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Ganymed Pharmaceuticals to Present at the 32nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

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Ganymed Logo

Mainz, Germany, December 19, 2013 / B3C newswire / - Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing highly selective Ideal Monoclonal Antibodies (IMABs) for the treatment of cancer, announced today that it will present at the 32nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference that will take place from January 13 to January 16, 2014 in San Francisco.

Ganymed’s CEO, Dr. Özlem Türeci, will provide an overview of the company’s product pipeline and clinical programs. Her presentation will take place on Tuesday January 14 from 11:30 to 12:00 Pacific Time in the Elizabethan D meeting room of the Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco.

The Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is the largest healthcare investment conference, bringing together established industry leaders and emerging fast-growth companies.

Ganymed invites you to follow Dr. Türeci's presentation via a live webcast that can be accessed through our website at www.ganymed.ag (20:30 Central European Time).


About Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG
Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG is a biopharmaceutical company with the mission of revolutionizing cancer treatment by developing a new class of therapeutic drugs called Ideal Monoclonal Antibodies (IMABs). IMABs are unique in that they are highly selective for proteins which are present on tumor cells, but do not bind to healthy cells. This unmatched tumor cell specificity makes IMABs cancer cell selective allowing them to efficiently kill tumor cells without harming normal healthy tissues. They can thus be administered at optimal dose and have a broad therapeutic window with reduced risks of side effects.

Ganymed’s lead program, IMAB362, is in advanced phase II testing for gastroesophageal cancer. IMAB362 binds to the tight junction protein Claudin-18.2 which is expressed in up to 80% of gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, 60% of pancreatic tumors as well as in other various solid tumors.

Ganymed is also developing IMAB027, a monoclonal antibody targeting GT512 which is absent in healthy adult organs, but is expressed in a wide range of solid cancers, including testicular, ovarian, uterine, and lung cancers. The company plans to initiate clinical studies with IMAB027 in the near future.

Ganymed is a private company that was founded in 2001 as a spin-off from the Universities of Mainz and Zurich. Its majority shareholder is ATS Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH. Other investors include Future Capital AG, MIG Fonds, FCPB Gany GmbH, and private individuals.


Contact Information

Dr. Luc St-Onge
Business Development
Ganymed Pharmaceutical AG
Freiligrathstrasse 12
55131 Mainz
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)6131 1440 100
e-mail: pr@ganymed.ag

Media Contact

Frank Butschbacher, CIR
Investor Relations & Communications
Tel.: +43-650-78 44 940
e-mail: office@butschbacher.net


Patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Get Earlier Access to a Not-yet-registered Medicine

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Mytomorrows logo

Not-yet-registered transdermal MAO inhibitor available via myTomorrows

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, December 20, 2013 / B3C newswire / – The online patient platform myTomorrows will offer patients access to an antidepressant medicine from the UK based company Syntropharma Ltd. It concerns a MAO inhibitor that is continuously released in low dosages via a transdermal patch on the skin. Transdermal MAO inhibitors have been registered and approved for the treatment of MDD in the United States for several years.

Although depression is one of the most expensive medical conditions in healthcare, it remains a very stigmatized an underestimated health issue. People with MDD are severely limited in their social engagement and participation in family life and society. Furthermore they have higher risks of developing additional physical conditions like cardiovascular diseases. The MAO inhibitor that is available via myTomorrows could be an alternative for patients with MDD who don’t respond to existing antidepressants.

Sjaak Vink, CEO of myTomorrows, comments “I’m very pleased that myTomorrows offers patients who suffer from MDD and their Psychiatrists a treatment alternative that could better their daily lives. Family members who also suffer from the effects of this disease shouldn’t be forgotten. Their situation is often underestimated.”

Andrew Gardiner, CEO of Syntropharma Ltd, adds “This agreement with myTomorrows underlines our commitment to create early access to our innovative medicines for patients in need and we’re pleased that patients can actually benefit from our collaboration.”

myTomorrows makes this investigational medicine available within the scope of the existing early access legislation. On Psychiatrist’s request the medicine will be supplied as soon as possible in The Netherlands, Belgium Luxembourg, France, Italy, Germany and Turkey.


Note to the editor
The importance of myTomorrows’ efforts for patients in need is underlined by current evolutions in medicine development and market authorization. Adaptive licensing approaches that allow earlier regulatory approval for new medicines to answer the unmet medical needs of patients are gaining popularity amongst European and United States regulators EMA and FDA.

About myTomorrows
myTomorrows is an online patient platform that is creating freedom of choice for patients with unmet medical needs by offering earlier access to medicines that show promising results during clinical trials, but are not officially registered yet. With the support of their doctors, patients who suffer from cancer, a neurological disorder, a rare disease or a severe depression, can have earlier access to such medicines.
To stay informed about the newest medicines myTomorrows can offer to patients with unmet medical needs and their doctors, please register for the myTomorrows Alert at secured.mytomorrows.com/en/alert or visit the website www.mytomorrows.com.

About Syntropharma Ltd
Syntropharma Ltd is a growing speciality pharmaceutical company, based in the UK, engaged in the development and commercialization of prescription medicines in specifically targeted diseases affecting the Central Nervous System.
Syntropharma has a pipeline of CNS products which have been developed using bespoke platform technologies.


Contacts

Contact Syntropharma Ltd
Andrew Gardiner
Tel:  +44 845 241 4584
Email: info@syntropharma.com

Contact myTomorrows
Sjaak Vink
Tel: +31 88 525 3888
Email:  you@mytomorrows.com

INFORS HT Opens New Offices in the USA

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INFORS HT Logo

Bottmingen, Switzerland, January 6, 2014 / B3C newswire / - On January 1st 2014, INFORS HT, a global leader in the production of shakers, bioreactors and bioprocess control software, opened new offices in the USA.

INFORS HT has, until now, been represented in the USA by ATR (Appropriate Technical Resources Inc.). From January 1st 2014, INFORS HT is going to take over this part of the ATR business - including its infrastructure, the existing customer relations, and full complement of staff.

In order to guarantee a seamless continuity of service to their customers, all sales and service offices as well as production teams will remain unchanged, as will any current contact personnel. By increasing its presence in the USA, INFORS HT will not only expand its customer base but give its customers direct day-to-day contact with INFORS HT representatives and no longer via a third party.

Marcel Brauchli, CEO of INFORS HT, points out: “We’re proud of our new branches and look forward to having direct contact with our customers in the USA. We’re convinced that, in this way, we can improve customer relations and build more successful long term partnerships.”

This new direct contact will also bring about an added value to customers. They will have access to a committed team who have a wealth of experience, technical know-how and innovative thinking that is second-to-none.

The new CEO of Infors USA Inc., Simon Egli, holds a master degree in biotechnology engineering from the University of Waedenswil (CH). Before joining INFORS HT at the headquarters in Switzerland, he worked in various bioprocess production and validation positions at a management level. He has been with INFORS HT for 3 years.

Infors USA Inc:

Main Office (incl. Production)
P.O. Box 1380
Laurel, MD 20725
Maryland (USA)

Toll free 855 520 7277
T +1 301 362 3710
infors.usa@infors-ht.com 
www.infors-ht.us 

Sales and Service Office:
127 Commercial Street,
Weymouth, MA  02188,
Massachusetts (USA)


T +1 781 335 3108
infors.usa@infors-ht.com 
www.infors-ht.us 

Sales & Service Office
6711 Sierra Ct. Suite C,
Dublin, CA 94568
California (USA)


T +1 925 828 9800
infors.usa@infors-ht.com 
www.infors-ht.us 

 

 INFORS HT Simon Egli
Caption: Simon Egli, CEO Infors USA Inc.
For a high resolution picture please click the image.

