Flamel Technologies (NSDQ:FLML) said today that the 1st patient in its Rest-On phase III clinical trial was dosed with FT218, sodium oxybate, for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy patients.The Lyon, France-based company developed the controlled-release oral formulation of sodium oxybate using its Micropump technology. The randomized, double-blind trial has enrolled […]
Pharmaceutical
Evotec, Celgene ink drug development deal for stem cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases
Evotec (ETR:EVT) said today that it inked a 5-year drug discovery and development deal with Celgene (NSDQ:CELG) to identify stem cell therapies for a range of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. According to the agreement, Hamburg, Germany-based Evotec will receive an upfront payment of $45 million and Celgene will hold exclusive […]
Actelion gains on Sanofi deal rumors
Actelion (VTX:ATLN) shares jumped more than 8% to 214 Swiss francs after reports that Sanofi (NYSE:SNY) and the Swiss biotech are nearing a takeover deal that would value Actelion at $29.6 billion. After Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) abandoned its efforts to reach an agreement with Actelion this week, Sanofi stepped in to pursue negotiations. Sanofi is expected to offer […]
Mylan launches first generic EpiPen as state AGs sue generics makers for price collusion
Mylan (NSDQ:MYL) launched its 1st generic EpiPen emergency allergy treatment 1 day after attorney generals from 20 states filed a civil complaint against Mylan, Teva Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:TEVA), and 4 other generic drug makers. The complaint alleges that the companies co-conspired in informal gatherings, calls and text messages to fix the price for glyburide, a diabetes drug, and doxycycline […]
Fresenius expands prefilled syringe portfolio
Fresenius (NYSE:FMS) business group Fresenius Kabi said today that it added its heparin sodium injection to the company’s Simplist prefilled syringe portfolio. The prefilled syringe for subcutaneous and intravenous bolus injections expands Fresenius Kabi’s available Heparin formulations. The Lake Zurich-Ill. company’s Simplist syringes have a 2-year shelf life and do not require any assembly or point-of […]
SMC acquires UK auto-injector developer Oval Medical Technologies
SMC Ltd., said today that it acquired auto-injector developer Oval Medical Technologies for an undisclosed amount. Cambridge, UK-based Oval Medical Technologies develops auto-injectors for a 2-step administration of non-viscous and viscous drugs using cyclic olefin plastic and glass primary drug containers. Somerset, Wisconsin-based SMC is a global contract manufacturer of single-use devices for pharmaceutical, medical […]
Researchers use nanoparticles to overcome treatment-resistant breast cancer
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have developed RNA nanoparticles that show promise in overcoming treatment-resistant breast cancer. The team’s work was published in ACS Nano. The researchers used a nanocarrier to target HER2-positive breast cancer and stop the production of a specific protein to prevent metastasis and render the cancer cells vulnerable to tamoxifen, […]
ClearLine wins CE Mark for intravenous line device
ClearLine MD said today that it won CE Mark approval for its ClearLine IV product line that prevents air from being introduced into intravenous lines. During IV infusion, ClearLine’s device detects air in the IV line using ultrasound and then removes the air to allow the fluid to flow continuously. Air embolisms can cause long-term clinical […]
Lilly, Boehringer’s Basaglar long-acting insulin now available in the U.S.
Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals said today that its insulin glargine injection, Basaglar, is available by prescription in the U.S. Basaglar is a long-acting insulin with the same amino acid sequence as Sanofi‘s (NYSE:SNY) Lantus. The companies also offer resources for patients beginning insulin treatment, including an app for smartphones and tablets which provides […]
Ex pharma execs first to be charged in generic drug pricing case
Former Heritage Pharmaceuticals CEO Jeffrey Glazer and ex-president Jason Malek were hit yesterday with the 1st criminal charges from a 2-year federal investigation in an ongoing generic drug pricing case. The 2 former executives were charged by federal authorities with price collusion for doxycycline hyclate, a widely used antibiotic, and a diabetes therapy called glyburide […]
Baxter to put up $625m for Claris Injectables generics biz
Baxter (NYSE:BAX) said today that acquired Claris Lifesciences (BOM:533288) subsidiary Claris Injectables for $625 million. The deal is expected to close in the 2nd half of next year. Deerfield, Ill.-based Baxter said it plans to pay for the acquisition with cash on hand, debt or a combination. Baxter anticipates launching 7 to 9 new products […]