Life sciences in brief

14 November 2005 00:01  [Source: ICB Americas]

ADVAZIS Inc., Princeton, N.J., has entered into an agreement with UK-based Cobra Biomanufacturing PLC for the manufacture of experimental and commercial supplies of Advaxis’ Listeria cancer vaccines. Cobra will begin with the manufacture of Lovaxin C, Advaxis’ vaccine for the treatment of cervical and head and neck cancers, which will be entering a Phase I/II study in cervical cancer this year.

AMGEN Inc. and codeveloper Abgenix Inc. have released results from a pivotal Phase III study on panitumumab that showed the compound met the study’s primary endpoint, which was to improve progression-free survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients who had failed standard chemotherapy. The study showed patients taking panitumumab experienced a 46 percent decrease in tumor progression in comparison to patients not on the treatment. Panitumumab is the first fully human monoclonal antibody being developed that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor.

CHROMOS Molecular Systems Inc., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire San Diego, Calif.-based Targeted Molecules Corp. (TMC), a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of two antibody product candidates for multiple sclerosis and acute thrombosis. The proposed merger is valued at approximately $740,000, or $0.0284 per TMC common share. Chromos will also complete a private placement to raise at least $6 million.

CORATUS Genetics Inc. has been granted fast track designation by the Food and Drug Administration for its vascular endothelial growth factor 2 therapeutic candidate, which the company is developing for the treatment of severe angina associated with cardiovascular disease. genentech Inc. announced results of a second Phase III clinical study of Lucentis (ranibizumab) that showed the drug met its primary efficacy endpoint, with an over 90 percent success rate in maintaining patients’ vision. Lucentis is Genentech’s investigational new therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. If approved, it is expected to go head-to-head with Pfizer Inc.’s Macugen (pegaptanib sodium injection), launched earlier this year. Pfizer codeveloped Macugen with Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc.

NOVARTIS has received its first approval worldwide for Exjade (deferasirox), which the FDA cleared earlier this month for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions. Exjade is the first and only once-daily iron chelator administered as a drink, compared to current standard treatments, which often require a subcutaneous infusion over a period of time.

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