Abbott Laboratories/Vysis: agreement for cancer tests

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Abraxis BioScience: Abraxane will face strong competition in Europe

Abraxane, a novel reformulation of paclitaxel, will be a welcome additional treatment option for metastatic breast cancer patients in Europe. Although uptake of the drug could be limited due to competition from well-established therapies, Abraxis could benefit from collaborating with a larger oncology player to effectively market Abraxane.

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Adult acute leukemia: demand for innovative drugs that prolong survival

A new report estimates that there will be approximately 84,000 cases of adult and childhood leukemia in the world's seven major pharmaceutical markets in 2006. Acute leukemias will account for 43% of these cases, and, although this market is relatively small compared to other cancer types, the clear unmet needs and regulatory incentives should help encourage drug makers.

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Algeta: Alpharadin clears hurdle but more to come

Algeta has announced that Apharadin met its primary endpoint in a bone marker analysis in a phase II hormone-refractory prostate cancer trial, demonstrating its potential in bone metastases. However, this must be translated into survival and/or quality-of-life advantage to guarantee a successful launch. Algeta must also find a suitable marketing partner to bring the product to the market.

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Amgen: Aranesp closer to blockbuster status

New data shows that Johnson & Johnson's Eprex, marketed in the EU, is far more likely to cause pure red cell aplasia than two other recombinant versions. This absolute risk is low - but even so, the Eprex issue could significantly benefit Amgen's recently launched successor drug, Aranesp.

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Amgen: denosumab deal maximizes potential in tough European market

Amgen has announced that it has formed a partnership with GlaxoSmithKline to commercialize denosumab for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Europe and emerging markets. While this partnership increases denosumab's potential in the EU, the challenge will be to convince payers that the new monoclonal antibody provides a clear clinical advantage over cheap and effective alternatives.

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Amgen: Vectibix disappoints in colorectal cancer but hope remains

Amgen's Vectibix has failed to meet a secondary endpoint of overall survival in patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. This is a setback as initial positive results for the drug had suggested a strong positioning against Erbitux in the first-line. However, Vectibix did show a trend towards an improvement in survival, and Amgen may now consider further trials on this basis.

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Antigenics's Oncophage approved for use in Russia

Oncophage has received Russian approval for the treatment of non-metastatic, intermediate-risk renal cell carcinoma patients. However, the vaccine is unlikely to be approved in the US and EU based on the same data. Though a significant milestone for Antigenics, the company will need to gain approval in the lucrative US and major EU countries in order to increase Oncophage's commercial potential.

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Antigenics: Oncophage EU marketing application likely to fail

Antigenics is seeking EU approval for Oncophage in early-stage renal cell carcinoma. Despite there currently being no approved drugs for the post-surgical treatment of adjuvant kidney cancer in the EU or US, Oncophage's application is expected to fail. Antigenics will have to provide more robust evidence of Oncophage's efficacy if it wishes to gain approval in the lucrative US and EU markets.

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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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