Endocyte was looking good during ASCO 2011 when it released results from its Phase II PRECEDENT study of women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Data presented showed the company’s lead compound, EC145, in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) improved median progression free survival (PFS) over PLD alone. A pivotal Phase III trial was initiated […]
LGND – Updates from the JMP Securities
The JMP Securities Healthcare Conference was held July 12-13, a rare biotech investor event during the summer doldrums [webcast link and check back at BiotechDueDiligence where I will archive select slides]. We will follow up with reports on Synta Pharma SNTA, Biosante Pharma BPAX, Spectrum Pharma SPPI, Alnylam ALNY and Isis Pharma ISIS, but for now […]
EASL – A Look Back- Lessons Learned
There were some early winners and losers this year at EASL. Here we examine a few new interferon-free combination treatments, the most exciting development in HCV today; and look outward to determine how the future may shape up. The Good News: The star of the stage, once again, was GS-7977 (formerly PSI-7977). Gilead’s nucleotide polymerase […]
Quick take on some upcoming FDA decisions and clinical data
A few comments to highlight some upcoming data or PDUFA events. Threshold Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: THLD) has been quite the stock the past few months after landing a partnership with Merck KGaA and reporting positive top-line PFS data from their Phase 2 study in pancreatic cancer. On Monday, April 2nd @ 10:30AM PST, Threshold will be […]
Platform and Specialty Pharmaceutical Companies can bolster Big Pharma
The pharmaceutical industry is in a weak state, with an impending “patent cliff” that is forcing Big Pharma to reorganize and refocus. In 2011, roughly $20 billion in branded US sales dollars are “at risk” to patent expiry and generic competition. The pinnacle will be reached in 2013 and will subside after 2015. Fiscal Year […]
Merck beefing up diabetes pipeline
Merck acquires non-exclusive license for Acuform technology from Depomed Merck plans to use technology to expand it’s diabetes portfolio Signifies the extended release diabetes market is growing more competitive Pharmaceutical pipeline weaknesses will spur more deals. Today, Merck (NYSE:MRK) signaled that it will be expanding it’s diabetes pipeline. Merck announced that it has licensed certain […]
