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Life Sciences News Brief
Vol. 5 no. 50 - March 8, 2006s
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Pharmaceuticals Update |
Lorus Publishes studies on three
distinct lines of research
Lorus Therapeutics Inc.
(Toronto), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the
development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and
technologies for the management of cancer, announced the publication
of three research studies for Lorus' anticancer products, providing
support for further development of Lorus' lead small molecule
program and two antisense drugs. "Publications in these
peer-reviewed international journals reflect the high quality of the
experimental program and scientific leadership within Lorus'
preclinical small molecule and antisense programs," said Dr. Jim
Wright, Lorus' President and CEO. "These papers also demonstrate our
continuing commitment to carrying out comprehensive preclinical
research in addition to the clinical research programs. The results
add to our confidence in the Company's current clinical and business
development strategies". http://www.lorusthera.com
AZD-103, Neutralizes Disease Effects
of Amyloid Beta in Preclinical Model
Transition Therapeutics
Inc. (Toronto) announced that an oral presentation demonstrating
that AZD-103 neutralizes and rescues amyloid beta inhibition of
synaptic transmission in a leading experimental model associated
with learning and memory was made at the Keystone Symposia on
Alzheimer's disease held in Breckenridge, Colorado. The presentation
was entitled "The Cyclohexanehexol, AZD-103, Neutralizes
Cell-derived A-Beta Oligomers and Rescues Hippocampal Long-Term
Potentiation". The studies were performed in the laboratory of Dr.
Dennis Selkoe at Brigham and Women's Hospital of the Harvard
University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. This
standard assay of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) has been
extensively described in the literature, and is widely accepted as a
measure of synaptic efficacy and plasticity in the brain. The
cellular and molecular basis of LTP employs closely similar
mechanisms to those necessary for learning and memory in humans. In
these studies, AZD-103 was shown to be highly effective at
neutralizing the short term effects of amyloid beta oligomers on
synaptic function in the hippocampal slices from mice. Based on
these very encouraging findings, AZD-103 continues to demonstrate
the efficacy and safety profile necessary to be considered as a
leading drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients.
http://www.transitiontherapeutics.com
Transition to Acquire Outstanding
Shares of Ellipsis Neurotherapeutics Inc.
Transition Therapeutics Inc. (Toronto), announced the
signing of a Share Purchase Agreement with the directors of Ellipsis
Neurotherapeutics Inc. pursuant to which Transition will offer to
acquire all the remaining outstanding shares of ENI. The key asset
in this transaction is ENI's lead molecule AZD-103, a disease
modifying agent with the potential to both reduce disease
progression and improve symptoms such as cognitive function. During
the last 15 months, Transition has led the rapid advancement of
AZD-103 toward clinical development through its service agreement
with ENI. The acquisition of 100% of the AZD-103 program will create
a solid foundation for Transition to build a strong franchise in the
area of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. |
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Diagnostics and Therapeutics Update |
Nuvo announces Pennsaid(R) data
published in the Journal of Rheumatology
Nuvo Research Inc.
(Markham) announced the publication of a research paper in the March
1st, 2006 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology entitled "Pennsaid(R)
Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systemic Review and
Metaanalysis of Randomized Controlled Trials". The author, Dr.
Tanveer E. Towheed, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and of
Community Health and Epidemiology in the Department of Medicine at
Queen's University, concluded that Pennsaid(R) is an effective
topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) in patients with
osteoarthritis of the knee and that, apart from minor localized skin
reactions, Pennsaid(R) was as safe as the vehicle control placebo.
