Pharmaceutical industry
Agensys, a cancer biotechnology company, and Merck & Co., Inc. have partnered to jointly develop and commercialize AGS-PSCA, a fully human monoclonal antibody to Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA). The agreement grants Merck worldwide rights to AGS-PSCA and an exclusive license to PSCA, a proprietary Agensys target. Merck will lead
Pharmaceutical industry
OncoGenex Technologies Inc. has started a phase II clinical trial of OGX-011, a second-generation antisense drug designed to inhibit the production of clusterin, a cell-survival protein associated with resistance to standard anti-cancer treatments. This trial is the third of four phase II studies OncoGenex has planned for OGX-011 in 2005.
Biotechnology industries
GPC Biotech AG, a biopharmaceutical company, has announced the opening of a Phase 2 study of satraplatin, its lead drug candidate, in patients with metastatic breast cancer who have received no more than one prior chemotherapy treatment regimen. The study is being managed by US Oncology, a leading healthcare services
Biotechnology industries
Meditech Research Ltd (MTR), a biotechnology company focused on developing new cancer therapies, has made significant progress in its discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its lead product, HyCAMP. After a formal meeting with the FDA, Meditech has confirmed its intention to submit an investigational
Pharmaceutical industry
Amazon Biotech, Inc., a natural plant pharmaceutical company, has come to an agreement with a New York City AIDS clinic to conduct a 40-patient double-blind study using AMZ 0026, the company's first immune modulator drug, in combination with a standard cocktail currently given to patients with AIDS. The
Pharmaceutical industry
The Pharmaceutical Institute (PI), a leading provider of specialized knowledge for pharma and biotech professionals, has announced the launch of the Research Center. This comprehensive library offers a vast array of industry-related information and educational resources, accessible through Web-based and live support. The Research Center includes books, syndicated market research,
Drugs
Celera Genomics, a business within Applera Corp., has begun a phase I clinical trial for its cathepsin S inhibitor, CRA-028129, aimed at treating psoriasis. The trial, held at the Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust in New Zealand, will involve approximately 70 healthy volunteers who will receive either CRA-028129 or a placebo.
Drugs
Genzyme Corp. has significantly expanded its global infrastructure for manufacturing and product development through four major projects in Belgium, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The new and upgraded facilities will support the company's continued growth in the areas of antibody and protein-based medicines. The projects, which have collectively
Pharmaceutical industry
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) has voted 10-3 in favor of recommending approval of Tarceva (erlotinib) in combination with gemcitabine for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer in patients who have not received previous chemotherapy. This decision marks a significant breakthrough
Pharmaceutical industry
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
Pharmaceutical industry
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has agreed to acquire ID Biomedical Corp. (IDBE) in a definitive deal worth approximately $1.4 billion. ID Biomedical, a Canadian biotechnology company, specializes in the development and manufacturing of vaccine products, including influenza vaccines. The acquisition reflects GSK's commitment to address the global public health
Drugs
Genentech, Inc., Biogen Idec, Inc., and Roche announced the filing of a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an additional indication of Rituxan in previously untreated patients with intermediate grade or aggressive, CD-20-positive, B-cell, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in combination with chemotherapy
