Plexxikon Inc. today announced that it has initiated a Phase 1 human clinical trial for PLX5568, a novel kinase inhibitor targeted for the treatment of at least two major indications with unmet medical needs: pain as well as polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PLX5568 has demonstrated robust preclinical efficacy in multiple pain models, including neuropathic pain as well as acute and inflammatory pain. In addition, PLX5568 has demonstrated compelling efficacy in multiple preclinical models of PKD.
Plexxikon initiates Phase 1 Trial for PLX5568
Anthera advances global development strategy for varespladib with the initiation of FRANCIS trial
Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing anti-inflammatory drugs, today announced the initiation of the FRANCIS (Fewer Recurrent Acute coronary events with Near-term Cardiovascular Inflammation Suppression) clinical trial designed to examine the impact of varespladib when administered to patients within 96 hours of an Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) event.
CeNeRx BioPharma to initiate Phase 2 trials for its novel antidepressant agent Tyrima™ using innovative brain imaging study
CeNeRx BioPharma, Inc., a clinical stage company developing and commercializing innovative treatments for diseases of the central nervous system, today announced plans to advance its lead candidate TyrimaTM into Phase II trials for the treatment of depression and anxiety. This milestone is based on the positive results of the Tyrima Phase I program reported earlier this year and the recent completion of PET brain imaging studies showing that Tyrima penetrates the CNS and exhibits excellent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Tyrima is a selective and reversible member of a novel class of drugs known as RIMAs, or reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A).
CoLucid announces $25 million Series B financing for advancement of first-in-class migraine compound
CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an innovative biotechnology company focusing on therapies for central nervous system disorders, announced it closed a $25 million Series B financing. New investor Care Capital led the round, which included previous investors Pappas Ventures, Domain Associates, Pearl Street Venture Funds and Triathlon Medical Ventures. The financing will be used to further develop a unique migraine compound, COL-144, and to advance a preclinical pipeline of novel chemical entities targeting neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Plexxikon announces preclinical data demonstrating dramatic improvement in key symptoms of polycystic kidney disease
Plexxikon Inc. today announced data from preclinical studies of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) demonstrating significantly reduced kidney disease following treatment with Plexxikon’s novel drug candidate. Plexxikon’s novel small molecule kinase inhibitor is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of Raf kinase, a critical mediator of PKD pathology. These data were recently presented at the ISN Forefronts Symposium on Polycystic Kidney Disease in Montreal, Canada by Stefan Somlo, M.D., CNH Long Professor of Internal Medicine and Genetics and Chief of Nephrology at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Dynogen presents results of its positive Phase 2 IBS-d study with DDP225
Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today the presentation of positive results from its Phase 2a trial of DDP225 in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-d) at the Digestive Disease Week 2008 (DDW) scientific meeting. The randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial established clinical proof-of-concept with statistically significant results for the endpoint of relief of abdominal pain or discomfort associated with IBS-d. Dynogen previously reported top-line results from this Phase 2a trial in December 2007. The DDW abstract was co-authored by Dynogen and a team of investigators from leading clinical centers in Canada. The DDP225 results were presented yesterday in a Distinguished Abstract Plenary session on Neurogastroenterology and Motility by Steven B. Landau, M.D., a member of Dynogen’s Scientific Advisory Board.
BrainCells expands Series B financing to $50 million
BrainCells Inc. (BCI), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing its platform technology to identify and develop compounds that promote the growth of new neurons for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, announced today that it raised an additional $20 million in an extension of its Series B financing, bringing the total to $50 million. New investor, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), along with current investors and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. participated in the extension. Other investors that participated in the Series B included MedImmune Ventures, Bay City Capital, Oxford Bioscience Partners, Technology Partners, Pappas Ventures and NeuroVentures. The financing will be used to continue clinical development of BCI’s product candidates including a Phase 2 trial with BCI-540, and to identify additional assets to further expand its pipeline.
BrainCells Inc. initiates Phase 2 clinical trial with BCI-540 for depression with anxiety
BrainCells Inc. (BCI), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing its platform technology to identify and develop compounds that promote the growth of new neurons for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, announced today that it has initiated a Phase 2a clinical trial with its lead product candidate, BCI-540, for the treatment of depression with anxiety.
MethylGene initiates Phase 1 clinical trial for its multi-targeted (c-Met) kinase inhibitor, MGCD265, in solid tumor cancers
MGCD265 Targets c-Met, VEGFs, Tie-2 and Ron Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Initial Compound from Portfolio of Potent Multi-targeted Kinase Inhibitors
Montreal, Quebec. April 16, 2008 – MethylGene Inc. (TSX:MYG) today disclosed preclinical data for MGCD265, an oral, multi-targeted (c-Met) kinase inhibitor for cancer that targets the c-Met, Tie-2, Ron and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases. The data were presented in a poster session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego.
DSMB supports continuation of Anthera Phase 2 impacts trial for the prevention of acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease
Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing anti-inflammatory drugs, announced today that after completing its review of safety and efficacy data currently available, an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has recommended that Anthera’s Phase II clinical trial, known as the IMPACTS (Investigation of the Modulation of Phospholipase in Acute ChesT Syndrome) Study can continue under the current protocol, without change.
