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.

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Biogen/Serono: pistols at dawn

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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.

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Licensing Week - August 16, 2002

Last week's licensing news had a truly global feel, with companies from the US, the UK, mainland Europe and Japan getting in on the action. The week saw deals between; AstraZeneca and Xenogen; Crucell and GenVec; Takeda and Human Genome Sciences; Adolor and Eli Lilly; and Anadys and Roche.

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Licensing Week - August 9, 2002

Last week saw a flurry of licensing activity by Bristol-Myers Squibb, as the US-based big pharma extended its drug discovery relationships with Athersys and Exelixis. Genomics also featured heavily last week, as Pfizer, Oxagen, Fujisawa and Quark were all involved in genetic research deals. Finally, Serono signed another marketing deal, this time licensing rights to Genentech's Raptiva.<BR />

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Novartis/Alnylam: racing against time in flu

Novartis and Alnylam have joined to advance pandemic flu therapeutics based on RNAi through initial clinical testing and eventually regulatory approval. This focus on RNAi R&D is driven by fears that current flu vaccines and antivirals might not be sufficient to protect against the H5N1 pandemic strain and only time will tell whether an approval is granted before the impending pandemic strikes.

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Novartis/Chiron: a promising cash injection

Novartis has finally satisfied Chiron's board after raising its takeover bid for the firm. This is good, if unsurprising, news for Novartis, as Chiron offers the Swiss drug maker growth opportunities in vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. Indeed, despite its recent woes, Chiron should be a good buy, enabling Novartis to become a key player in the increasingly important vaccine market.

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Novartis: building its antiviral arsenal

Novartis has announced a $507 million licensing deal with Human Genome Sciences for Albuferon, giving Novartis rights to co-promote the hepatitis C drug candidate in the US, with exclusive marketing and promotion rights outside the US. This is the Swiss firm's latest step in its strategy to build a versatile hepatitis C portfolio and become a leading player in this high-growth market.

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Novartis: higher bid to secure Chiron deal

Novartis has increased its offer to acquire Chiron, one the world's leading vaccine producers, in an effort to hasten completion of the deal. The new $5.3 billion bid is expected to appease Chiron shareholders and thereby bring Novartis a step closer to strengthening its position in the global biopharmaceuticals and biogenerics markets.

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Roche/deCODE: a renewed partnership

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