Biotechnology Industry News: Genzyme Licenses Gene Markers, Pfizer's Aromasin(R) Approved, and More

Strategic Insights -

Biotechnology industry news has been abuzz with recent developments, including Genzyme Corp. licensing genetic markers from UCLA to develop a test for patients resistant to Gleevec, a leukemia therapy, and Pfizer Inc. receiving FDA approval for Aromasin(R) for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer. Additionally, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. appointed Corinne H. Lyle to its Board of Directors, and U.S. BioDefense received its first stem cell line from the University of British Columbia.

Key Takeaways:

  • Genzyme Corp. has licensed the right to use genetic markers discovered by researchers at UCLA to develop a test for patients who may be resistant to Gleevec, a first-line therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia.
  • The genetic mutations licensed by Genzyme are associated with resistance to Novartis AG's Gleevec drug.
  • Pfizer Inc. has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Aromasin (exemestane tablets) for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive early breast cancer.
  • Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has appointed Corinne H. Lyle to its Board of Directors, where she will serve as chairman of the audit committee.
  • U.S. BioDefense has received its first stem cell line from the University of British Columbia as part of an agreement to develop a commercial line for research use by universities and biotech companies.

Statistics:

  • Genzyme has licensed the right to use genetic markers for a test to predict resistance to Gleevec.
  • The genetic mutations licensed by Genzyme are associated with resistance to Novartis AG's Gleevec drug.
  • Pfizer Inc. has received FDA approval for Aromasin(R), which will be used to treat postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive early breast cancer.
  • Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has a Board of Directors consisting of Corinne H. Lyle and four other members.
  • U.S. BioDefense has received its first stem cell line from the University of British Columbia.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE-7 October 2005, US Financial Network: Genzyme licenses gene markers from UCLA and FDA approves Pfizer's Aromasin(R) for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer
  • Financial News USA, News distribution and press release service, for more information: www.financialnewsusa.com
  • Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Press Release: Corinne H. Lyle Appointed to Onyx Pharmaceuticals Board of Directors
  • U.S. BioDefense Press Release: U.S. BioDefense Receives First Stem Cell Line from University of British Columbia