For over three decades, attempts among drug developers to target the inflammatory pathways and symptoms of sepsis have been fruitless. New rapid diagnostics, rigourous patient stratification and drugs with novel modes of action are now on the horizon for treating the most costly cause of death in the industrialised world. Biotechs are pushing new ideas towards clinical testing, but there just isn’t enough funding available in the EU. Will US investors again pick up European innovation on the cheap?
IP Flash: Early Certainty boon or bane?
OpinionThe European Patent Office (EPO) is currently pushing the project Early Certainty in order to speed up examination of patent applications. The aim is to complete examination within 12 months between request for examination and intent to grant the application or refusal.
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Sponsored PublicationsHow Content Access and Manual Process Hinder Mining Efforts
Update: Immunic bags €17.5m
Latest NewsMartinsried-based autoimmune specialist Immunic AG secured financial support for the next 3.5 years from lead investors Life Sciences Partners and LifeCare Partners (LCP, Switzerland) based on prior autoimmune programmes of 4SC AG.
iOmx hits the ground running
Latest NewsExosomes: Extracellular and extraordinary
BackgroundDisregarded for decades, extracellular vesicles are now understood to be a key element in communication between cells. Discoveries around the nano-sized bubbles are revolutionising not only the field of diagnostics. With their ability to mimic stem cells, EVs could also help open the doors to novel therapeutic concepts.
Sepsis: Targeting a silent killer
BackgroundFor over three decades, attempts among drug developers to target the inflammatory pathways and symptoms of sepsis have been fruitless. New rapid diagnostics, rigourous patient stratification and drugs with novel modes of action are now on the horizon for treating the most costly cause of death in the industrialised world. Biotechs are pushing new ideas towards clinical testing, but there just isn’t enough funding available in the EU. Will US investors again pick up European innovation on the cheap?
The CO2 opportunity
BackgroundAlthough most people still view carbon dioxide (CO2) as a climate killer, industry is beginning to realise that CO2 could actually provide an abundant, low-cost feedstock for carbon-based processes. A number of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) schemes are evaluating the many different pathways that could play a role in the field in the future.
BioNTech teams up with Genentech
Latest NewsGerman immuno-oncology play BioNTech has entered into a collaboration with Roche’s Genentech to develop novel mRNA-based, individualised cancer vaccines. The deal will net BioNTech €278m.
With PhI win, Prexton targets Phase II
Latest NewsPrexton Therapeutics is taking aim at Phase II: The Swiss company happily presented results for its Phase I trial of its mGluR4 positive allosteric modulator in Parkinson’s Disease, saying the first-in-class compound proved to be safe and well tolerated.
GlaxoSmithKline: Insider Appointment
AppointmentsSix months ago, Andrew Witty, long-time CEO of Britains largest drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, announced he would retire in 2017. Now, GSK has named Emma Walmsley from inside the company as his successor.