Research & Development News

Eisai has established a cancer R&D subsidiary in the U.S. to discover new cancer drugs that lead to individualized care.

GenVec has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement with the US Naval Medical Research Center to develop dengue fever vaccines.

Rexahn's patient enrolment will be conducted through the first half of this year for the treatment study for depressive disorder.

A group of investigators reports new method for curing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

A scientific breakthrough on Type 1 diabetes could help pave the way to a cure or perhaps significantly reduce the need for insulin therapy.

Eisai has suffered a setback that its severe sepsis treatment eritoran has failed in a late-stage trial.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences announced its research project on stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Researchers are taking a new approach in the fight against cancer by treating the disease with cancer itself.

Scientists report cancer drugs delivered via nanoparticles can reduce side effects.

Targacept has conducted a study on its schizophrenia drug and received positive evaluation results.

GSK is facilitating its study on two of its melanoma drugs to compete with other drugmakers in the melanoma arena.

New findings say it is possible for a small molecule to bind to ebola virus before it enters the cell and thereby prevent infection. The next step is to try this technique on lab animals.

Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have started a new Phase III clinical trial in Asia to find a cure solution for myopia.

Manhattan Research releases its latest study explores how physicians in some European countries use the Internet and technology for practices and professional purposes.

Medical experts have issued a warning about the common practice of tablet splitting, after a study found that nearly a third of the split fragments deviated from recommended dosages by 15 per cent or more.

In an interview with the Boston Globe, Novartis research chief Mark Fishman says he's been successful over the past eight years precisely because he kept the marketing group on the sidelines.

French scientists have identified biomarkers that predict responses to Hepatitis C therapy and expect to commercialize a prognostic test sometime this year.

A new community-based study from Germany confirms that colonoscopy is an effective tool for preventing colorectal cancer.

Shares of Corcept Therapeutics shot up after the developer announced it had reaped some promising top-line data points from its Phase III study of a new drug for Cushing's syndrome.

Exciting advances were made in 2010 in virtually every field of MS research.

GlaxoSmithKline's Pandemrix swine flu vaccine produced a swifter, stronger immune response and was likely to offer better protection than one produced by rival Baxter.

A clinical study released online demonstrates the value of using Nanosphere’s Verisens cTnI assay (RUO) to detect very low levels of troponin I in hospitalized patients with heart failure.

Lundbeck Inc. today launched a Huntington's disease (HD) research initiative to identify and ultimately commercialize therapies that may slow or halt the progression of the disease.

Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) announced top-line results from a Phase 3 trial evaluating XGEVA(TM) (denosumab) versus placebo in 1,432 men with castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

Eli Lilly ($LLY) has suspended all treatments in a late-stage trial of its melanoma drug tasisulam after recording a dozen deaths in the study.

Adimab, Inc. announced the initiation of three new independent research collaborations with Eli Lilly, Genentech, and Human Genome Sciences.

Scientific breakthrough by Sigma Advanced Genetic Engineering (SAGE?) Labs enables creation of more sophisticated models of human disease.

Genentech revealed that pertuzumab and Herceptin in addition to chemotherapy caused tumors to disappear in 45.8 percent of newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients, compared with 29 percent receiving only Herceptin and chemotherapy.

New data to be presented show that afatinib (BIBW 2992) leads to a significant four-fold extension in progression-free survival for lung cancer patients most likely to have an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.

Novo Nordisk presented data from a phase 2 trial evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a recombinant factor VIIa analogue.

Open Monoclonal Technology, Inc. (OMT) today announced its new human antibody platform using the first genetically engineered rats expressing a human antibody repertoire.

Pfizer Inc. announced that a significantly higher proportion of patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemiawho were treated with bosutinib (39 percent) experienced a major molecular response.

Roche announced positive data from a Phase III study of Rituxan/MabThera (rituximab) in patients with advanced follicular lymphoma who did not have symptoms of disease (asymptomatic disease).

Amgen Inc. announced the final results from a 5-year open-label extension study investigating the long-term efficacy and safety of Nplate(R) (romiplostim) in adult chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Background The cell surface proteoglycan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), is a potential target for monoclonal antibody (mAb)–based immunotherapy for many types of cancer.

Flush with a promising set of late-stage data for the triglyceride-reducing AMR101, Amarin plans to take a quick shortcut to the FDA.

New research showing a 'substantial' risk of bleeding with dual antiplatelet therapy--aspirin plus clopidogrel.

The European Medicines Agency and the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance have launched the ENCePP E-Register of Studies.

Researchers in the U.S. reported on the development of a new technique that uses bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to partially regenerate bladder tissue in nonhuman primates.

Aspirin Nonresponsiveness and Clopidogrel Endpoint was presented at the American Heart Association 2010 Scientific Sessions last week.

