Business & Industry News Channel
Bayer CropScience and the National Centre for Scientific Research (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS) in Paris, France, have renewed a framework agreement signed in 2005. The new, joint research projects pursued under this agreement are intended to contribute to ensuring a sustainable food supply for a growing world population in the context of climate change.
Data from a new study showed that Abbott's TRILIPIX(R) (fenofibric acid) delayed-release capsules in combination with rosuvastatin calcium met all of the study's primary endpoints. TRILIPIX 135 mg in combination with rosuvastatin calcium 5 mg significantly improved HDL cholesterol and triglycerides compared to rosuvastatin calcium 5 mg alone, and significantly improved LDL cholesterol compared to TRILIPIX 135 mg alone in patients with multiple lipid problems. Bayer will launch a titration pack for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) that is specially designed to make it easier for them to start Betaferon® (interferon beta-1b) therapy. From now on, the titration pack will be available in Germany. More European countries will follow in 2009. The four-week pack facilitates a gradual increase in dose as recommended for patients new on Betaferon®.
Merck KGaA announced the formation of 'Merck Serono Ventures', a strategic, corporate venture capital fund to invest in emerging biotechnology companies. The fund will support biotech start-up companies that have the potential to provide innovative products in the Merck Serono division's core therapeutic areas, in particular in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Oncology and Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases. 
Novartis has received a positive opinion supporting European Union (EU) approval of Glivec® (imatinib)* as a post-surgery treatment for patients at significant risk of relapse following removal of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended approval for Glivec based on positive findings from a pivotal Phase III study, which showed that use of Glivec after surgery reduces risk of recurrence by approximately 89%[1]. At the European Association of Urology (EAU) congress in Stockholm, Sweden, Bayer Schering Pharma presented new data that might change the image of therapy for erectile difficulties. Two independent placebo-controlled clinical studies demonstrated that Levitra® (vardenafil HCI) results in a significantly prolonged erection(1,2) which is a prerequisite for an increase in the duration of intercourse. Placebo-treated men with ED had an average duration of erection of only 4 minutes. Merck KGaA announced that its Merck Serono division and Fast Forward, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American National Multiple Sclerosis Society, have entered a collaborative partnership to evaluate and fund promising multiple sclerosis (MS) research projects. Proposals will be jointly developed by Merck Serono and Fast Forward. Merck will provide up to $19 million in funding. The funds will support early stage clinical development projects with biotech companies or projects with individual researchers or academic institutions.