Drug Discovery

Horizon Discovery broadens gene editing capabilities

Horizon Discovery Group has expanded its gene editing capabilities through the amendment of a pre-existing license with ERS Genomics to include the full commercial rights for the use of CRISPR edited cell lines for the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing of biotherapeutics.

Gilead awards more than $22m in grants to support HIV cure research

US biopharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences has awarded more than $22m in grants to support 12 new HIV cure research projects.

Ipsen to buy Merrimack’s global oncology assets

Ipsen has agreed to acquire global oncology assets from Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, including its key marketed product ONIVYDE (irinotecan liposome injection) for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy, in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin.

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Clinigen sign US commercialization deal for Totect

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals and Clinigen Group have signed an exclusive agreement to commercialize the oncology support drug, Totect (dexrazoxane hydrochloride) in the US.

Mast Therapeutics and Savara sign merger deal

Mast Therapeutics and Savara have entered into a definitive merger agreement, under which the stockholders of Savara would become the majority owners of Mast, and the operations of Mast and Savara would be combined.

Takeda, PvP Biologics partner to develop novel therapeutic for celiac disease

Takeda Pharmaceutical and PvP Biologics have partnered to develop KumaMax, a novel enzyme designed to break down the immune-reactive parts of gluten in the stomach.

Clinical stage biopharmaceutical firm Microbion raises $25m in funding

Quark Venture and GF Securities have invested $25m in Microbion to advance a new class of drugs that combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Scientists identify how cancer cells can shrug off physical constraints on growth and spread

Scientists have revealed how cancer cells are able to break free of the physical restraints imposed by their surroundings in order to grow and spread around the body.

Ascletis completes $100m Series B Financing

Ascletis, a biotechnology company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of new treatments for liver diseases, has raised $100m in series B financing.