The objective of the paper was to systematically review four
randomized controlled trials evaluating Pennsaid(R) treatment of
patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. As reported in the paper,
Pennsaid(R) treatment resulted in a significant difference in favour
of Pennsaid(R) for pain, stiffness, and physical function and
patient global assessment measured by the Western Ontario and
McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), when compared to vehicle
control placebo. Pennsaid(R) was as safe as vehicle control placebo,
with the only exception that it was more likely to result in minor
skin dryness at the site of application. In a head-to-head
equivalence trial using the WOMAC subscales over 12 weeks,
Pennsaid(R) was as effective as oral diclofenac, but was much better
tolerated. http://www.nuvoresearch.com
Nuvo provides update on long-term
safety trial for Pennsaid(R)
Nuvo Research Inc.
(Markham) announced it has completed an initial analysis of the data
in its Phase III long-term, open-label safety trial ("Study 112E")
for Pennsaid(R). A full review of the data is currently underway.
"An initial analysis of the results has been completed and confirms
the safety profile of Pennsaid(R) reported in the previous multiple
short-term trials. The full analysis of data from this trial is
still underway and we anticipate will be completed in the next 4-6
weeks," said Dr. Henrich Guntermann, Nuvo's President and CEO. "The
results of this study will form part of our NDA submission for
Pennsaid(R), which remains on schedule for mid 2006." The trial
involved more than 300 patients who were administered Pennsaid(R)
for 26 weeks and a subset of more than 100 of these patients who
were administered the drug for a total of 52 weeks. Pennsaid(R) is a
topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) used for the
treatment of osteoarthritis and is currently approved for sale in
Canada and several European countries. http://www.nuvoresearch.com
ConjuChem to Initiate Phase I/II
Clinical Study of PC-DAC(TM)
ConjuChem Inc. (Montreal)
announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
cleared its Phase I/II protocol for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes
using the Company's proprietary PC-DAC(TM):Exendin-4 compound. This
protocol has also been approved by an independent IRB (Institutional
Review Board). Patient dosing will begin mid-March 2006. Preliminary
data is expected to be available in mid-2006. The Phase I/II trial
will be a randomized, double-blind, single escalating dose study.
The study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated
dose (MTD), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (duration of
activity after one injection) profile of PC-DAC(TM):Exendin-4 in
patients with stable Type 2 diabetes. The study will enroll a
maximum of 68 patients with HbA1c levels between 6.5% and 11% and
will consist of six cohorts (plus two optional cohorts) and a MTD
group.
Oncolytics Phase I Combination
REOLYSIN(R)/Radiation Clinical Trial
Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (Calgary) announced that an
abstract covering the preliminary results of a Phase I combination
REOLYSIN(R)/radiation clinical trial being conducted in the U.K. is
available today on the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
website at http://www.aacr.org and on the Oncolytics website at
http://www.oncolyticsbiotech.com. The abstract is entitled "Phase I
trial of intratumoral administration of reovirus type 3 (Reolysin)
in combination with radiation in patients with advanced
malignancies." "Early results of the study show that patients are
experiencing local and systemic responses to the combination of
REOLYSIN(R) and radiation treatment," said Dr. Matt Coffey,
Oncolytics' Chief Scientific Officer. "We are pleased with these
initial indications of activity, and look forward to providing an
update of interim study results at the AACR annual meeting." |
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Medical Devices |
Halogen EPM Suite now Offered via
Software-as-a-Service Subscription
Halogen Software (Ottawa)
announced the availability of a subscription license model, catering
to customer needs for a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) licensing
alternative. This model provides customers with broader options for
purchasing Halogen's award-winning Web-based EPM Suite, which
includes their flagship product Halogen eAppraisal(TM), Halogen
eAppraisal(TM) Healthcare, Halogen eCompensation(TM) and Halogen
e360(TM). SaaS involves the rental of software licenses versus the
outright purchase. It's a model that does not suit every
organization's needs, but that has been growing in popularity over
the past year and has captured much media attention. In response to
market demand and customer expectations, Halogen now provides
several licensing options for its' popular on-premise and hosted
offerings, including perpetual and subscription licensing. "Our aim
is to make it extremely simple for customers to implement effective
employee performance management solutions within their
organization," said Paul Loucks, President of Halogen Software. "We
are proud to offer flexible licensing options to meet our customers
varied needs and expectations." http://www.halogensoftware.com
Biophage signs licensing agreement
with MELISA Diagnostics Ltd
Biophage Pharma Inc.
