Entries by Thomas Gabrielczyk

Motif Bio to submit NDA for iclaprim

Motif Bio has initiated a NDA rolling submission for iclaprim, a Gram-positive-targeted investigational antibiotic for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) in high-risk MRSA (Methicillin-resistant S. aureus) patients. 

Takeda announced bid for Shire

Japanese drug giant Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has confirmed its intention to make a bid for orphan drug leader and neurology specialist Shire plc. The take-over offer has to be made until 25 April.

Roche reports 5 deaths after dosing of Hemlibra

Roche’s US arm Genentech has confirmed a total of 5 deaths in adult patients who were dosed with its 
to-be hemophilia blockbuster emicizumab (Hemlibra), a BITE antibody that mimics the effect of Factor VIII which lack patients with hemophilia A.

Ablynx’ SLE antibody vobarilizumab miss endpoint

Belgian nanobody maker Ablynx’ IL-6 receptor blocker vobarilizumab didn’t met the primary endpoint of  dose response at 24 weeks in a Phase II study enroling 312 patients with severe, active seropositive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Biotech for breaking down a sea of waste

While bio-based polymers have been a hot topic for some years now, it’s grown increasingly clear that where plastics end up is at least as important as how they’re made. Current recycling technologies are limited, bringing either low-quality recyclates or high processing costs. But enzymes now offer a glimmer of hope. Working with the common plastic PET, a French firm is trying to prove biotech approaches can close the loop in the material’s life cycle. They hope they’ll soon be able to recycle the plastic endlessly and affordably. 

Bioeconomy: Germany to lose pole position

The German Bioeconomy Council said policymakers would risk Germany’s leadership in bioeconomy if they don’t capitalise on new technology options resulting from the ongoing merger of digital and bio-technologies.