 
About INFORS HT
INFORS HT is your specialist for bioreactors, incubation shakers and bioprocess control software. You benefit from sophisticated systems, in which your cell lines or microorganisms develop their full potential in a reproducible way, thus contributing to your success.

For your applications, we offer the right solutions:
- Fermentation of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and yeasts)
- Cell culture (mammalian cells, insect cells, plant cells and algae)
- Biofuel (biodiesel and bioethanol)
- Parallel bioprocesses
- Custom-made bioreactors and incubation shakers
- Bioprocess control software
- Qualification of bioreactors and incubation shakers

Closeness to the customer, high quality, innovation and flexibility are our greatest strengths.


Contact:

Chantal Fiechter Schaub
Marketing Specialist
Infors AG
Rittergasse 27
4103 Bottmingen, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)61 425 77 00
Fax: +41 (0)61 425 77 01;
E-mail: c.fiechter-schaub@infors-ht.com
www.infors-ht.com

Isarna Therapeutics Raises Euro 13 Million from New and Current Investors

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Isarna Logo

Munich, Germany, January 7, 2014 / B3C newswire / - Isarna Therapeutics GmbH today announced that it has raised Euro 13 million (US$ 17.8 million) in equity from new private investor AT NewTec and current investors, MIG-managed funds. Proceeds will be used to advance the company's pipeline of next generation oligonucleotides that inhibit various isoforms of TGF-β, a key molecular pathway implicated in mechanisms used by cancer cells to evade immune system detection and to aid in tumor proliferation.

"This financing supports our position as the leaders in utilizing TGF-β as a unique target for cancer immunotherapy and enables us to continue the rapid development of our pipeline toward the clinic," said Dr. Philippe Calais, Chief Executive Officer at Isarna Therapeutics. "We are fortunate to have the continued commitment from MIG, our largest shareholder, and welcome the new investment from AT NewTec.”

“MIG is convinced that an immunotherapy approach to treating cancer has the potential to change the paradigm of current standard of care,” added Dr. Matthias Kromayer, Managing Director of MIG Verwaltungs AG.  “We have great confidence in both Isarna’s pioneering approach to leveraging TGF-β and the company’s management.”


About Isarna Therapeutics  
Isarna Therapeutics has an unmatched commitment to developing TGF-β inhibitors that stimulate the human immune system to effectively fight cancer. We are advancing a unique pipeline of novel oligonucleotides and combination modalities to transcend clinical response and improve patient outcomes.


Contact information  
Dr. Andrea Kottke,
Head Medical Affairs and Communication, Isarna Therapeutics
media@isarna-therapeutics.com
or
Gretchen Schweitzer,
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
gschweitzer@macbiocom.com
+49 172 861 8540

Priaxon AG Appoints Dr Constance Hoefer as Chief Development Officer

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Priaxon Logo

Munich, Germany, January 9, 2014 / B3C newswire / - Priaxon AG, a privately held pharmaceutical company developing novel small molecule agents for the modulation of protein-protein interactions, today announced the appointment of Dr Constance Hoefer as Chief Development Officer (CDO) of the Company. At Priaxon AG, Dr Hoefer will oversee the non-clinical and early clinical development.

Dr Hoefer has gained more than 20 years of international non-clinical development and management experience in academic and regulatory as well as industry roles in pharmaceutical and biotech companies. She started her industry career with Celltech in Cambridge, followed by increasingly responsible roles with Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Merck KGaA, before establishing an independent consultancy in 2006. Since then, she has contributed her know-how and experience to national and international clients ranging from government institution spin-outs to national and international pharma clients. Most recently, she was Vice President and Head of Non-Clinical Development at Medigene AG.

Dr Christoph Burdack, CEO of Priaxon AG, said: "We are very pleased that Dr Hoefer is joining our Company at a time when Priaxon AG is entering a new and exciting phase. The Company has very promising candidates for oncology and autoimmune disease indications in early development. Dr Hoefer brings the necessary experience and knowledge for the Company to successfully advance Priaxon AG’s non-clinical programs towards the clinic."

“Priaxon AG’s development programs are a result of the application of innovative technologies and first class science to drug R&D, and have generated a number of exciting compounds for further development," stated Dr Constance Hoefer, Chief Development Officer at Priaxon AG. “I look forward to advancing these early assets through a focused but comprehensive non-clinical development program to enable a smooth and rational transition to clinical testing phases.”

 
About Priaxon
Priaxon is an emerging pharmaceutical company building a pipeline of novel drug candidates in different therapeutic fields, but mainly focusing on protein-protein interactions in oncology and other diseases. Priaxon uses its unique and proprietary drug discovery technology platform Priaxplore® which employs novel methods of chemical synthesis and computational design to discover and develop new chemical entities as candidates for validated but hard-to-drug targets.


Contact 

Dr. Christoph Burdack
CEO
Priaxon AG
Gmunder Str. 37-37a
D-81379 München
Fon 0049-(0)89-4521308-10
Fax 0049-(0)89-4521308-22
burdack@priaxon.de 

Isarna Therapeutics Enters into a Strategic Manufacturing Agreement with Sanofi

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Isarna Logo

Munich, Germany, January 9, 2014 / B3C newswire / - Isarna Therapeutics GmbH announced today that it has signed a strategic manufacturing agreement with Sanofi under which Sanofi will manufacture clinical- and commercial-grade antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) compounds for Isarna, enabling Isarna to advance its promising next generation ASOs rapidly into clinical trials. Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“At Isarna, we are convinced that the best possible manufacturing is critical as we seek to maintain an accelerated timeline for product development,” explained Dr. Philippe Calais, CEO of Isarna Therapeutics. “Having Sanofi as our partner for the production of these exciting new immunotherapy compounds is a firm step forward in the development of the company and is consistent with our strategy to establish key relationships with leaders in the industry.

As per the agreement, Sanofi’s Industrial Affairs division will act as Isarna Therapeutics’ contract manufacturing organization. Sanofi will scale-up and validate the production of ASOs and supply future commercial batches. Isarna will benefit from Sanofi’s Commercial and External Partnership (CEPiA)’s organization, the commercial branch of Sanofi’s Industrial Affairs activities, which brings strong GMP manufacturing expertise within the field of ASOs. The manufacturing site of Frankfurt, Germany, which will manufacture Isarna Therapeutics’ next generation ASOs, is FDA, EMEA and PMDA approved and has all the capabilities to support the registration of the compounds.


About Isarna Therapeutics

Isarna Therapeutics has an unmatched commitment to developing TGF-β inhibitors that stimulate the human immune system to effectively fight cancer. We are advancing a unique pipeline of novel oligonucleotides and combination modalities to transcend clinical response and improve patient outcomes.


Contact information

Dr. Andrea Kottke,
Head Medical Affairs and Communication, Isarna Therapeutics
media@isarna-therapeutics.com
+49 151 11 3541 75
or
Gretchen Schweitzer,
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
gschweitzer@macbiocom.com
+49 172 861 8540

Nuevolution Announces Technology Licensing Agreement

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Nuevolution logo

Copenhagen, Denmark, January 10, 2014 / B3C newswire / - Nuevolution A/S today announced that it has entered into a non-exclusive technology licensing agreement with Novartis for use of Nuevolution’s Chemetics® technology.

