We'd like to offer a big 'thank you' to the panelists and attendees who joined us at this morning's executive breakfast in Washington, D.C. For those of you unable to attend, a link to a recording of the session will be available shortly. We hope to see you at future Fierce events!
Lilly targets multi-specific therapeutics in biologics push
by Maureen Martino
Eli Lilly announced that it's making a large investment in multi-specific therapeutics, which the company believes have the potential to be safer and more effective than traditional medicines. Multi-specific therapeutics are molecules that feature two mechanisms of action, and are not to be confused with combination therapies, which involve two separate molecules. The move includes hiring 35 to 40 biochemists and biologists. Read more
Transitioning to human models a big obstacle for DNA cancer vaccines
by Erica Teichert
A panel at the 2011 BIO International convention explained that the real obstacle comes when the focus turns to humans rather than animal models. As a collaborator of Inovio Biomedical's CMO Mark Bagarazzi's said, "DNA vaccines have basically cured every disease known to mouse." Report
Polybatics looks to improve diagnostics with beads
by Liz Jones Hollis
FierceMedicalDevices caught up with New Zealand-based PolyBatics' CEO Tracy Thompson at the BIO International Convention in Washington, D.C. The company, which was started in 2009, has engineered a single-step process for producing customizable, biodegradable polymer beads for use in areas from industrial biotechnology to health sciences. Article
When it comes to future drugs, think smaller but more effective
by Maureen Martino
At his annual state of the industry report yesterday, venture capitalist Steve Burrill tossed out a statement that got a lot of people talking: 90 percent of drugs work in just 30 percent to 50 percent of individuals. That fact underscores one of the much-talked-about themes here at BIO 2011: the industry needs to shift its efforts from drugs that treat a lot of people to drugs that treat fewer people, but more effectively. Article