> Ipsen (EPA:IPN) won FDA approval for Dysport as a treatment for pediatric lower limb spasticity. The regulatory nod follows a Phase III trial that showed the botulinum toxin outperformed placebo on the modified Ashworth scale, an instrument used to grade muscle spasticity. Dysport is also approved by FDA for use in adults with cervical dystonia and upper limb spasticity. Release
> Araclon Biotech committed to advancing its Alzheimer’s disease vaccine into Phase II. The Spanish biotech, which lists Grifols as its main shareholder, decided to push ahead with development of the vaccine against the amyloid beta 40 peptide after getting a look at data from a Phase I study. Araclon enrolled 24 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease in the trial. An immune response was seen in almost all of the 18 patients who received the vaccine. Release
> DBV Technologies (EPA:DBV) initiated a Phase III peanut allergy trial to assess the use of its candidate in routine clinical practice. The study, which joins a pivotal trial on DBV’s roster of Phase III programs, won’t feature oral food challenges. Patients with severe anaphylaxis are eligible for the study. Release
> MorphoSys (ETR:MOR) completed the safety run-in stage of its Phase II MOR208 trial. The study is looking at the CD19-targeting antibody in combination with Celgene’s ($CELG) Revlimid in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma. In the run-in stage, 6 patients were given the regimen at the recommended dose. Release
> Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) entered into a collaboration with Philogen, an Italian biotech focused on the use of antibodies and ligands to deliver cytokines and other active agents. Philogen has released few details of the deal. The pact includes an option and license agreement. Johnson & Johnson Innovation facilitated the agreement, something it has done in other deals between the drugmaker and European biotechs. Release
> Intec Pharma ($NTEC) outlined plans to use its accordion pill technology to deliver cannabinoids. The Israeli biotech is aiming to advance a formulation based on its drug delivery technology into the clinic next year as a possible treatment for pain management. In doing so, Intec has started another chapter in its 16-year search for a use for its technology. The most advanced facet of that search is a Parkinson’s disease program that entered Phase III this year. Release