The Chemetics® platform uses proprietary innovative DNA labeling to allow fragment-based drug screening at an unprecedented scale forming drug-like small molecules for lead discovery. The technology allows efficient screening of billions of molecules against biological targets. Nuevolution has patented its Chemetics® technology and holds a strong validated patent portfolio within the technology field. In its existing collaborations and internal pipeline development, Nuevolution has successfully addressed several challenging targets including protein-protein interactions by the identification of drug-like small molecules.

Nuevolution will transfer know-how to Novartis to enable Novartis to practice the technology for its internal use, and the companies will work together to co-produce novel screening libraries.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will provide Nuevolution with an upfront payment, research funding, and milestone payments as technology transfer progresses. Further financial details are not disclosed.

“It’s a main strategy for us to boost the application of our Chemetics® technology both by having internal programs as well as by application of the technology in partnerships and licensing arrangements. By entering into this agreement with Novartis, multiple Novartis research projects will benefit from having efficient access to much broader chemistry space in the search for the best drug candidates addressing major unmet medical needs,“ said Alex Gouliaev, CEO of Nuevolution A/S and continued, “We are looking forward to continue the excellent working relationship with Novartis’ dedicated team to successfully transfer our technology for the practice by Novartis.”

This is the second agreement between Nuevolution and Novartis. In 2009, the companies entered into a drug discovery collaboration in which Nuevolution applied its proprietary Chemetics® drug discovery technology against a limited number of drug targets of interest to Novartis.


About Nuevolution
Nuevolution is a leading small molecule lead discovery company founded in 2001 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company has developed Chemetics®, a unique, patent protected hybrid of proven wet chemistry and molecular biology which represents the ultimate fragment based drug discovery technology. Chemetics® enables rapid oligonucleotide e.g. DNA encoded synthesis of up to billions of chemically diverse drug-like small molecule compounds and the efficient screening of these, facilitating the identification of potent drug leads at unprecedented speed and scale.

Nuevolution partners its technology with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Nuevolution has entered into agreements with Merck & Co., Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim and Cancer Research Technology, where Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis have entered into licensing agreements with Nuevolution. Nuevolution has entered a joint venture consortium between Nuevolution, EpiTherapeutics, ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies and Professor Kristian Helin (Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen) aiming at discovery and development of novel small molecule drugs against epigenetic factors. This $4 million budgeted project is supported by the Danish High Technology Fund. Nuevolution has also entered a scientific collaboration by and between Duke University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Nuevolution.

Nuevolution has demonstrated the power of Chemetics® by identification of highly potent and drug like novel ligands with the potential to address major unmet medical needs across a range of therapeutic areas and target classes. Nuevolutions internal programs are focused on therapeutically important targets within inflammation and oncology.

Nuevolution is a privately owned company by key Scandinavian investors, including SEB Venture Capital, Sunstone Capital, Industrifonden, SLS Invest, Novo Ventures and Innoventus Life Sciences.

Chemetics® is a registered trademark of Nuevolution.

Chemetics® is a patented technology of Nuevolution: EP1402024, US7,727,713, EP1487978, US7,413,854, EP1756277, EP1608748, US 7,915,201, EP1558744, AU2003273792, CN-ZL20038010476, HKHK1082742, IN213390, IL167531, JP4895608, ZA2005/02624, NZ538993, SG111515, US8,206,901, US7,704,925, EP1957644,EP07114663.3, EP10184311.8, US12/330,709, EP08169346.7, US12/179,323, EP03766117.0, US10/523,006, US10/539,288, US13/179,283, EP09154197.9, AU2011226815, CA2,544,153, CN201210222023.8, EP10183942.1, EP10184069.2, HK11107861.8, HK11107866.3, IL207672, IL207673, IN178/MUMNP/2007, JP2010-226107, JP2013-155967, US11/402,957, US13/455,223, US10/572,644, EP10192716.8, EP10192717.6, US12/095,778, EP09765460.2, US12/999,267, EP11720372.9, IN9924/DELNP/2012, US13/641,588.


For further enquiries about Nuevolution please contact:
Alex Haahr Gouliaev
Chief Executive Officer
Nuevolution A/S
Phone: +45 7020 0987
ahg@nuevolution.com

InteRNA Technologies, UCB and University of Bonn to Collaborate on the Role of MicroRNAs in ...

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InteRNA Logo

Nijmegen/Utrecht, the Netherlands, January 10, 2014 / B3C newswire / – InteRNA Technologies B.V., the Dutch biopharma company engaged in the development of microRNA (miRNA)-based therapeutics, and the Neuroallianz Consortium, an academic industry partnership with UCB and the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn (Germany) as 2 of the total 10 partners have entered into an agreement where InteRNA will support the investigation of miRNAs in  neurodegenerative diseases.

Under the agreement, InteRNA, working closely with Jeroen Pasterkamp, Professor of Translational Neuroscience at UMC Utrecht, will apply its platform for multi-parametric, high-throughput functional screening assays to identify and validate the biological role of individual miRNAs and novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease.

This collaboration forms an integral part of the Neuroallianz project miRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases partnered by the University of Bonn and UCB and funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) in Germany.

Though InteRNA is building its own pipeline of miRNA drug candidates for cancer, it has shown validity of its platform for discovery and validation of miRNAs drug candidates and their mode of action for other disease indications.

“The selection of InteRNA to support this program validates the uniqueness of our platform and confirms its potential use outside oncology”, said Roel Schaapveld, CEO of InteRNA Technologies.

 
About InteRNA Technologies
InteRNA Technologies develops cancer therapeutics based on a broadly applicable proprietary technology platform for the rapid identification and validation of therapeutic miRNAs. The Company has exclusive access to one of the largest miRNA libraries in the world. At present, InteRNA has established in vivo proof of concept for multiple pipeline candidates. The Company is pursuing a proactive partnership strategy to acquire appropriate delivery technologies for its products and expects to engage in corporate partnerships to progress several of its products into clinical development.
InteRNA Technologies was incorporated in December 2006 by Aglaia Oncology Fund as a spin-off from the Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

About Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn
Bonn is one of the large universities in Germany, with 32,000 students, 500 professors, 3,500 academic staff and 4,800 technical and administrative staff. It offers a wide disciplinary spectrum comprising some ninety different degree programmes, from Agricultural Science to Tibetan Studies. This diversity is what characterizes Bonn as a full-range university with a strong international orientation. Its academic and research profile features internationally renowned specializations in the fields of Mathematics, Physics/Astronomy, Economics, Chemistry, Pharma Research, Biosciences, Genetic Medicine, Neurosciences and Philosophy/Ethics.

About the Neuroallianz Consortium
The Neuroallianz Consortium, a public-private biopharma research alliance since 2009, focuses on the research and development of innovative diagnostics and therapeutics for improved treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The consortium comprises of a strategic partnership between publicly funded research institutions, biotechnology companies and the pharmaceutical industry. Its objective is the translation of innovative research into novel therapeutic targets and diagnostics methods for improved staging of neurodegenerative diseases.

About UCB
UCB (Brussels, Belgium) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With 9,000 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.4 billion in 2012. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels.


