What was always known to be a high-risk, high-reward proposition proved to be more the former than the latter as Anthera Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Phase III trial of varespladib was halted for futility. Read More
• Horizon Discovery Ltd., of Cambridge, UK, said it is collaborating with the Rosalind Franklin University of Medical Sciences to develop a human cellular disease model of cystic fibrosis. The agreement focuses on the use of Horizon's GENESIS precision genome editing technology to reconstitute a specific mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulatory protein. Read More
The game is probably not over for anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) painkillers, but they may have to take a few steps backward before they can go forward. Read More
San Diego biotech HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals Inc. closed a $13 million extension of its Series B financing to fund a Phase IIb study of its lead candidate HQK-1001 in sickle cell disease. Read More
• Reviva Pharmaceuticals Inc., of San Jose, Calif., said it is enrolling patients in a Phase II study of RP503, an oral dopamine D2/serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonist and D3/D4 antagonist, in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The 228-patient study is designed to assess the drug's efficacy, safety and tolerability. Read More
• Pfizer Inc., of New York, said data from a Phase III study of Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) met all endpoints, showing immunogenicity and establishing a safety profile in children and adolescents, ages 5 through 17. Read More
Tranzyme Pharma Inc.'s drug ulimorelin failed to perform in a trial for bowel resection recovery acceleration, according to top-line results released Monday. Read More