The Mitos Double Chip Holder H from Dolomite allows direct interfacing of two microfluidic chips with accurate micro-channel to micro-channel connection via a precision perfluoroelastomer gasket.

Evotec AG announced that it has signed an agreement with Merck KGaA to develop pre-clinical candidates for an undisclosed neurological disease.

Atlantic Zeiser Group, a leading supplier of technology, modules and system solutions for industrial digital printing, has introduced its Track & Trace Module.

While analysing stability data of a particularly potent drug stored inside an HDPE bottle, a scientist at US contract manufacturer Metrics discovered an unexpected trend.

Sterilin’s extended range of sterile polypropylene centrifuge tubes for general laboratory applications offer increased speeds of up to 12,000 x g.

A Cambridge, UK-based consultancy has developed a multi-surface sealing method, which allows a single sheet of foil to seal multiple cavities securely.

Merck ($MRK) plans to ask the FDA for approval to market Vytorin for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Regeneron says its experimental AMD drug performed as well as Lucentis in two late-stage trials.

Mettler Toledo Garvens says its new XS2 Pharma checkweigher offers precise product guidance and handling.

Significant T-cell responses demonstrate potential of PENNVAX?-B HIV DNA vaccine delivered using electroporation.

Norway's Bionor Pharma's stock almost quadrupled on the news that its HIV vaccine Vacc-4x unexpectedly reduced viral load.

Acceleron Announces Interim Findings from the ACE-041 Phase 1, First-in-Human Clinical Trial at 22nd EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics.

A new 'Flo-Thru' sanitary sifter from Kason Corporation Europe reduces height requirements while increasing screening capacity, the company says.

UK-based Teknomek has introduced a multi-drawer mobile tool cabinet to complement its comprehensive range.

Merck unveiled an impressive set of pivotal data on its closely-watched cholesterol drug anacetrapib.

Scientists say they've successfully used a Trojan Horse method to sneak the stroke medication erythropoietin through the blood-brain barrier.

A group of researchers think they have found a solution to both vaccine delivery problems.

Investigators for Bayer and J&J ($JNJ) have pulled back another veil from the body of late-stage data on the blood thinner Xarelto.

With a big assist from Eli Lilly's venture arm, Cambridge, MA-based Cerulean Pharma has rounded up $24 million in Series C cash.

A big new trial of Johnson & Johnson's congestive heart failure treatment Natrecor trumped worries that the drug might be linked to kidney failure and death.

New EU-funded research suggests that using mild painkillers in pregnancy appears to raise the risk of cryptorchidism in baby boys.

Regulators at the FDA have told Repros Therapeutics that its testosterone drug Androxal is not ready for Phase III.

Oligomerix, Inc. today announced the receipt of a two-year Small Business Innovation Research Phase II grant for $1.6M from the National Institute on Aging.

The open-label study, known as BRIM2, showed that the BRAF inhibitor RG7204 shrank tumors in more than half of people with previously treated BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma.

Researchers are testing out different ways nanoparticles could be used to deliver drugs through the lungs or diagnose diseases.

FABRUS, LLC and San Diego-based Ambrx Inc. have commenced a joint research program to discover antibodies with properties that are optimized for use as antibody drug conjugates.

U.S. Government support for Rexin-G, the world's first and, so far, only targeted injectable genetic medicine for cancer that has been validated in clinical trials.

Newron and Merck KGaA's safinamide failed to perform in a Phase III study of the drug for the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease.

Xconomy's Luke Timmerman profiles ChemoCentryx, CA-based biotech that's attempting to create an once-daily oral drug for autoimmune diseases.

New data demonstrated that antibodies induced by Novartis Vaccines investigational, four component, Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine (4CMenB) killed the majority of a collection of geographically and genetically diverse meningococcal serogroup B (MenB...

Automation systems developer Astech Projects has added enhancements to its Xelox (NGI) 1 Series automated sample delivery workstation.

US-based blow-fill-seal contract manufacturer Ritedose Corporation has expanded its ampoule packing capacity with the help of Sigpack Systems.

Roche has entered an exclusive partnership with DNA Electronics for the development of a low-cost, high-throughput DNA sequencing system.

Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue fever vaccine is in the final stage of clinical development, having entered its first Phase III clinical study in Australia.

BioMérieux is pioneering the way in media development with the worldwide launch of its new LockSure technology for secure environmental monitoring sampling.

Stuart’s SMP40 melting point apparatus from UK-based Bibby Scientific uses digital video imaging technology to detect and capture accurately the melting point of up to three samples simultaneously.

French biopharmaceutical group Hybrigenics has filed a patent application covering new soft gelatin capsules, tablets or drinking solutions optimised for the delivery of high doses of inecalcitol.

The FDA has approved Nuedexta, the first treatment for pseudobulbar affect, or involuntary emotional expression syndrome.