Contact:

Roel Schaapveld, PhD, MBA
CEO

InteRNA Technologies B.V.
Corporate office
Nijmegen City Centre
Jonkerbosplein 52
6534 AB Nijmegen
The Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)24 352 96 33 / +31 (0)30 2532386
E-mail: schaapveld@interna-technologies.com


Implandata Ophthalmic Products Successfully Completes Clinical Pilot Study for 24h Intraocular ...

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Implandata logo

Hannover, Germany, January 10, 2014 / B3C newswire / -Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH (Implandata) has successfully completed its ARGOS-01 pilot study for the first implantable, permanent intraocular pressure sensor. Implant safety and functionality has been demonstrated in this study. In addition important information was gained, which will result in new and additional product versions and alternate implantation procedures.

In this first-in-human study important clinical and technical aspects of the new-to-the-world intraocular pressure sensor for glaucoma patients have been tested and assessed. The micro sensor allows close monitoring of the patients disease status and glaucoma therapy success. Through simple and more frequent measurements of intraocular pressure - which is the key parameter in glaucoma therapy - important information on therapy response is delivered to the eye doctor early on, enabling him to adjust therapy immediately, when necessary, preventing further vision loss due to increased intraocular pressure. Patients can perform measurements with ease by themselves at home and under normal life conditions, by which therapy adherence is expected to be improved for many patients.

“This is a major technology milestone and clinical breakthrough” states Professor Robert N. Weinreb, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology at Hamilton Glaucoma Center and Director of Shiley Eye Centers at University San Diego, CA, USA, who is also providing scientific advice to Implandata. Professor Weinreb explains: „Glaucoma clinicians and researchers from all over the world are eagerly waiting since decades for applicable technologies to continuously measure real intraocular pressure. And apparently this technology is now available. This will lead to more efficient management and improved therapy of glaucoma patients.” In addition, the availability of the Implandata technology will represent the starting point to find answers to fundamental, currently unanswered questions, such as what specific pressure situation are responsible for progression of glaucoma and how therapy can be adjusted accordingly, is Professor Weinreb commenting.

Within the ARGOS-01 study, six glaucoma patients have been implanted with the micro sensor for intraocular pressure measurement at University Eye Clinic in Aachen/Germany. Over the course of 12 months tolerance of the implant and functionality has been monitored. Only limited product related issues have been observed which were addressed by a minor design optimization of the implant. The sensor implants have performed properly at any time and delivered reliable measurements of intraocular pressure. At the moment Implandata is preparing its multi-centric ARGOS-02 study, which will include a larger number of patients and which has the goal to deliver sufficient data for the CE marking conformity assessment. Further on the company is working on additional product variations, which will go into pre-clinical and clinical testing in the foreseeable future.


Contact:
Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH
Max G. Ostermeier
Kokenstrasse 5
30159 Hannover
Phone: +49 551 2204 2581
Fax: +49 511 2204 2589
mostermeier@implandata.com

Selvita S.A. Extends Long-Term Chemistry Collaboration with Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA

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selvita logo

Krakow, Poland, January 10, 2014 / B3C newswire / - Selvita, Poland-based integrated drug discovery partner for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, has extended its chemistry research collaboration with Chiesi Farmaceutici from Italy.

“We are very proud to be working for such renowned and innovative company as Chiesi. Chiesi projects always involve novel, challenging chemistry and they let us demonstrate the full potential of Selvita’s chemistry team, our broad knowledge, experience and skills.” said Dr Miroslawa Zydron, Director of Contract Chemistry Department at Selvita.

The collaboration between Chiesi and Selvita started with fee-for-service chemical synthesis in 2011. After the successful completion of several projects, it evolved into FTE-based collaboration in 2012-2013. The joint projects support Chiesi proprietary drug discovery and development pipeline, which is focused on respiratory, cardiovascular and special care disorders.


About Chiesi Farmaceutici
Founded in 1935 in Parma, Italy, Chiesi Farmaceutici currently has 25 affiliates worldwide and markets its therapeutics in over 60 countries. Chiesi's manufacturing plants in Parma, Blois (France) and Santana de Parnaiba (Brazil), and R&D centers in Parma, Paris, Rockville (USA) and Chippenham (UK) integrate their efforts to advance the Group's pre-clinical, clinical and registration programs. At the end of 2012, the Chiesi Group's total staff stood at over 3,800 people, more than 350 of whom are dedicated to R&D. The main areas of activity are in respiratory therapeutics and specialist medicine areas.

About Selvita
Selvita is the largest independent integrated drug discovery services provider in Central and Eastern Europe, based in Krakow, Poland. The company was established in 2007, and ever since its mission has been to serve our clients with a comprehensive panel of products and solutions targeted at lowering the cost of, and accelerating, the introduction of new drugs to the market. The company employs 170 people including 55 PhDs.
Drug discovery clients of Selvita include more than fifty large and medium-sized pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies from USA and Europe. Selvita is listed on the NewConnect market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange in Poland (SLV). Additional information about Selvita can be found on http://www.selvita.com/
For more information about the project or the company, please contact: selvita@selvita.com


Media contact:

Paulina Wolanin
Phone: +48 668 111 456
paulina.wolanin@selvita.com

MIMETAS and Galapagos to Develop Human Disease Models On-a-Chip

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MIMETAS logo Galapagos logo


Leiden, the Netherlands,  January 13, 2014 / B3C newswire / -
 MIMETAS and Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG) have entered into a research collaboration on the development of organ-on-a-chip-based human disease models for new medicine development.

The companies will collaborate to develop miniaturized 3D cell culture models that mimic specific aspects of human diseases. These models will be applied to the identification and improvement of novel compounds. Dr. Richard Janssen, Senior Director of Target Discovery at Galapagos, states: “The MIMETAS platform is the first to combine organ-on-a-chip technology with our high throughput screening of primary human cells. As we see it, OrganoPlates™ make 3D culture as straightforward as traditional cell culture.”

Dr. Jos Joore, MIMETAS’ CBO underscores this notion: “This agreement is a crucial step forward for MIMETAS and for the organ-on-a-chip field in general. Galapagos sets an example as one of the first drug discovery companies worldwide to implement innovative organ-on-a-chip technologies. This collaboration helps us to further validate our technology, by enabling development of unique novel compounds with unique human disease models.”

Financial and technological details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

 
About MIMETAS  
MIMETAS develops organ-on-a-chip technology for testing of new medicines. Its unique microfluidic technology enables testing of new medicines in high-throughput on miniaturized organ models. These models have better predictivity compared to laboratory animals and conventional cell culture models. The MIMETAS OrganoPlate™ platform allows 3D cell culture under continuous perfusion and for membrane-free co-culture, boundary and gradient formation. MIMETAS develops and validates customized disease, toxicology and transport models and ultimately will make its technology available for personalized therapy selection.

About Galapagos
Galapagos (Euronext: GLPG; OTC: GLPYY) is specialized in novel modes-of-action, with a large pipeline comprising of six Phase 2 studies (three led by GSK), one Phase 1 study, five pre-clinical, and 20 discovery small-molecule and antibody programs in cystic fibrosis, inflammation, antibiotics, metabolic disease, and other indications.
The Galapagos Group, including fee-for-service companies BioFocus, Argenta and Fidelta , has around 800 employees and operates facilities in five countries, with global headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium.


