@FierceBiotech: FDA hands GSK, Human Genome Sciences landmark Benlysta approval. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Epizyme gets $6M upfront/$200M milestone deal in new discovery pact with Eisai. Report | Follow @JohnCFierce
> Maryland is attempting to broaden the reach of its biotech investment tax program and simplify the application process. Under a new House bill, eligible companies would have to be 15 years old rather than the previous 12, but the state will waive the former $250,000 ceiling on credits per investor. Story
> Singapore's S*BIO has developed the country's first cancer drug, in collaboration with two local cancer institutes. The drug, SB-939, has already shown promising results in a Phase I trial, and should enter a Phase II trial by the end of the year. Report
> Apexigen and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group have filed an IND application in China for APX003, a humanized monoclonal antibody for cancer treatment. Simcere is planning a Phase I study of the drug. Apexigen release
> According to a Thomson Reuters survey, seven of 2010's top 13 scientific researchers work in genetics. The survey gauged the scientists' reach by monitoring how many times their studies were peer cited. Item
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: GSK, Human Genome gear up for Benlysta launch. Report | Follow @FiercePharma
> McNeil Consumer Healthcare reaches consent decree with FDA. Article
> AZ resolves state Seroquel cases in $68.5M deal. News
> Former KV chief sentenced to 30 days in jail. Report
> Dendreon wins FDA nod on production increases. Story
And Finally... A study using mice found that an Alzheimer's vaccine created by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, bapineuzumab, reduced the "fear-learning deficit" that scientists use to measure cognitive function. The vaccine neutralizes amyloid, which can cause plaque buildup in the brain, a possible cause of Alzheimer's. Article