GSK wins conditional EMA approval for kidney cancer drug; Novo says next-gen insulin performs well in PhII;

 @FierceBiotech: Analysis: Fewer approvals may prove R&D is getting tougher. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: NYT's Pollack makes some good points on genomics, but it takes 15 years to start a biotech revolution and 15 more to profit. Report | Follow @JohnCFierce

> The European Medicines Agency has provided a conditional approval of GlaxoSmithKline's new kidney cancer drug Votrient. The EMA says it also wants to see comparison data on Pfizer's Sutent Sales of Votrient are expected to near the $300 million mark by 2014. GSK release

> Novo Nordisk says that one of its new-generation insulin drugs performed well in a Phase II trial. The long-acting insulins Novo has in development are considered essential for its long-term success. "The main points in the new data are that Degludec has a half-life of more than 24 hours and that it is traceable in the circulation at least 96 hours after injection. The pharmacokinetic profile, the body's uptake process, thus indicates an even and stable exposure over a 24-hour period," Handelsbanken said in a note. Report

> The FDA has approved GlaxoSmithKline's new BPH therapy--which combines dutasteride and tamsulosin--Jalyn. The therapy will be available in the second half of this year. Story

> In anticipation of a burst of new clinical development work, Bristol-Myers Squibb has inked development deals with two big CROs. Icon and Parexel will support BMS's clinical studies over the next three years. No financial details were released. "Bristol-Myers Squibb is preparing for a large volume of clinical development work that will require expanding upon its existing partnering approach for clinical development." BMS release

> Theraclone Sciences CEO David Fanning died unexpectedly yesterday. He was under the age of 50, reports Xconomy. Story

> Albany Molecular is buying Hyaluron, which makes pre-filled syringes, for $27 million. Albany release

> The FDA has granted Genzyme's MS drug fast track status. Genzyme release

> European Medicines Agency's Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products has issued a positive opinion recommending orphan medicinal product designation for Raptor Pharmaceutical's cystinosis therapy DR Cysteamine. Release

> Canada's Lorus Therapeutics says it will begin a late-stage study of its leukemia drug later this year. A company spokesperson tells Reuters that the company is currently in partnership talks. Report

> San Diego-based Cytori Therapeutics has raised a $20 million loan facility. Combined with $30 million in new funding, the money will fund its operations into 2012. Cytori release

And Finally... In what has been hailed as a breakthrough, scientists from Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical College have outlined the molecular mechanism of membrane transport. Report