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@FierceBiotech: Preclinical breast cancer finding could change tamoxifen use. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: It's official. 39 new drugs approved in 2012, highest since 1996. Big step in the right direction. More | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Qualcomm backs clinical trials software outfit in $12M round. News | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Shares of Synergy Pharmaceuticals ($SGYP) got a big boost today after the biotech announced that its Phase IIb/III study of an experimental therapy for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) hit its primary and key secondary endpoints. The developer held back the data for an upcoming scientific meeting but maintained that lead drug plecanatide significantly increased "the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements" along with impacting stool consistency, straining and time to first bowel movement in patients with CIC. The drug is being billed as a potential competitor to Ironwood's Linzess (linaclotide). Shares were up 13% today in midmorning trading. Release
> Private equity player Warburg Pincus has stepped in to buy contract manufacturing company JHP Pharmaceuticals for $195 million. JHP manufactures injectable products for clinical trials as well as for commercial distribution. Release
> Vernalis says that it has achieved a third milestone in its drug discovery collaboration with H. Lundbeck, triggering payment of £0.75M. Release
@FierceMedDev: Diabetes light Dx begins U.S. trial. Story | Follow @FierceMedDev
@MarkHFierce: Dune Medical won an FDA nod for a new tool designed to find cancerous tissue. The company is a rumored M&A target. Report | Follow @MarkHFierce
@DamianFierce: DJO Global scoops up Minnesota maker of heat-sensitive casts. More | Follow @DamianFierce
> FDA confronts Mindray over patient monitor quality control. News
> Quest Diagnostics slims down for the new year. Story
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: AbbVie is pharma's first birth of the new year. Story | Follow @FiercePharma
> Sun chief eyes more deals, European and otherwise. News
> Cancer meds now drugs of choice among counterfeiters . Article
CRO News
> India group wants change in clinical trial regs for children. Report
> WuXi, PRA plan to launch joint venture in China. News
> Chinese CRO ShangPharma looks to go private. Article
> goBalto rakes in $12M for cloud-based clinical development. Story
Biotech IT News
> Interview: Stanford's Butte on bridging gap from Big Data to biotech discoveries. Item
> iPad app garners kudos for boosting lab productivity. News
> Qualcomm backs clinical trials software outfit in $12M round. Story
Biotech Research News
> Preclinical breast cancer finding could change tamoxifen use. Item
> Enzyme inhibitor could be key to treating malaria. Report
> Scripps drug reduces, reverses fatty liver disease. News
> Chemo combo shows promise against glioblastoma. Article
> Stem cells step forward in ALS. Story
Drug Delivery News
> Radius, 3M update transdermal osteoporosis treatment agreement. News
> Arrowhead polymers boost siRNA delivery 500 times. Story
> Japan welcomes Neupro patch for restless legs and Parkinson's. Article
> QLT signs eye delivery tech option deal with former CEO. Report
> AstraZeneca hitches cancer drug hopes to CytImmune's nano-gold standard. Item
And Finally… Lean and mean may not win the longevity race after all. Reviewing group of studies covering close to 3 million people, investigators found that the pleasantly plump appear to have the lowest risk of death. Story