Contact Galapagos NV
Richard Janssen, Sr Director Target Discovery
Richard.janssen@glpg.com
+31 71 7506 700

Contact MIMETAS BV
Jos Joore, Chief Business Officer
j.joore@mimetas.com
+31 651 696 884

Canbex Therapeutics Ltd to Present at Biotech Showcase™ 2014

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London, UK, January 13, 2014 / B3C newswire / – Canbex Therapeutics Ltd announced today that Dr Jesse Schulman, Chief Executive Officer of Canbex, will be presenting at the Biotech Showcase™ 2014 Conference being held in San Francisco, CA.

Details of Canbex Therapeutic Ltd’s presentation are as follows:

Event: Biotech Showcase™ 2014 Conference
Date: Tuesday January 14th, 2014
Time: 9.30am
Location:       
B-Mission I (4th Floor) Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco Union Square Hotel

 
The presentation will outline recent progress of its novel, orally active lead compound aimed at changing the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis through improved tolerability.

Canbex reports that its Phase I clinical trial of lead compound VSN16R is progressing well and according to plan. “The superior tolerability of VSN16R is supported by our clinical results to date,” commented Canbex CEO Dr Jesse Schulman. “In addition, the pharmacokinetic data suggest that a patient-friendly dosing regime can be achieved, which would also be a significant advantage.”

Canbex’s Phase I trial to study the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of VSN16R is being conducted by Quintiles, the world’s largest clinical research organization, and will enrol up to 72 subjects.

Dr Keith Powell, Chairman of Canbex, said: “Canbex is delighted that it was selected to present the VSN16R story at the Biotech Showcase, a leading event for the life sciences industry and investors. We believe that VSN16R offers a commercial and investment opportunity with life-changing potential for people with multiple sclerosis.”

“With good safety and tolerability results so far, Canbex and its world-leading clinical advisors are preparing for a Phase II clinical trial to study the compound’s efficacy,” Dr Powell added.

Canbex believes that VSN16R has the potential to become an important advance in the treatment of spasticity, a condition for which there remains a substantial unmet medical need. Spasticity is characterized by sudden and uncontrollable movements of limb and torso musculature, and is among the most painful, damaging and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Current drug treatments have a high level of undesirable side effects, particularly sedation and cognitive dysfunction. Many patients cannot tolerate current treatments, and so are treated with palliative measures alone, or with drug regimes that result in poor quality of life.

Canbex closed a Series A funding round in April 2013 that was led by Merck Serono Ventures, and the company won a Biocatalyst grant from the UK government’s Technology Strategy Board in March 2013. Other investors in Canbex include the Wellcome Trust, the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society, University College London (UCL Business Ltd) and Esperante Ventures.


About Canbex
Canbex is a single-asset company that was established for the purpose of developing the VSN compound series. In addition to its pioneering scientific founders and clinical advisors, Canbex has assembled a skilled and focused management team. Development activities are carried out through leading CROs and CMOs. The company’s capital efficiency and lean management strategy ensure that funds are deployed overwhelmingly to compound development and that the company is well structured for exit.

Meet Canbex at:

Biotech Showcase, San Francisco, CA, USA, 13 - 15 January 2014

To contact Canbex, please email us at enquiries@canbex.co.uk

TVM Life Science Ventures VII Announces Investment in GLWL Research Inc.

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TVM Logo

Montreal, QC, Canada, January 13, 2014 / B3C newswire / – TVM Life Science Ventures VII today announced the fund’s third investment – GLWL Research Inc., a company based in Montreal, Quebec. GLWL Research Inc. plans to develop, to proof-of-concept, GLWL-01, an investigational compound originally discovered by Eli Lilly and Company with the potential to treat Type-2 Diabetes.

“The management team of GLWL Research Inc. is delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the TVM Capital Life Science team in progressing GLWL-01 to clinical proof-of-concept,” said Caroline Fortier, CEO of GLWL Research Inc.

Type-2 Diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the individual’s body does not properly use the insulin it makes. Nearly one quarter of a billion people worldwide are living with this disease1, with another 6.3 million developing the disease each year2. Life expectancy for people with Type-2 Diabetes may be shortened by 5 to 10 years1.

“TVM Capital Life Science is proud to have helped play an important role in creating GLWL Research Inc., and in securing the rights to GLWL-01. This transaction is a testament to the benefits of our investment model,” said Marc Riviere, M.D., General Partner with TVM Capital Life Science and Board member of GLWL Research Inc. “Furthermore, we are pleased to collaborate with Caroline Fortier and Mark Cipriano, who will act as CEO and CFO respectively for GLWL Research Inc. Caroline has had a fruitful career in the life science industry, including with Montreal-based Biochem Pharma; Mark is a well-known CFO in the industry.”

This is the third investment for TVM Life Science Ventures VII, a venture capital fund domiciled in Montreal QC which follows a new, capital-efficient investment approach to developing pharmaceutical assets to human proof-of-concept in single-asset companies. TVM Life Science Ventures VII is a unique collaboration between TVM Capital Life Science and Lilly to finance and access innovation beyond the company’s walls and as a way to manage risk and share reward.

GLWL Research Inc. will leverage its extensive product development expertise to potentially bring GLWL‑01 to human proof-of-concept. If and when proof-of-concept is reached, Lilly will have an option to acquire the molecule.

“Lilly’s alternative risk-sharing strategy has allowed us, together with other investors, to support the creation of project-focused companies in the Capital Funds portfolio,” said Darren Carroll, Lilly’s vice president of Corporate Business Development.

“Beyond their investment in the fund, Lilly’s relationship with TVM Capital Life Science makes their clinical-development expertise available to the resulting project-focused companies, including GLWL Research Inc., which will support these companies’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness in reaching clinical proof-of-concept,” said Marc Riviere.

Elaine Sullivan, Lilly’s vice president of Global External R&D, added, “Diabetes is a key therapeutic area for Lilly, given our strong legacy and expertise in this area. TVM Life Science Ventures VII is an important part of our strategy as we strive to discover innovative medicines in multiple therapeutic areas of great unmet need, including diabetes.”  


About TVM Capital Life Science
TVM Capital Life Science is providing venture capital to the international pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries with more than 25-years of transatlantic investment track record and in excess of US$1.1bn under management. The life science team boasts more than 120 investments and almost 90 exits in the last 25 years, including more than 40 initial public offerings on all major U.S. and European stock exchanges, and combines long-standing international investment and company building experience with their track record of dedicated board work, extensive global networks in the world of life science research and product development and a direct knowledge of the local markets. TVM Capital Life Science currently invests from its 7th fund generation, TVM Life Science Ventures VII, with an integrated team of investment professionals. Fund generations III to VI are managed by Managing Partners, Dr. Helmut M. Schühsler and Dr. Hubert Birner out of the Munich office. The new fund TVM LSV VII is advised by Dr. Hubert Birner and Dr. Luc Marengere out of Montreal. www.tvm-capital.com or www.tvm-lifescience.com

About TVM Capital
TVM Capital is a group of globally acting venture capital and private equity firms with an operating track record of 30 years. Investment teams have financed more than 250 emerging companies across several industries since 1984. During the last 15 years the firm has become increasingly specialized in the most attractive and high-growth verticals in the broader healthcare markets, with focus areas in financing innovative products and technologies in the European and U.S. biopharmaceutical and medical device markets, as well as healthcare services in the Middle East and India. TVM Capital funds operate globally with dedicated Life Science venture capital funds advised by group members TVM Life Science Management in Montreal and TVM Capital in Munich, and its healthcare private equity fund managed by TVM Capital MENA out of Dubai.

www.tvm-capital.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements about TVM Life Science Ventures VII and Lilly’s investment in a pre-clinical stage compound for the indication of T2DM being developed by GLWL Research Inc. It reflects Lilly's and TVM’s current beliefs; however, as with any such undertaking, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug development. There is no guarantee Lilly will realize the expected benefits of the transaction, that the product will receive regulatory approval, or if approved, would be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, please see Lilly's latest Forms 10-Q and 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The companies undertake no duty to update forward-looking statements. 

