Despite the setbacks and pitfalls experienced by early-stage pioneers in the cancer immunotherapy / therapeutic cancer vaccine space, recent advancements and study results are encouraging.
ImmunoGen Signs 2nd Licensing Deal with Amgen
ImmunoGen has licensed its anti-cancer technology to Amgen for an upfront payment of $1 million.
Controversy Over New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended this week that women should begin getting routine mammograms at the age of 50 instead of the previously recommended age of 40.
Bioniche Receives $6M Milestone Payment for Bladder Cancer Drug
Bioniche Life Sciences has received its first milestone payment of $6 million from Endo Pharmaceuticals for its experimental bladder cancer drug.
Guided Therapeutics Study Reveals Cervical Screening Shortcomings
A clinical trial by Guided Therapeutics (GT), a biotechnology company specializing in women’s health, found that current screening methods for cervical disease missed the disease nearly a third of the time.
GenVec Receives Orphan Drug Designation, $22M Development Deal
GenVec’s experimental drug to treat pancreatic cancer has been granted orphan drug status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Micromet Signs $477M Deal with Sanofi-Aventis
Micromet has licensed one of its cancer-fighting antibody candidates to Sanofi-Aventis in a $477 million deal.
Ligand to Buy Struggling Metabasis
Ligand Pharmaceuticals has agreed to buy the struggling Metabasis Therapeutics for $3.2 million in cash.