BioPharma Today

Catena Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Article reprint from Start-Up - March 31, 2009

Catena Pharmaceuticals is seeking anti-angiogenic GPCR-antagonist compounds, and has a license to one that targets a subset of GPCRs specific for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is one of a family of fatty molecules called lysophospholipids that is generating increasing interest among scientists for their role in cell proliferation and inflammation. The company says its small molecules have shown early promise in a number of indications, from oncology to fibrosis and neuropathic pain. Catena will concentrate initially on developing antagonists to LPA receptors for the treatment of solid tumors.

Merck's Call To Action: Why Industry Should Embrace Health Reform

Article preview from The RPM Report March 31, 2009

Industry has much to fear about some elements of health reform, like drug importation and price negotiation under Medicare Part D. But the risks of inaction are even greater. Pharmaceutical companies need to ensure that they have a place at the table-and come with a detailed plan on how health reform should work. Read on...

Sharfstein Is Acting FDA Commissioner As Hamburg Awaits Confirmation

Article preview from "The Pink Sheet" DAILY - March 31, 2009

Josh Sharfstein will begin his FDA career March 30, serving as acting commissioner while awaiting the confirmation of President Obama's nominee for the spot, Margaret Hamburg. Read on...

The Asia Corner - From the Editors of PharmAsia News

The Asia Corner - From the Editors of PharmAsia News March 31, 2009

In this BioPharma Today feature, the editors of PharmAsia News take a closer look each week at the most important biopharma developments from China, India, Japan, and the Pacific Rim.

Read today's features...

Biogen Seeks Tysabri Magic TOUCH Again: REMS Allows Rapid PML Response

Article reprint from "The Pink Sheet" March 30, 2009

Biogen Idec developed TOUCH, the restricted distribution risk management plan for its monoclonal antibody Tysabri (natalizumab), to save that product from market withdrawal in 2005-2006. Read more...

The Value of Options: CBO Health Reform Pre-Scores Draw Yawn From Wall Street

Article preview from The RPM Report March 24, 2009

The Congressional Budget Office released a book of budget options on over 100 single health reform proposals. Analysts say it's too early for them to start paying attention. But if recent history provides any lesson, it's that how CBO scores health reform matters greatly to its overall legislative prospects'and the impact on Wall Street. Read on...

The Asia Corner - From the Editors of PharmAsia News

The Asia Corner - From the Editors of PharmAsia News March 24, 2009

In this BioPharma Today feature, the editors of PharmAsia News take a closer look each week at the most important biopharma developments from China, India, Japan, and the Pacific Rim.

Read today's features...

Pfizer/Wyeth: Industrializing Pharma?

Article preview from IN VIVO March 24, 2009

If Pfizer's acquisition of Wyeth is more than a merely stop-gap attempt to bridge the genericization of Lipitor -- and plenty of observers believe it is -- then it is in addition a tacit admission that its future will be patterned more on the value-based strategies of McDonalds and GE than the research-based Big Pharma model. Read on...

AHRQ’s Clancy, OMB’s Emanuel Among Key Figures On Comparative Research Committee

Article preview from "The Pink Sheet" DAILY - March 24, 2009

The Federal Coordinating Committee on Comparative Effectiveness Research includes Agency for Health Care Research & Quality Administrator Carolyn Clancy and Office of Management & Budget Special Advisor Ezekiel Emanuel. Read on...

Are Two Heads Better Than One? Not At FDA

Full article reprinted from "The Pink Sheet" March 24, 2009

Incoming FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg faces a number of regulatory challenges in her new role, but her first task may be establishing her singular leadership over the agency alongside a high profile deputy. Read on...