About GLWL Research Inc. 
GLWL Research Inc. is a special purpose company created to develop one compound. The project is fully financed by TVM Life Science Ventures VII. To date GLWL-01 has completed non-GLP tox studies and is poised to begin GLP tox studies and file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in Q1-2015. If the IND is approved, GLWL-01 will be tested in single ascending dose study in healthy male volunteers and, if appropriate, in a multiple ascending dose study eventually leading to a clinical proof of concept (POC) in T2DM patients. GLWL Research Inc. is funded by TVM Life Science Ventures VII and is led by an experienced management team.  


General Partner
TVM Life Science Ventures VII (GP) Ltd.
11-15 Seaton Place,
St Helier, Jersey
JE4 0QH, Channel Islands

Investment Advisor
TVM Life Science Management Inc.
2 Place Alexis Nihon, Suite 902
3500 Blvd De Maisonneuve West, Westmount,
Montréal, QC H3Z 1X5 Canada


For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Luc Marengere, Managing Partner, TVM Capital Life Science: marengere@tvm-capital.com

Dr. Hubert Birner, Managing Partner, TVM Capital Life Science: birner@tvm-capital.com

Phone: 514-931-4111

Caroline Fortier, CEO, GLWL Research Inc.: caroline.fortier@glwlresearch.com


References

  1. Canadian Diabetes Association: The prevalence and costs of diabetes fact sheet  http://www.diabetes.ca/documents/about-diabetes/PrevalanceandCost_09.pdf
    accessed January 3, 2014
  2. Canadian Diabetes Association: http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/what/prevalence/
    accessed January 3, 2014

Vetter Continues to Strengthen Its Market Position

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Vetter logo

Another positive year for the CDMO

Ravensburg, Germany, January 14, 2014 / B3C newswire / – Vetter, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization for pre-filled application systems, has announced that 2013 was yet another growth year for the company. As evidenced by a growing demand for customer projects in clinical phases and commercial aseptic manufacturing, the CDMO increased sales by more than 10 percent. Currently the company employs around 3,300 people at its German and US facilities. This sustained, positive development by the company was made possible as a result of its high quality and safety standards, as well as investments made across the company’s facilities for process optimization.

With an increase in market demand, Vetter responded by strengthening and reinforcing its position as a strategic partner for both the development phase, and commercial manufacturing of parenteral drugs. These actions included the increase in its capacities and service portfolio in production sites in Germany and the US. The company is planning the implementation of three new filling lines and is also making investments in innovative technologies. Vetter will also continue to optimize its quality management and processes in manufacturing and logistics to support pharmaceutical and biotech companies in meeting market requirements of quality and safety.

Still another reason for the strong growth is the newly launched customer projects at Vetter’s Chicago site. Here the company supports its customers in process development and manufacturing of clinical trials during product development. Once the clinical development phases are completed, the product it transferred to the German facilities for commercial production and market supply.

"Increasingly, our customers rely on our expertise and more than thirty-five years of experience in aseptic filling of injection systems," said Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner. “Next to a reliable production for continuous market supply, we also supported our customers with their complex development projects with our Development Service both in Chicago and Ravensburg."


About Vetter
Vetter is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that specializes in the aseptic filling of syringes, cartridges and vials. The company has extensive experience with biologics and other complex compounds, including monoclonal antibodies, peptides, interferons and vaccines. Its clientele includes the world’s top 10 pharma/biotech firms and emerging companies alike. A full-service provider, Vetter supports products throughout their lifecycles, from preclinical development through global market supply. Through its U.S. and European facilities, Vetter Development Service provides state-of-the-art support for early-stage products, with seamless transfer at Phase III to Vetter Commercial Manufacturing for large-scale production. Vetter employs approximately 3,300 staff across Europe and the United States.


Contact
Vetter Pharma International GmbH
Oskar Gold
Eywiesenstrasse 5
88212 Ravensburg
Phone: +49 (0)751-3700-3023
Fax: +49 (0)751-3700-7707
E-mail: PRnews@vetter-pharma.com
www.vetter-pharma.com

Haselmeier Announces the Extension of Its Business Development Organization within the ...

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Haselmeier Logo

Zurich, Switzerland, January 17, 2014 / B3C newswire / - Haselmeier announced the addition of Terence O’Hagan as Director of Business Development based in the United States. Previously, he was the Senior Director of Business Development at Flextronics Medical Division and Global Director of Strategy and Business Development at Radius Product Development.

Terence O’Hagan has over 10 years of business development and strategy experience in the medical device industry and 15 years with consumer electronics where he held positions in product development, manufacturing, strategic marketing and business unit management. Robert J. Kilgore, President of Haselmeier, Inc. commented “Terry’s extensive knowledge in the areas of product design, development and assembly will enable Haselmeier to continue providing the highest value and service to our customers.”


About Haselmeier
Haselmeier is a leading designer and manufacturer of pen and auto-injection systems. The Company’s devices feature unique function, design and technology and are marketed by leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the world.

For more information please visit www.haselmeier.com


Contact:

Haselmeier GmbH
Dufourstrasse 32
8008 Zürich
Switzerland

Nadia Di Secli
Tel: + (41) 44 250 58 50
n.secli@haselmeier.com


Nuevolution Enter Drug Discovery Collaboration with The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and ...

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Nuevolution logo

Copenhagen, Denmark, January 22, 2014 / B3C newswire / - The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, Cancer Research Technology (CRT), London and Nuevolution A/S, Copenhagen have entered into a drug discovery collaboration to identify novel lead candidates for cancer treatment.

Researchers will use Nuevolution’s screening technology, Chemetics®, to screen libraries each of millions of DNA-tagged compounds to identify those that act on a key protein in the stress response pathway, which has an important role in cancer cell survival and resistance to cancer treatments. This state-of the-art screening technology allows potent drug leads to be identified quickly, accurately and from very large and complex compound mixtures.

The three-way deal between the ICR, Nuevolution and CRT, the commercial arm of Cancer Research UK, builds on an existing collaboration between CRT and Nuevolution, which aims to identify drug leads that block the activity of several challenging cancer targets of therapeutic interest.

Under the new deal, the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit at the ICR and Nuevolution will collaborate to screen a key target within the stress response pathway. Researchers from the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit at the ICR will provide detailed insights and scientific expertise on the specific stress pathway target as well as their extensive experience in cancer drug discovery and development. Nuevolution will provide its proprietary Chemetics® technology, screening expertise and medicinal chemistry expertise to optimise drug candidates.

The parties have an option to co-develop promising compounds arising from this collaboration. The agreement is open-ended and allows for the screening of additional targets.

Professor Paul Workman, Deputy Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Director of the Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit said: “The stress response pathway plays a key role in allowing cancer cells to survive and to develop drug resistance – so it is increasingly being seen as an exciting source of future drug targets. But for some of these targets it is technically very challenging to identify prototype small molecule drugs. The new collaboration between the ICR, Cancer Research Technology and Nuevolution will allow us to screen very rapidly and efficiently for compounds that are able to bind to a key component of the stress response pathway that we have identified as especially important, and could help us to identify new drug candidates far more quickly than would otherwise be the case. By working in partnership we can accelerate the potential for patient benefit.”

