> Synta Pharmaceuticals has achieved an operational milestone triggering a $10 million payment from GlaxoSmithKline under its collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of elesclomol. Synta release
> Human Genome Sciences has earned a $9 million milestone on today's announcement that GlaxoSmithKline has initiated a Phase III clinical trial of Syncria (albiglutide) in the long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. HGS release
> France's Flamel Technologies has forged a full license agreement with Merck Serono to apply Flamel's Medusa technology for the extended release of an already-marketed therapeutic protein from Merck Serono's portfolio. Flamel release
> The Wall Street Journal takes a close look at next-gen DNA sequencers from Illumina. More precise than microarrays, the cutting edge technology is expected to help spawn advances in both diagnostics and research. Report
> Why is there a halo drawn above Andrew Witty's head? Because the GlaxoSmithKline CEO announced plans to slash drug prices in poor countries and plough a hunk of profits there into clinics and other healthcare infrastructure. Plus, he's proposing that drugmakers and other patent-holders hand over IP on neglected tropical diseases to help jump-start development of remedies for those conditions. GSK Report
> Amazing what's going on behind closed doors at the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. As IFPMA is concluding a probe of Sandoz, the generics arm of Novartis, over alleged ethical breaches in product labeling, Novartis has yanked Sandoz from the group. Report
> Is the Lunesta moth about to have its wings clipped? In a filing with the SEC, Sepracor disclosed that two generics makers have asked the FDA for approval for their copycat versions of the insomnia remedy, showing their intent to challenge the company's patents. Other knockoff drugmakers are expected to home in on Lunesta, too, Sepracor told the SEC. Report
> Just as folks follow Big Pharma to keep tabs on the whole branded-drugs industry, it's possible to take the pulse of the generics market by keeping track of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. And if Teva's projections--if not its fourth-quarter report--are any indication, copycat drugs have a 100-watt future, at least in 2009. Report
> Obama, one; pharma lobbyists, zero. When the new president signs the $787 billion stimulus bill, he'll be launching something drugmakers sought to quash: funding for comparative effectiveness research. Report
And Finally... Bioengineering experts are urging the adoption of open technology platforms that will hasten the development of genetic materials and new drugs. Report