (GZP) has announced an expansion to the services it offers enabling the expansion into more of its clients' late-stage development programs, with the potential for creating submissions that lead to FDA approval.
Unusual protein distribution enhances CF knowledge
Scientists have discovered an unusual distribution of two proteins in the lungs and airways of people with cystic fibrosis could form the basis of a therapy that could better define the immune system's role in cystic fibrosis.
ProImmune launches tool for T-cell detection
ProImmune has introduced a tool for evaluating and characterising CD4+ single antigen-specific T cells, enabling evaluation of the T cell immune response in a range of disease areas including, autoimmune disease, cancer and infectious diseases.
Isogenica enters into a deal to discover peptide ligands
Isogenica has entered into a research and licence option agreement with UCB for the discovery of novel peptide ligands, which UCB intends to incorporate into therapeutic products.
03-Nov-2006
Nalge Nunc release RNase/DNase-free products
Plastic labware manufacturers Nalge Nunc have launched its range of RNase/DNase-free products and capabilities specifically designed to support molecular biology research from microwell plates to packaging.
University awarded $2.5m for cyanide antidote research
The University of Minnesota for drug design has been awarded a $2.5m, 5-year grant by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to research antidotes for cyanide poisoning, improving on current antidotes that are slow acting.
Genetic technologies boosts market for qRT-PCR products
According to a new report the advent of genetic technologies for biomarker discovery and drug development is having a positive knock-on effect for qRT-PCR products, as this technology has given new hope to the search for biomarkers and drug development efforts.
02-Nov-2006
Datatrak receives $3.3m from new business
Business is looking good for eClinical solutions provider Datatrak, as the company has received commitments for six new projects from three customers at an initial contract value of approximately $3.3m (€2.6m).
Argos Therapeutics awarded HIV immunotherapy contract
Argos Therapeutics has been awarded a $21m (€17.2m) National Institute of Health contract to develop novel HIV immunotherapy candidates in a deal that could result in greater, more potent next-generation product candidates.
Acting FDA commissioner gives microdosing approval
The acting US FDA commissioner has given his endorsement to human microdosing studies for drug development in a show of backing that indicates the Agency is open to receive Exploratory IND applications to accelerate drug development.
Galapagos announces first natural compound collaboration
Genomics-based drug discovery company Galapagos, has struck a deal with LEO Pharma in an agreement that will see the firm use its natural compound collection for high throughput screening, hit verification, and profiling of selected compounds for LEO Pharma's antibacterial research program.
Millipore reports profit fall in third quarter
Massachusetts-based Millipore has reported a fall in net profit in its third quarter results, mainly due to increased costs and recent acquisition charges.
01-Nov-2006
WHO needs to do more to combat XDR-TB, claims report
According to the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the World Health Organisation (WHO) has failed to address the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis.
Sigma-Aldrich launches first commercially available proteomics standard
Sigma-Aldrich launches the first commercially available proteomics standard in which allows researchers to better assess proteomics strategies, troubleshoot protocols and normalise results from day to day and lab to lab.
Roche's oral polymerase inhibitor exhibits hep C efficacy
Roche took the opportunity at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) meeting to disclose the results of its hepatitis C polymerase inhibitor, which exhibited viral reductions greater than current polymerase inhibitors.
Researchers use bacteria to make anti-cancer drugs
Scientists are looking into the possibility of using bacteria to make a new library of anti-cancer compounds that are usually too difficult to create synthetically. The discovery could provide the basis for developing useful new anti-cancer drugs.
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