June 22, 2006 – Rheumatoid arthritis studies from a scientific meeting dominated the news today. EntreMed reported positive news from preclinical studies; Genentech and Biogen Idec released good data about Rituxan; Targeted Genetics presented data from an early trial of a TNF-alpha inhibitor; and CombinatoRx reported on CRx-102 against osteoarthritis of the hand. In other news, Celera Genomics formed a collaboration with Medarex; Human Genome reported its lupus drug was effective; CuraGen was given an FDA go-ahead to begin trials of a metastatic melanoma drug; SuperGen sold Nipent and SurfaceSafe to Mayne Pharma; Icagen updated progress of its sickle cell disease drug; Millennium Pharma said Velcade improved the outcomes of elderly multiple myeloma patients; LaJolla Pharma reported Riquent was accepted for review in Europe; Curis moved higher on a journal article about the Hedgehog signaling pathway; NeoPharma said that cintredein besudotox passed a review of interim data; deCode Genetics will begin a trial of a therapy for peripheral arterial disease; GTx reported that Acapodene lowered cholesterol in patients with prostate cancer; Avigen received approval to begin testing a drug that treats spasticity; and Gene Logic fell sharply after announcing a revenue shortfall. The Centient Biotech 200™ dropped 34 points lower to 3535.84, a loss of .95%. More details...