Dr Phil L’Huillier, Cancer Research Technology’s director of business management, said: “Our role is to build global industry-academic partnerships to bring the best technologies and expertise together to develop new treatments for cancer patients – ultimately saving more lives from the disease. This exciting international collaboration combines global expertise and resources to exploit the untapped biology of the stress response pathway. This work will accelerate the identification of potential new cancer drugs though an innovative approach to scan for DNA ‘barcode’ tags on promising new molecules – extending the existing relationship between Nuevolution and CRT.”

Thomas Franch, CSO, Nuevolution A/S said: “We are delighted to enter this project and to expand our present collaborations with ICR and CRT. The project will address a highly challenging target for which small molecule compounds is not easily identified using conventional screening methods. We hope to identify lead compounds using the Chemetics® technology and look forward to moving this exciting project forward together with the world-leading team at ICR."


About The Institute of Cancer Research
The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world’s most influential cancer research institutes.

Scientists and clinicians at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) are working every day to make a real impact on cancer patients’ lives. Through its unique partnership with The Royal Marsden Hospital and ‘bench-to-bedside’ approach, the ICR is able to create and deliver results in a way that other institutions cannot. Together the two organisations are rated in the top four cancer centres globally.

The ICR has an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. It provided the first convincing evidence that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the now universally accepted idea that cancer is a genetic disease. Today it leads the world at isolating cancer-related genes and discovering new targeted drugs for personalised cancer treatment.

As a college of the University of London, the ICR provides postgraduate higher education of international distinction. It has charitable status and relies on support from partner organisations, charities and the general public.

The ICR’s mission is to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

About Cancer Research Technology
Cancer Research Technology (CRT) is a specialist commercialisation and development company, which aims to develop new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of cancer patients. CRT works closely with leading international cancer scientists and their institutes to protect intellectual property arising from their research and to establish links with commercial partners. CRT facilitates the discovery, development and marketing of new cancer therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics and enabling technologies. CRT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cancer Research UK, the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research.

About Cancer Research UK
• Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research
• The charity’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.
• Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step it makes towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.
• Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates in the UK double in the last forty years.
• Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 0300 123 1861 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Nuevolution
Nuevolution is a leading small molecule lead discovery company founded in 2001 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company has developed Chemetics®, a unique, patent protected hybrid of proven wet chemistry and molecular biology, which represents the ultimate fragment, based drug discovery technology. Chemetics® enables rapid oligonucleotide e.g. DNA encoded synthesis of up to billions of chemically diverse drug-like small molecule compounds and the efficient screening of these, facilitating the identification of potent drug leads at unprecedented speed and scale.

Nuevolution partners its technology with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Nuevolution has entered into collaboration and licensing agreements with Merck & Co., Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim and Cancer Research Technology, joint venture epigenetics consortium (Nuevolution, EpiTherapeutics, ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies, BRIC) and a GPCR scientific joint venture consortium (Nuevolution, Duke University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals).
Nuevolution has demonstrated the power of Chemetics® by identification of highly potent and drug like novel ligands with the potential to address major unmet medical needs across a range of therapeutic areas and target classes. Nuevolutions internal programs focuses on therapeutically important targets within inflammation and oncology.

Nuevolution is a privately owned company by key Scandinavian investors, including SEB Venture Capital, Sunstone Capital, Industrifonden, SLS Invest, Novo Ventures and Innoventus Life Sciences.

Chemetics® is a patented technology and a registered trademark of Nuevolution.

Chemetics® is a patented technology of Nuevolution: EP1402024, US7,727,713, EP1487978, US7,413,854, EP1756277, EP1608748, US 7,915,201, EP1558744, AU2003273792, CNZL20038010476, HKHK1082742, IN213390, IL167531, JP4895608, ZA2005/02624, NZ538993, SG111515, US8,206,901, US7,704,925, EP1957644,EP07114663.3, EP10184311.8, US12/330,709, EP08169346.7, US12/179,323, EP03766117.0, US10/523,006, US10/539,288, US13/179,283, EP09154197.9, AU2011226815, CA2,544,153, CN201210222023.8, EP10183942.1, EP10184069.2, HK11107861.8, HK11107866.3, IL207672, IL207673, IN178/MUMNP/2007, JP2010-226107, JP2013-155967, US11/402,957, US13/455,223, US10/572,644, EP10192716.8, EP10192717.6, US12/095,778, EP09765460.2, US12/999,267, EP11720372.9, IN9924/DELNP/2012, US13/641,588.


Contacts

Nuevolution
Thomas Franch, CSO, tf@nuevolution.com, +45 70200987

ICR
ICR press office on 020 7153 5380 or graham.shaw@icr.ac.uk.
For ICR enquiries out of hours, please contact Claire Bithell, the ICR’s Head of Media Relations, on 07969 082 520.

Improved Sensitivity with the New Protein and Phospholipid Removal Plate from Biotage

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biotage logo

Uppsala, Sweden, January 22, 2014 / B3C newswire / – Biotage (STO: BIOT), a leading global supplier of solutions and technology for analytical, medicinal and peptide chemistry, is pleased to announce the launch of ISOLUTE® PLD+, a protein and phospholipid removal plate for the clean-up of blood based matrix samples for analysis by LC-MS/MS.

ISOLUTE® PLD+ plates combine protein and phospholipid removal in a single product providing very effective and extremely simple sample clean-up for LC-MS/MS analysis. Utilizing our solvent crash / filter process the plates also incorporate a phospholipid scavenging sorbent layer, which removes phospholipids from the sample during the filtration step. ISOLUTE® PLD+ plates remove more than 99% of plasma proteins and phospholipids, the main causes of ion suppression, leading to cleaner extracts and increased sensitivity, signal-to-noise, for a broad range of analytes.

Once purified, samples can be analyzed directly, or evaporated and reconstituted in a solvent that matches your analytical method requirements. ISOLUTE® PLD+ plates can be processed using 96-well compatible positive pressure manifolds (such as the Biotage® Pressure+ 96), vacuum manifolds (for example the Biotage® VacMaster™ 96) and most automated liquid handling systems. ISOLUTE® PLD+ is available in the standard SBS/ANSI standard 96-well plate format and typical sample volumes of 100 to 200 µL can be processed.

“Requiring next to no method development, ISOLUTE® PLD+ can be integrated quickly and easily into routine workflow, increasing productivity and reducing instrument downtime” said Paul Roberts, Analytical Product Manager, Biotage AB, Sweden.

For further information visit www.biotage.com or call: in Europe +46 18 56 57 10, in North America toll free 1 800 446 4752, in Japan +81 422 28 1233, other areas please call +46 18 56 57 10.


About Biotage

Biotage offers solutions, knowledge and experience in the areas of analytical and medicinal chemistry. Customers include the world’s top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic institutes. The company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with offices in China, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and a worldwide network of distributors. Biotage has 272 employees with sales of 462.9 MSEK in 2012. Biotage is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Stock Exchange.


For further press information from Biotage please contact:

James Churchill
Marketing Communications
Biotage GB Ltd.
Distribution Way
Dyffryn Business Park
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed, Wales CF82 7TS
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1443 811 849
Mobile: +44(0)7875484778
Email: james.churchill@biotage.com

apceth’s Ground-Breaking First-In-Man, First-In-Class Clinical Trial in Oncology with ...

