FDA reorganizes cancer drug division; Seattle Genetics, Oxford Biotherapeutics to collaborate on antibody-drug conjugates;

@FierceBiotech: Novartis hasn't cut R&D spend, unlike some drugmakers. Has logged 17 new drug approvals over the past 1.5 years in U.S., Europe | Follow @FierceBiotech

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@RyanMFierce: Kiwi firm (not fruit) Biomatters, which sells scientific software, has opened its first U.S. offices in NJ and CA. Item | Follow @RyanMFierce

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> The FDA has reorganized its oncology division. The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's Office of Oncology Drug Products has been reorganized and renamed the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products. "Under the new office structure, the agency anticipates greater clarity and more transparent interactions with companies about the requirements to bring cancer treatments to market," said CDER director Dr. Janet Woodcock. "We don't expect these changes to slow down pending applications, in fact, we expect to see greater efficiencies that will better support our work to get cancer treatments to patients." Dr. Richard Pazdur will continue to serve as the office director. FDA release

> Seattle Genetics and Oxford Biotherapeutics plan to collaborate on new antibody-drug conjugates for cancer. Release

> Merck and BGI have forged a collaboration to focus on the discovery and development of biomarkers and genomic technologies. Release

> Oncothyreon has licensed in a preclinical pan-inhibitor of the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins from Sanford-Burnham. Release

> Supergen has adopted the new name of Astex Pharmaceuticals following its acquisition of the U.K. biotech. The company's stock ticker is changing to ASTX. Report

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