Category Archives: Business of Biotech

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) initiated a two-stage clinical study of its virus-like-particle (VLP) H1N1 influenza vaccine in Mexico in collaboration with Avimex Laboratories (Avimex) and GE Healthcare. Avimex distributes biological and pharmaceutical products for use in Mexico and more than 25 other countries around the world. Avimex is providing financial support for the trial and is expected to distribute the H1N1 VLP vaccine in Mexico in 2010 if it is approved for commercial sale. In Read More >

Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced interim results from the ongoing Phase 1 trial evaluating CAL-101, a PI3K inhibitor, showing promising clinical responses in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). At this interim assessment, 29 percent of CLL patients treated in the cohort expansion dose levels had partial responses observed after 28 days of therapy (1 cycle) and 94 percent have achieved evidence of biologic activity with a greater than 50 percent decrease in Read More >

Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRBN) announced favorable safety and efficacy data following administration of a second course (R2) of re-treatment with 800 mg of TRU-015 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These data are the latest results from the ongoing open-label re-treatment portion of the Phase 2b (15002) RA study of TRU-015. Pfizer Inc. and Trubion are collaborating on the development of TRU-015 for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including RA. Trubion’s President and CEO, Read More >

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex: RNN) announced top-line results from a Phase IIa clinical study of SerdaxinTM, its major depressive disorder (MDD) drug candidate. The randomized, double blind, placebo controlled and dose ranging study enrolled 77 patients and was conducted at multiple U.S. sites to assess Serdaxin’s safety and preliminary efficacy. The study showed that patients ages 18-65 with MDD exhibited clinically meaningful improvement over baseline in symptoms of depression as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Read More >

Endocyte, Inc., completed a $26 million extension of its Series C financing. This round included participation from all existing institutional investors including Sanderling Ventures, Burrill & Company, American Bailey Ventures, Blue Chip Venture Company, and Triathlon Medical Ventures. Clarian Health Ventures also participated as a new investor.