Entries by Thomas Gabrielczyk

Western diet triggers inflammatory diseases

Immunologists headed by Eicke Latz (Univ. of Bonn, Germany) have found out that calorie-rich, fatty Western diet reprogrammes the innate immune system to become hyperreactive to inflammatory triggers. This could have huge medical impact as inflammation is a hallmark of most diseases of civilisation such as diabetes, cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders.

Scientists crack down immune cells that promote fibrosis

So far, there is no cure to stop fibrosis, the pathogenic proliferation of connective tissue of the skin and in organs, in autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). An US-Italian research team has now identified the immune cells that trigger connective tissue disease.

Ablynx rejects Novo’s €2.3bn bid

Nanobody developer Ablynx NV has stated that the take-over cash price of €28 per share + optional €2.50 per share as Contingent Value Right (CVR) offered by Novo Nordisk A/S at the end of December is too low. The bid valued Ablynx at €2.3bn.

Cancer data: a dive into the depths

As Big Data analytics begin to inspire medical decisionmaking, companies and scientists have gone to war over access to data derived from patient biopsies. Cancer profiling is a seminal situation. While some companies are seeking to profit from approaches to advanced mutation analysis, researchers are vociferous in demanding open access to proprietary data­bases behind company firewalls.

Takeda bids €520m for TiGenix

Japanese Pharma major Takeda had announced its intention to take over Belgian adipose stem cell therapy specialist Tigenix, which has already exclusively licenced its lead product darvadstrocel (Cx601) to treat Crohn’s disease. In December darvadstrocel received a recommendation from the European Medicines Agency to market the product in Europe  in patients with complex perianal fistulas, one of the most disabling manifestations of Crohn’s disease.

Boehringer Ingelheim expands Venture Funds to €250m

German human and veterinay medicines major Boehringer Ingelheim has more than doubled the amount in funding of its Venture Fund (BIVF) to €250m. Additionally, the investment focus has been extended to include infectious diseases and digital health.