Antisoma/Roche: a powerful alliance

Roche will take over the development of Antisoma's oncology products, including lead drugs Pentumomab and Therex. The deal, which could be worth over $500 million, should benefit both companies. It plugs gaps in Roche's near-term R&D pipeline, while giving Antisoma the benefit of Roche's development and marketing expertise.

Published By Datamonitor

AstraZeneca: Iressa granted first European approval

Swissmedic has approved the use of Iressa as a third-line treatment for patients with locally advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Other European countries are likely to follow suit, making Iressa available throughout Europe. Iressa's commercial potential could be increased if it were used off-label as a second-line treatment or if AstraZeneca [AZN.L] sought other indications.

Published By Datamonitor

Basilea Pharmaceutica: alitretinoin could be safer alternative

Independent Swiss pharmaceutical company Basilea has announced that its dermatology drug alitretinoin has shown positive results in a second phase III clinical trial for the treatment of severe chronic hand dermatitis. Based on these results, alitretinoin could fill an important unmet need for a safer therapy in this indication.

Published By Datamonitor

Basilea: promising antibiotic for MRSA

Janssen-Cilag, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has submitted a marketing authorization application to the EMEA for ceftobiprole, a new cephalosporin developed by Basilea. The drug has demonstrated potent anti-MRSA activity and in vitro activity against difficult to treat gram-negative bacteria such as multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas, potentially making it an attractive treatment option.

Published By Datamonitor

Biogen/Serono: pistols at dawn

Published By Datamonitor

Biogen: Amevive decision eases Avonex woes

Biogen's Amevive has moved a step closer to the market, as an FDA panel urged its approval for treating adult chronic psoriasis. If the drug is approved, it will be a welcome diversification for Biogen. Its only marketed product, MS drug Avonex, is under serious threat from the FDA's recent decision to approve Serono's Rebif in the US.

Published By Datamonitor

Debiopharm: a bleak future for Trelstar

Published By Datamonitor

Ferring: strong R&D base for next generation incontinence treatment

Ferring's next generation of antidiuretics to treat urinary incontinence could make use of pioneering research by Nobel Laureate Professor Agre. The company's close relationship with academia and its own long history of research in the urinary incontinence field should strengthen its position as a leading urology player.

Published By Datamonitor

Genentech/Roche: another indication for the blockbuster Avastin?

Clinical trial data has shown a significant increases in progression-free survival when Avastin is added to standard interferon treatment for first-line metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Although Avastin has already reached blockbuster status, it will need to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in its final results in order to compete with its cheaper, small molecule competitors.

Published By Datamonitor

Genentech/Roche: Avastin suffers a minor setback

Roche has announced that a Phase III trial for Avastin in early-stage colorectal cancer has failed to meet its primary endpoint. Although this setback is unlikely to affect Avastin's sales in its approved indications, it creates a commercially attractive opportunity for rival drug Erbitux to gain first-to-market status in early-stage colorectal cancer.

Published By Datamonitor