Minipigs have many advantages for drug and chemical safety testing and could improve drug safety for humans, a European group of more than 40 industry, government and academic experts has found.

The US FDA has formed the Analgesic Clinical Trial Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTION) initiative with Rochester University to streamline the development process for pain-relieving drugs.

Spain's Laboratorios Almirall fell the most in two years after results from a study of aclidinium bromide showed a smaller benefit for patients.

CDC and Prevention's vaccine advisors are considering whether to recommend that boys get the human papillomavirus vaccine as well as girls.

PharmaDiagnostics BV has won the ELRIG Technology Prize at Drug Discovery 2010 Coventry.

Pfizer's cancer drug crizoinib was able to treat non-small cell lung cancer patients whose tumors carried a specific genetic mutation.

Amira Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase I clinical study with AM152, a novel LPA1 antagonist, in normal, healthy subjects.

A project focusing on the scar tissue surrounding cancer tumours aims to provide new targets for drugs for treating pancreatic cancer.

MacroGenics has inked a research deal with Pfizer to discover, develop and commercialize DART products.

Myriad Genetics will perform genetic testing on breast cancer patients in an Abbott study.

New coating technologies contain information to authenticate solid oral dose pharmaceuticals.

Bürkert’s new Type 6650 miniature solenoid valve has proved to be a winner for KBioscience.

Novartis is one step closer to doing just that with Menveo, its meningococcal shot.

A scientific collaboration started to combine Cellectis' genome engineering technologies with CiRA's induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology .

SiRNA sequences into microRNA scaffolds to silence Apolipoprotein B100 was able to significantly lower plasma cholesterol levels in vivo .

I Holland, a Nottingham, UK-based supplier of tablet compression tools, has added the Eurostandard Educational Collection to its portfolio.

A new approach to developing asthma drugs has been identified by a European Union-funded research project: target the condition’s genetic root causes, not just allergies prompting symptoms.

e new medical centre Mehil?inen in Pori is one of the first healthcare facilities in Finland to capitalize on the antimicrobial properties of copper.

The FDA says a popular HIV drug combination can be life-threatening.

The EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has reviewed its previous recommendations on the use of Fabrazyme during the ongoing supply shortage.

CureVac GmbH, an mRNA vaccine company, have released first data from an open-label Phase I/IIa clinical trial of its mRNA vaccine CV9103 in patients.

Novo has more time to woo patients to its rival drug Victoza--up to 20 months more, by some estimates.

Pfizer's Wyeth unit properly warned patients about the cancer risks of its Prempro drug, and so it isn't liable for one woman's breast cancer.

Cytheris SA has announced the initiation of Phase II clinical trial of the company's investigative immunomodulatory agent.

Copenhagen has delivered an update on the potential regulatory pathway for zalutumumab following preliminary, non-binding discussions with a number of selected national European regulatory authorities and the FDA.

Cyprotex, a preclinical ADME Tox services company, has extended its time-dependent inhibition service to include the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoform, CYP2B6.

Arena Pharmaceuticals have released results from a Phase I clinical trial of APD916, a novel drug candidate discovered by Arena that targets the histamine H3 receptor for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Genmab will look deep-pocket partner to finance PhIII zalutumumab worka .

Patient deaths during the Phase III RA trial doomed the program.

Belgian biotechnology fi10562m Galapagos has achieved milestones totalling €2.5m f10562om its alliances with Janssen Pha10562maceutica and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Bend Research, a US-based drug formulation development and manufacturing company, has signed a three-year drug discovery and development services agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb (B-MS).

Compounds isolated from marine organisms would be chemically modified to be more suitable for medical purposes.

Danish pharmaceutical firm H. Lundbeck is paying Paion €1.5m upfront as part of the firms’expansion to their current licensing agreement covering development of Paion’s ischemic stroke candidate, desmoteplase.

Sanofi-Aventis said two-year data from its study of teriflunomide showed that the drug significantly cut relapses.

The Atlas Hotter Hotplate from UK-based chemistry automation product specialist Syrris enables users to achieve operating temperatures up to 350°C. It completes the firm’s Atlas temperature control modules.

A breakthrough in print quality, plus a high level of sustainable performance is offered by the Thermocode iQ thermal transfer printer built in the UK by Open Date Equipment.

VentiRx Pharmaceuticals has announced results from its randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial evaluating VTX-1463 for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Aker BioMarine has shown that a clinical study in children with ADHD has demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical scores and in identified EEG patterns as compared to the typical 'ADHD EEG pattern.'

Long intervals have transpired between the first recognition of transfusion risk and the implementation of a preventive strategy.

New research points to the existence of a gene on chromosome 5 that influences how much aldosterone is produced.

Geron Corporation has enrolled the first patient in the company's clinical trial of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, GRNOPC1.

The SEC-3010 triple detector system from UK-based Dorton Analytical is a complete chromatography/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) system.