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apceth logo

Munich, Germany, January 23, 2014 / B3C newswire / - As a world first, apceth announced today that the TREAT ME Phase I/II clinical trial for patients suffering from advanced adenocarcinoma of the gastro-intestinal tract has commenced. This is the first clinical trial world-wide with genetically-modified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).

This innovative next-generation MSC therapy is based on cells harvested from the patient's own (autologous) bone marrow, which are processed, genetically modified and re-infused into the patient. The cells specifically target the tumor, or its metastases, where the cytotoxic gene product is selectively activated, increasing local efficacy with reduced systemic toxicity, one of the main problems of systemic chemotherapy. This unique principle is also applicable to other cancer types. apceth intends to advance this treatment to an off-the-shelf product where cells obtained for healthy donors will be used to treat multiple patients.

“This is an important milestone for all of us at apceth who strive to produce truly innovative products that make a real difference to patients” said apceth’s CEO, Dr Christine Guenther. “We are the first to use next-generation MSC-based therapies in the clinic and this sets us apart from the competition. This is a platform technology that carries significant potential and represents the future of cell therapies”.


About apceth
apceth is a leading European pioneer in the development, GMP manufacturing and clinical implementation of innovative (stem) cell-based therapies, for the treatment of life threatening diseases. It combines the principles of stem cell biology with groundbreaking technologies, applying the highest standards for GMP manufacturing, safety regulations and quality control according to the European Regulation for “Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products” (ATMPs). The company was founded in 2007 and is privately owned by its founders and private investors.

apceth is pleased to offer GMP contract manufacturing services for ATMPs, to pharma and biopharmaceutical partners.


Contact:
Dr. Christine Günther, CEO
Prof. Dr. Ralf Huss, CSO
apceth GmbH & Co. KG
Max-Lebsche-Platz 30
D-81377 Munich, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89-7009 608-0
Email: contact@apceth.com

www.apceth.com

MIP Technologies AB Presents a New Range of Polymeric Separation Resins for Industrial Use

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MIP Technologies Logo

Lund, Sweden, January 24, 2014 / B3C newswire / – MIP Technologies (a subsidiary of Biotage AB), a leading global supplier of solutions and technologies for specialty polymeric separation materials, is pleased to present a new range of RENSA™ industrial resins. The company is now offering industrial resin products together with recently published product- and application notes on the website http://www.biotage.com/product-page/rensa-bulk-resins. These notes describe the materials and physical properties as well as the performance of the new resins so that customers can select the appropriate resin for their specific separation requirements.

“The food, beverage, pharma, consumer products and life science industries are constantly confronted with new separation challenges as the result of an ever changing regulatory environment and the pressure to achieve a better process economy. In response to this need, MIP Technologies has established a broad range of polymeric materials spanning a wide chemistry landscape that will enable these industries to overcome those separation challenges” says Dr. Ecevit Yilmaz, Product Manager – Industrial Resins. “The separation materials can be used by our customers at the pilot and production scale to either extract undesired impurities or to enrich specific target compounds from complex matrices.”

“The area of Industrial Scale applications is an important new pillar in the business of Biotage. We will continue to invest into the development of our Industrial Resin portfolio and we will further expand the range of engineered polymeric adsorbents. This will allow us to offer unique and highly selective separation solutions to our wide range of industrial customers” says Dr. Ecevit Yilmaz.

For further information visit www.biotage.com or call: in Europe +46 18 56 57 10, in North America toll free 1 800 446 4752, in Japan +81 3 5627 3123, other areas please call +46 18 56 57 10. 


About MIP Technologies
MIP Technologies AB (founded in 1999, a subsidiary of Biotage since 2010) is a specialized technology company that provides standard and custom-made polymeric separation materials. The polymeric materials are aimed at selective separation challenges for industrial applications. MIP Technologies is ISO 9001 certified and has fully equipped analytical laboratories and a pilot production facility.

For over a decade, MIP Technologies has been helping their customers through a series of direct research collaborations. These collaborations have been targeted towards the development of tailor-made separation materials so solve customer specific industrial scale challenges. The launch of the Industrial Resin portfolio will facilitate these efforts.

About Biotage
Biotage offers solutions, knowledge and experience in the areas of analytical and medicinal chemistry. Customers include the world’s top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic institutes. The company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden, with offices in China, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and a worldwide network of distributors. Biotage has 272 employees with sales of 462.9 MSEK in 2012. Biotage is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Stock Exchange.


For further press information from Biotage please contact:

James Churchill
Marketing Communications
Biotage GB Ltd.
Distribution Way
Dyffryn Business Park
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed, Wales CF82 7TS
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1443 811 849
Mobile: +44(0)7875484778 
Email: james.churchill@biotage.com

PharmaCell to Purchase Cell Therapy Production Facility from TiGenix

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PharmaCell logo

Maastricht, the Netherlands, January 24, 2014 / B3C newswire / – PharmaCell B.V. a leading Contract Manufacturing Organization for Cellular Therapies and Regenerative Medicine in Europe, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with TiGenix N.V. to purchase its state-of-the-art cell therapy production facility at the Chemelot site in Sittard-Geleen, close to Maastricht (The Netherlands). TiGenix is a leading European cell therapy company with a marketed product for cartilage repair, ChondroCelect®.

TiGenix and PharmaCell have signed an agreement to purchase the shares of TiGenix B.V., which holds the manufacturing site, subject to certain closing conditions and intend to close the transaction in the coming months. PharmaCell will acquire the facility, including its qualified team of employees in Production, QC, QA and other functions. ChondroCelect® will continue to be manufactured at the facility as before under a long-term CMO agreement with PharmaCell.

In 2012, TiGenix’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands, successfully passed cGMP inspection by the Dutch authorities, and obtained approval from the European Medicines Agency for the production of ChondroCelect®, the company’s commercial cell therapy product for cartilage repair in the knee. Going forward, PharmaCell intends to produce other commercial and investigational cell therapy and regenerative medicine products at the site.

Alexander Vos, CEO of PharmaCell B.V. said: “The new partnership with TiGenix is a further step forward to strengthen our business in support of the development of the cell therapy industry in Europe. PharmaCell and TiGenix have created a collaborative business model for cell therapeutics in general and for ChondroCelect® in particular.”


About PharmaCell
PharmaCell is a leading European-based CMO active in the area of cell therapy and regenerative medicine. PharmaCell has experience in supporting Phase I through Phase III clinical trials and early commercial manufacturing in cell therapy in terms of manufacturing, QC, storage, in-outgoing logistics and product release through its in-house QPs. PharmaCell is exclusively focused on providing contract services in the area of human cell therapy. Its services also include process and assay-development to ensure GMP compliance, robustness and scalability of cell therapy manufacturing processes.

About TiGenix
TiGenix NV (NYSE Euronext Brussels: TIG) is a leading European cell therapy company with a marketed product for cartilage repair, ChondroCelect®, and a strong pipeline with clinical stage allogeneic adult stem cell programs for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. TiGenix is based out of Leuven (Belgium) and has operations in Madrid (Spain), and Sittard-Geleen (the Netherlands).

 
For more information:

Alexander Vos
Chief Executive Officer
 a.vos@pharmacell.nl
+31 43 35 09910

Soenke Brunswieck, PhD
Director Business Development
s.brunswieck@pharmacell.nl
+31 43 35 09910

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