MDRNA, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), a leading RNAi-based drug discovery and development company, and Cequent Pharmaceuticals, a pioneer in the development of novel products to deliver RNAi-based therapeutics, announced today the signing of a definitive agreement pursuant to which MDRNA will acquire Cequent in an all stock transaction valued at approximately $46 million. The combined company will have multiple proprietary RNAi drug discovery platforms with the capability to deliver RNAi-based therapeutics via systemic, local and oral administration. In addition, the acquisition expands MDRNA's oncology pipeline with a product for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) -- a genetic disorder that is a precursor to colon cancer -- that will soon begin Phase 1 clinical testing under an Investigational New Drug application (IND) filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The transaction will include certain loan provisions that will fund MDRNA operations through the anticipated closing of the merger in early July 2010.
MDRNA, Inc. acquires Cequent Pharmaceuticals
TyRx enrolls first patient in CITADEL study for AIGISRx™ anti-bacterial envelope with ICD replacements
MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J., March 24, 2010--(EON: Enhanced Online News) - TYRX, Inc., a leader in the commercialization of implantable medical devices designed to help reduce infection, announced today that it has begun enrollment in CITADEL, the second of two large scale, prospective, multicenter studies.
TyRx enrolls first patient in CITADEL study for AIGISRx™ anti-bacterial envelope with ICD replacements
TYRX, Inc., a leader in the commercialization of implantable medical devices designed to help reduce infection, announced today that it has begun enrollment in CITADEL, the second of two large scale, prospective, multicenter studies.
Anthera Pharmaceuticals completes initial public offering
Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANTH), a biopharmaceutical company developing drugs to treat serious diseases associated with inflammation, today announced the completion of its initial public offering of six million shares of common stock at a price of $7.00 per share. The net proceeds of the offering to Anthera, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by Anthera, were approximately $36.7 million. In addition, Anthera has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 900,000 shares to cover over-allotments, if any. The sole book-running manager of the offering is Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. Piper Jaffray & Co. is a co-lead manager of the offering and Cowen and Company, LLC and Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. are co-managers of the offering.
CardioDx - Bringing molecular diagnostics into the cardiovascular arena
CardioDx is one of several molecular diagnostics companies founded by a well-known trio of West Coast VCs to be fast finding itself in the spotlight.
Athersys receives U.S. Patent covering adult stem cell composition & production
Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHX) announced today that it has been granted U.S. patent 7,659,118 that covers non-embryonic multipotent stem cells, their isolation and expansion, and related pharmaceutical compositions. Athersys also announced that it has been granted -- and the opposition period has cleared -- EP patent EP1218489B1 that covers non-embryonic pluripotent stem cells, their isolation, expansion, and usage.
Sequenom licenses worldwide rights to develop age-related macular degeneration diagnostic test
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM), today announced an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Optherion, Inc. Under the agreement, Sequenom’s CAP accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine (Sequenom CMM), obtained the rights to develop and commercialize diagnostic tests to predict genetic predisposition to late stage age- related macular degeneration (AMD).
BioMarin to acquire LEAD Therapeutics
NOVATO, Calif., Feb 04, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRN) announced today that it has entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire LEAD Therapeutics, Inc. (LEAD), a small private drug discovery and early stage development company with key compound LT-673, an orally available poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor for the treatment of patients with rare, genetically defined cancers.
BioMarin to acquire LEAD Therapeutics
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRN) announced today that it has entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire LEAD Therapeutics, Inc. (LEAD), a small private drug discovery and early stage development company with key compound LT-673, an orally available poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor for the treatment of patients with rare, genetically defined cancers.
Liquidia Technologies Raises $20 Million Financing
Liquidia Technologies, a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing particle‐based vaccines and therapeutics, today announced it has completed a $20 million round of Series C financing. Canaan Partners led the Series C round, which also included Pappas Ventures and Morningside Venture Investments Limited as new investors. Previous investors, including New Enterprise Associates and Firelake Capital, also participated in the financing round. The funds will be used to accelerate Liquidia’s lead vaccine candidate through initial clinical evaluation and expand development of particle‐based solutions for siRNA delivery and inhaled therapeutics.
