Obesity trials herald new treatment
A nasal spray which reduces calorie intake, promotes weight loss and is safe in obese individuals has successfully completed early clinical trials, raising hopes of a new treatment for obesity.
Archives for June 29, 2004
RNAi alliance targets blindness
A new alliance between Merck & Co and Alnylam, a specialist in the development of therapeutics based on RNA interference (RNAi) could fast-track the first drug in this class though to market.
Generic growth bodes well for vendor firms
The market for generic drugs is going to expand from its present level of $35 billion (€29bn) to $80 billion in 2008, as cash-strapped healthcare payors turn increasingly to cheaper options.
Falling citric acid prices claim Belgian casualties
Pricing pressure on the global market for citric acid has forced DSM of the Netherlands to lay off staff at its Citrique Belge unit, reports Phil Taylor.
Conveyor suits pharma packagers
A new customisable conveyor system, specifically designed to meet the regulatory demands on packaging in the pharmaceutical industry, has been launched by AutoPak Engineering.
RSV drug clears Phase I
A compound targetting respiratory syncytial virus - a major threat to immunocompromised patients - has completed Phase I trials, raising hopes of the first effective treatment for the virus, writes Wai Lang Chu.
High-content screening deal for GE, Cellomics
GE Healthcare, the life sciences business formed by the merger of General Electric and Amersham earlier this year, has formed an alliance with Cellomics to develop a new software suite for its IN Cell Analyzer product range.
Polymer drug delivery deal for OctoPlus
Dutch drug delivery company OctoPlus has licensed two biodegradeable polymers to SurModics that can be used to coat medical devices and deliver drugs into the surrounding tissues.
Pharma cos face rising waste disposal costs
UK companies producing hazardous waste - including the pharmaceutical industry - are facing a dramatic reduction in the number of landfill sites in the UK that will accept the material.
Alzheimer's disease vaccine a step nearer?
Researchers in the US have taken an important step toward creating a vaccine against Alzheimer's disease, overcoming the side effects that held back a prior vaccine for the disease.