TargeGen closes on $40 million venture round

Dynogen reports positive results in Phase 2 IBS-c study

Dynogen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today reported positive results of its randomized, double-blind, placebo–controlled, parallel group Phase 2 trial of DDP733 in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-c). DDP733 achieved an overall clinical response rate of 54% in patients receiving a dose of 1.4 mg t.i.d. compared to a 15% clinical response rate for patients receiving placebo. This was a statistically significant difference in a clinical endpoint which has been accepted by the FDA as a registration endpoint for this indication. The drug was well tolerated in this study. Detailed results will be submitted for disclosure in a peer-reviewed journal or at a future medical conference.

CeNeRx BioPharma initiates human trials of RIMA antidepressant

CeNeRx BioPharma, Inc., a clinical stage company developing and commercializing innovative treatments for diseases of the central nervous system, today announced the initiation of human clinical trials of TyrimaTM, CeNeRx’ s new drug candidate with a triple mechanism of action for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Tyrima (formerly CX157) is a member of a novel class of drugs known as reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A, or RIMA. The Phase I safety trials began this month following a successful review of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for Tyrima by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Biogen Idec to acquire Syntonix Pharmaceuticals

Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB) and Syntonix Pharmaceuticals today announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Syntonix by Biogen Idec. Syntonix, a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing long-acting therapeutic products to improve treatment regimens for chronic diseases, has multiple pre-clinical programs in hemophilia.

TargeGen initiates Phase I clinical trial of topical AMD drug TG100801

TargeGen, Inc. has announced that the Company has initiated a single site Phase I clinical trial involving TG100801, a small molecule, topically applied multi-targeted kinase inhibitor for the treatment of macular degeneration and other debilitating diseases of the eye. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults. The trial, involving approximately 45 subjects, is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2007. The Company hopes to initiate Phase II studies with TG100801 in mid 2007.