(Montreal) and MELISA Diagnostics Ltd (Prof. Vera Stejskal, owner of
the MELISA technology) announced the signature of an exclusive
licensing agreement aimed at allowing Biophage to offer a novel and
advanced diagnostic tool for the detection of allergy to more than
20 metals and other allergenic substances. MELISA(R) is the first
and only scientifically validated metal allergy blood test yet
developed for the simultaneous screening of a large number of
antigens and metals including various mercury compounds, nickel,
lead, silver, titanium, manganese, and beryllium. Metal allergy has
been found to be common in patients with various diseases such as
skin diseases (Psoriasis, Eczema), autoimmune diseases (Multiple
Sclerosis (MS), Thyroiditis, Sjogren's disease) and gastrointestinal
diseases. Patients with symptoms of profound fatigue of unclear
etiology (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) often suffer from metal allergy
induced by dental amalgams. http://www.biophagepharma.com
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Genomic Update |
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Industry Briefs |
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ProMetic Life Sciences Inc.
(Montreal), a leading
biopharmaceutical company, updates the financial community on
its progress related to the corporate reorganization announced
in November 2005. The Company is restructuring as a parent
company with four pure-play operating units. Each distinct unit
is pursuing a focused business plan and is pursuing funding
opportunities with investors looking for a specific risk/return
profile. http://www.prometic.com
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MDS Inc.
(Toronto) a global life sciences company, announced the
conclusion of a comprehensive mediation process with Atomic
Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) related to the MAPLE reactor
project. Under the new agreement, AECL will assume complete
ownership of the MAPLE facilities and be responsible for all
costs associated with completing the project and the production
of medical isotopes. http://www.mdsinc.com
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YM BioSciences Inc.
(Mississauga), the
cancer product development company, announced that it has closed
its previously announced "registered direct" offering of
9,436,471 million common shares at an issue price of US $4.25
for gross proceeds of approximately US $40 million. SG Cowen &
Co., LLC served as lead placement agent and Dundee Securities
Corporation and Canaccord Capital Corporation served as
co-placement agents for the transaction. The funds will be used
principally to fund YM's drug development activities. http://www.ymbiosciences.com
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iCo Therapeutics Inc.
(Vancouver) announced that Dr. Alan Bird has joined iCo's
Strategic Advisory Team. A pioneer in ophthalmic research,
teaching and clinical medicine, Dr. Bird's contributions to the
field of retinal disease have met with worldwide acclaim.
http://www.icotherapeutics.com
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Labopharm Inc.(Laval)
announced that Mr. Santo J. Costa has been appointed to the
Company's Board of Directors. http://www.labopharm.com
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ARIUS Research Inc.
(Toronto) announced that it has successfully completed the first
tranche of its previously announced private placement of units
for gross proceeds of US$21.5 million on February 28, 2006. Each
unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase
warrant exercisable at a price of CDN$1.00 for a period of five
years following closing. A second tranche of the private
placement is expected to close shortly. http://www.ariusresearch.com
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Inex Pharmaceuticals
Corporation(Vancouver)
announced that it intends to pursue an appeal from the recent
Supreme Court of British Columbia ruling providing the holders
of INEX's outstanding convertible promissory notes the right to
vote on INEX's Plan of Arrangement to spin-out its Targeted
Immunotherapy assets into a new company, Tekmira Pharmaceuticals
Corporation. The ruling was received February 13, 2006 and the
original hearing took place January 5 and 6, 2006. http://www.inexpharm.com
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(Life Sciences News Briefs © 2005 is prepared by Armar
International for the Life Sciences Branch of Industry Canada (contact:
Louise Leduc Tel: (613) 954-4715; E-mail: Leduc.Louise@ic.gc.ca).
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