> Tacere Therapeutics has inked a development deal with Pfizer for its preclinical hepatitis C drug. The deal is worth up to $145 million in potential milestones and Pfizer is paying an undisclosed upfront fee. Release [1]
> Shares of InterMune jumped after the company announced that the Phase Ib trial of a new hepatitis C therapy delivered positive results. Report [2]
> U.S. regulators have canceled an advisory board meeting regarding Jerini's icatibant, removing a possible obstacle to its approval. Release [3]
> The CEOs of ArQule and Isolagen have announced plans to leave their respective companies. Report [4] | Report [5]
> Watson Pharmaceuticals says that its experimental gel therapy for overactive bladder met its goal in a late-stage trial. Release [6]
> NextGen Sciences and Paragon Bioservices announced a marketing deal for their development services. Release [7]
> NicOx signed an extension of its March 2006 collaboration agreement with Pfizer covering the exclusive right to apply its proprietary nitric oxide-donating technology to drug discovery research in the field of ophthalmology. Release [8]
> China's biotech sector is small compared to its pharma activities, but it's growing fast. Report [9]
> The very drugs prescribed to strengthen bones can spark stabbing limb and joint pain, according to a reminder from the FDA. Report [10]
> A peptide produced by the brain to ward off the effects of fatigue could be the key to combating sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, according to new research. Report [11]
> Looking to boost New York's reputation as a thriving center of scientific research, Gov. Eliot Spitzer has handed out the first series of grants from a new $600 million fund designed to support stem cell research programs. Report [12]
> Prescription drug spending surged in 2006 as the government's benefits for the elderly kicked in, according to a federal study. Report [13]
And Finally... House Democrats are investigating whether consumers are being misled by commercials in which Dr. Robert Jarvik (photo [14]) endorses of Pfizer's Lipitor. Though Jarvik invented the artificial heart, he has never practiced medicine. Report [15]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/tacere-therapeutics-enters-collaboration-and-license-agreement-pfizer
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/intermune-announces-continuing-progress-itmn-191-r7227-0
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/fda-cancels-advisory-committee-meeting-icatibant-treatment-hae
[4] http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/health-care/article/fda-cancels-advisory-committee-meeting-icatibant-treatment-hae-priority-review_427367_10.htm
[5] http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2008/01/07/daily11.html
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/watson-announces-positive-results-its-pivotal-study-oxybutynin-topical-gel-treatmen-0
[7] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/nextgen-sciences-announces-commercial-alliance-paragon-bioservices
[8] http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/health-care/article/nicox-signs-extension-ophthalmology-agreement-pfizer_427337_10.html
[9] http://www.fiercebioresearcher.com/story/huge-potential-booming-chinese-biotech/2008-01-08
[10] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/fda-osteo-meds-can-cause-severe-pain/2008-01-08
[11] http://www.fiercebioresearcher.com/story/peptide-could-provide-key-warding-fatigue/2008-01-08
[12] http://www.fiercebioresearcher.com/story/stem-cell-labs-get-first-taste-nys-600m-program/2008-01-08
[13] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/medicare-boosted-2006-drug-spending/2008-01-08
[14] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/pages/dr-robert-jarvik
[15] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/house-objects-pfizers-lipitor-pitchman/2008-01-08