European life sciences industry associations have voiced concerns over the latest addition to the European Patent Office’s ambitious Early Certainty Initiative. While cutting the time for determining patentability to six months from filing, and streamlining the duration of the opposition procedure from 26 down to 15 months have been widely applauded, they warn that plans for a one-size-fits-all plan that limits examination time to 12 months will harm the life sciences sector.
Astellas to acquire Ogeda SA
Latest NewsJapanese pharma major Astellas has announced it will take over private Belgian drug developer Ogeda S.A. for €800m.
Janssen terminates daratumab development in NHL
Latest NewsGenmab A/S has announced that its CD38-targeting Phase II candidate daratumab did not reach the expected ORR in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients. Co-developer Janssen has decided to terminate development in three NHL subtypes.
Biostep Forum: Bioeconomy strategy update uncertain
Latest NewsThe evaluation of the European bioeconomy strategy will take longer than initially planned. According to information given at the Biostep Forum in Brussels, results won’t be available before next year and it is still unclear if there will be an update of the strategy adopted in 2012. Several upcoming expert and stakeholder meetings in 2017 will pave the way for a decision in early 2018.
Industry criticises EPO plans
BackgroundEarly Certainty Initiative: Disincentive to patenting
OpinionThe decision of the European Patent Office to examine all patent applications within 12 months can unintentionally block companies from filing for life sciences patents in Europe, says Gavin Recchia, Principal of one of Australia’s largest patent attorneys’ firms.
Selvita to cash in €90m in Menarini deal
Latest NewsPolish drug developer Selvita has out-licenced its first lead compound to Berlin-Chemie Menarini, a company of the Menarini Group. Ongoing clinical trails with SEL 24 will be conducted the company listed on Warsaw Stock Exchange and taken over later this year by Menarini.
EU nations go on blocking GM crops
Latest NewsThe EU’s opt-out clause for GM cultivation has missed its goal to accelerate EU market approval of safety-assessed genetically modified crops whilst giving member states the option to opt out from cultivation for political reasons.
EMA backs three orphan drugs
Latest NewsThree of six new meds to be approved in Europe are orphan drugs and have been backed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) this month.
FDA approves Merck’s avelumab in MCC
Latest NewsGood news for EMD Serono, the US arm of German Merck: It’s PD-L1 blocker avelumab is the first drug that received FDA approval to treat the rare skin cancer Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC).
Microfluidics: Mapping DNA-binders
BackgroundScientists at EPFL in Lausanne have developed a semi-automated technology that may be a game-changer by making the characterisation of the 2,000 DNA-binding proteins much faster, more accurate, and efficient.