Posted on July 8, 2008 @ 09:08 am
Patheon has been selected by SK Life Science, Inc., the US-based subsidiary of Korean SK Holdings, as its development services partner for two Central Nervous System (CNS) drug candidates. Patheon will provide formulation and analytical development services as well as clinical supplies for one of the CNS candidates in advanced clinical studies. Patheon will also provide development and clinical materials manufacturing services for another CNS candidate in Phase I trials.
"We are very pleased to have been selected by SK Life Science to develop these important new drug candidates, and we look forward to continuing to provide them with exceptional service on their development projects," said Wes Wheeler, president and chief executive officer of Patheon. "This agreement to develop SK Life Science's two innovative candidates for the treatment of CNS disorders expands upon our existing relationship with the company, having recently completed Phase I development and clinical materials manufacturing for their next generation pain drug candidate."
"Patheon produced quality clinical materials for the pain drug project within our timelines. As a result we were very comfortable with awarding Patheon these two additional key projects," said Dr. S. James Lee, vice president pharmaceutical development of SK Life Science.
Posted on July 8, 2008 @ 09:07 am
Seattle Genetics has entered into an exclusive, worldwide collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo for the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting a single antigen found on multiple types of solid tumors.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Seattle Genetics will receive an upfront payment of $4 million, development milestones and royalties on worldwide sales of any ADC products. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for research, product development, manufacturing and commercialization of all ADC products under the collaboration. Seattle Genetics will also receive material supply and annual maintenance fees as well as research support payments for providing assistance to Daiichi Sankyo in developing ADC products.
“This collaboration reflects the increasing value of our ADC technology to empower antibodies, and the growing evidence that ADCs can impact the way cancer is treated,” said Eric L. Dobmeier, chief business officer of Seattle Genetics. “The therapeutic potential of our ADC technology is being demonstrated through compelling clinical data with our lead internal ADC, SGN-35, as well as progress across our multiple ADC collaborations. We are pleased to be working with Daiichi Sankyo, one of the largest Japanese pharmaceutical companies and a global leader in oncology drug development.”
Posted on July 8, 2008 @ 09:05 am
The pending sale of Pfizer's Little Island and Loughbeg plants in Cork, Ireland did not go through, according to a company statement, leaving 480 jobs at risk. The potential buyer withdrew its offer, citing that the facility does not meet its requirements. The sale of the plants, which made APIs for Pfizer drugs, was announced in February 2007 after the cholesterol drug torcetrapib failed in clinical trials. The Cork plants were slated to produce almost 40% of torcetrapib’s active ingredients. If the plants are not sold by the end of 2009, the facility will close.
“This is very disappointing as we were hopeful we could reach a positive conclusion,” a Pfizer spokesperson said. According to a report in the Irish Examiner, one “multinational” CMO entered due diligence and examined the plant and its accounts.
Pfizer is currently recruiting as many as 100 staff for its biologics facility at Shanbally in Ringaskiddy, where some of the staff at the Little Island and Loughbeg plants may be able to relocate.
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