Drugs
Researchers at Ventana Genetics have developed a novel approach to rapidly identifying key molecules and genes involved in physiological processes, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The company's method, which combines functional screening with advanced genetics and assay technologies, can be applied
Drugs
Abgenix, a biopharmaceutical company, has announced the expansion of its research license and option agreement with Genentech, Inc. The new agreement allows Genentech to use Abgenix's proprietary XenoMouse technology to generate fully human antibodies to a second antigen target in the area of cardiovascular research. In return, Abgenix
Drugs
Astra AB and Merck & Co., Inc. announced a definitive agreement restructuring their 50-50 joint venture, Astra Merck, Inc., into Astra Pharmaceuticals LP, with Astra having management control as the general partner. The combination is expected to create revenue synergies and cost savings, with Astra anticipating $100 million in annual
Drugs
Genome Therapeutics Corp., a leading genomics company, and Astra Research Center Boston have announced an extension of their alliance to develop novel anti-infectives and vaccines for treating Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with peptic ulcers and stomach cancers. The expanded agreement, which will carry the alliance through at least August
Drugs
Axys Pharmaceuticals and Roche Bioscience announced a collaboration to evaluate the function of genes provided by Roche Bioscience as potential targets for therapies in pain and other conditions involving peripheral nervous system disorders. The alliance will utilize Axys' functional genomic technologies and the model animal system Caenorhabditis elegans (C.
Drugs
Targeted Genetics Corporation has made significant strides in developing a gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF), with the company's proprietary vector, tgAAV-CFTR, demonstrating safe and effective gene transfer in a Phase I trial. The study, conducted at Stanford University's School of Medicine, involved 10 patients with
Drugs
Shares of Monsanto Co. and American Home Products Corp. surged on Wednesday, as investors became less apprehensive about the massive $35 billion merger announced on Monday. The merger, which marked a significant consolidation move in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, saw Monsanto's stock close at $54.50 a
Drugs
Monsanto Co.'s impending merger with American Home Products Corp. has sent shockwaves through the life sciences industry, with analysts predicting that the combined company will reap significant benefits from the research skills and marketing muscle of its new partner. As Monsanto shareholders prepare to exchange their shares for
Pharmaceutical industry
Monsanto Co. has decided to extend its pharmaceutical joint venture, Lorex Pharmaceuticals, with France's Synthelabo until April 2002. The joint venture was initially set to expire at the end of 1999. Lorex Pharmaceuticals has seen moderate success with its insomnia drug Ambien, which generated $396 million in sales
Pharmaceutical industry
Researchers at Matritech have made a significant breakthrough in the development of a cancer detection product, NMP179, which has shown high accuracy in detecting pre-cancerous cervical abnormalities. The product uses nuclear matrix protein (NMP) technology to identify cancer markers in body fluids, offering a more reliable and early diagnosis of
Drugs
Richmond, Calif., May 18, 1998 - Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced promising results from two Phase II studies of its lead anticancer viral therapeutic, ONYX-015, in patients with tumors of the head and neck. The company reported that nine out of ten patients with recurrent tumors have experienced tumor regressions of
Drugs
Preliminary data from an investigational clinical trial with high doses of Bexxar in combination with chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients have demonstrated the potential of Bexxar to be safely and effectively combined with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation to treat patients with relapsed
