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     Who other than Genentech (DNA) would volunteer to conduct further sudies with an approved drug on a very difficult-to-treat disease. Genentech did not hesitate to conduct a Phase 4 study with Raptiva® (efalizumab), developed in collaboration with Xoma, to see whether the product would end the agony of those who suffer plaque psoriasis of their hands and feet, a severe crippling and psychologically disturbing skin disease. The drug passed the new test with high marks, as the results demonstrated statistically significant improvement of the harassing lesions. Everybody touched by the good results should be happy -  the patients who have been treated in the trials, those who will go for it and, obviously, Genenech, which will increase its sales of the drug, and Xoma (XOMA), which will generate more royalties on those sales.

     News is also coming from Stratagene (STGN). The company obtained the last of the four co-exclusive licenses to more than 150 microRNA sequences from Max Planck Innovation, the technology transfer agency of the Max Planck Society. Stratagene will use the microRNA sequences to develop, manufacture and sell state-of-the-art molecular diagnostic kits.

     Why important? Because microRNAs are naturally occurring small RNAs that act to regulate messenger RNA  (mRNA) expression in humans, thus, they regulate genes. They are indicators for biomarkers that are associated with many diseases, especially cancer. Currently 300 microRNAs have been identified and the number of discovered microRNAs is expected to be much higher. Stratagene’s excitement emanates from its conviction that, paired with its proprietary FullVelocity technology, the potential of the microRNA sequences should allow it to develop important detection tests for the molecular diagnostics marketplace.

     In other recent news, Regeneron (REGN) entered into a non-exclusive license agreement with AstraZeneca that will allow the pharmaceutical company to utilize its VelocImmune® technology to discover human monoclonal antibodies. AstraZeneca will pay $20 million up front and will make up to five additional annual payments of $20 million, subject to the ability to terminate the agreement after making the first three additional payments. AstraZeneca will also pay Regeneron a mid-single-digit royalty on product sales when they materialize. This news highlights the capability and importance of Regeneron’s VelocImmune in discovering human monoclonal antibodies. 

                                                                    DO NOT FORGET

Medarex (MEDX) signed a collaborative agreement with Compugen (CGEN) to develop monoclonal antibodies to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases. The two companies will share development responsibilities and any revenues that their discoveries produce. The news highlights Compugen’s antibody-target discovery technologies and Medarex’ UltiMAb technology to humanize the antibodies. 

Pharmion (PHRM) submitted Thalidomide Pharmion for approval in Europe. The drug will be indicated for untreated multiple myeloma.  Pharmion licensed the ex-US rights to the drug and its risk reduction protocols from Celgene (CELG)

Crucell N.V. (CRXL) received a European Union-funded grant aimed at advancing the development of a malaria vaccine.  

Halozyme (HTI) reported positive data on the use of Enhanze to improve absorption and bioavailability of large protein molecule therapeutic (LPMT). Enhanze Technology is Halozyme's enzyme-based drug delivery platform based on recombinant human PH20 hyaluronidase (rHuPH20).

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