Xenova/QLT: tackling multidrug resistance

UK biotech Xenova and its North American ally QLT will trial tariquidar for multidrug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. As long as the results are positive, tariquidar should have a bright future: multidrug resistance is an increasingly serious problem in cancer treatment, and the developers look set to provide strong marketing support.

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Wyeth: Torisel valuable for poor-risk patients

The European Commission has granted regulatory approval to Wyeth's Torisel, making it the first mTOR kinase inhibitor to reach the EU market. While renal cell carcinoma patients are becoming increasingly well served in terms of treatment options, Torisel represents a valuable addition for poor-risk patients, who traditionally have been the most difficult to treat.

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Wilex/4SC: cancer research collaboration should bear fruit

The German biotech companies aim to accelerate the development of products related to Wilex's lead compound WX-293. Both companies should benefit from the deal: Wilex will gain access to the latest targeted drug development technologies, while 4SC will directly increase its revenues through milestone payments.

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Vinka alkaloids: market to fall 17% by 2007

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Vectibix's possible label expansion may only lead to a modest increase in uptake

Amgen has received a positive opinion from the CHMP for Vectibix in combination with chemotherapy in the first- and second-line treatment of mCRC. This is a significant step forward for Vectibix, but if it is approved, market competition will result in only a modest increase in uptake and commercial reward.

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Unmet needs remain in renal cancer despite new treatments

Renal cancer is a disease which has traditionally been poorly served in terms of efficacious drug therapies. Although some degree of hope for renal cancer patients has emerged in the form of three new drugs which have recently entered the renal cancer market, there is still a substantial opportunity for drug developers and the late-stage development pipeline boasts several promising drugs.

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UK watchdog's guidance knocks kidney cancer drugs

The UK's cost-effectiveness watchdog NICE has delivered another blow to the developers of targeted cancer therapies by recommending against the use of four new kidney cancer drugs in the UK. This recommendation suggests that NICE is likely to look unfavorably on a number of other targeted therapies in development, severely limiting future growth of the targeted cancer therapies market in the UK.

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UK biotechs: biting off more than they can chew

Five non-profitable UK biotech companies may be considering a merger, creating a new cancer player capable of competing against the pharmaceutical majors and of raising the funds needed to create a strong pipeline. But while it seems exciting, the merger could prove a logistical nightmare. A more gradual consolidation effort might suit the biotechs better.

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Tough competitive environment in Europe will hinder Dendreon's plans for Provenge

The European prostate cancer treatment space is currently characterized by economic austerity and strict regulation. Nevertheless, Dendreon is preparing to launch Provenge in the region in an attempt to counter the vaccine's disappointing US launch in April 2010. However, given the considerable hurdles for new cancer drugs in Europe, the company will be forced to rely on revenue growth elsewhere.

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Therapeutic cancer vaccine market: antigen-specific therapies lead the way

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