December 2007

Merck Serono and Flamel to collaborate on extended release formulation for therapeutic proteins

December 20, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck Serono will make an upfront payment of EUR 2 million to Flamel for investigating the therapeutic protein and Merck Serono will fund R&D efforts to be performed at Flamel. Financial terms of a license agreement up through potential commercialization of this formulation have been agreed between the parties.

Compugen and Roche in agreement to identify genetic variations predictive of drug response in rheumatoid arthritis patients

December 20, 2007

According to the agreement, Compugen, utilizing its proprietary GeneVa platform, will analyze DNA samples and clinical data provided by Roche, in order to identify and validate non-SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genetic variations that could serve as biomarkers for the predicted response or non-response to selected drugs for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Galapagos in osteoporosis deal with Eli Lilly

December 19, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly will have the exclusive option to further develop and commercialize these candidates on a worldwide basis. Galapagos will have the right to further develop and commercialize compounds for which Lilly does not exercise its option.

Galapagos will receive a EUR 3 million upfront payment from Lilly. Contingent on achieving certain milestones, Galapagos is eligible for each target program to receive up to EUR 88 million in discovery, development and regulatory milestones. Should a product be commercialized, Galapagos could receive up to EUR 130 million of one-time sales milestones and up to double-digit royalties on worldwide sales of alliance products.

Idera and Merck KGaA forge cancer drug deal

December 19, 2007

Under the agreement, Idera has agreed to exclusively license the therapeutic oncology applications, excluding cancer vaccines, of its lead TLR9 agonists, IMO-2055 and IMO-2125. In addition, Idera and Merck KGaA have agreed to engage in a research collaboration to identify a specified number of novel, follow-on TLR9 agonists, which will be derived using Idera’s chemistry-based approach and for which Merck will have the exclusive right to use in oncology applications other than cancer vaccines.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck KGaA has agreed to pay an upfront license fee of $40 million (about EUR 28 million based on current exchange rates) to Idera. In addition, Idera is eligible to receive milestone payments of up to $381 million, based on current exchange rates, (EUR 264 million), depending on success in achieving clinical development and commercialization, as well as royalties on sales of any products developed and commercialized by Merck KGaA using IMO-2055, IMO-2125 or the follow-on TLR9 agonists.

AstraZeneca and Banner Alzheimer's Institute collaborate on new tool targeting Alzheimer's disease

December 19, 2007

The new alliance will focus on the evaluation and further development of a radioligand discovered by AstraZeneca. This radioligand is a molecule that binds to amyloid plaque -- protein deposits in the brain that are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease -- and allows the plaque to be measured in real time using a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

GlaxoSmithKline and Santaris enter global R&D alliance for viral diseases

December 19, 2007

Santaris Pharma will receive an upfront fee for the first antiviral program of $3m (£1.5m) and GSK will make an equity investment of $5m (£2.5m) in Santaris Pharma. If candidate drugs from the first viral target programme are successful and reach the market, GSK could make additional milestone payments to Santaris Pharma of up to $140m (£69.5m) for this first programme. Similar upfront payments and milestones are payable by GSK to Santaris Pharma in respect of each of the further 3 antiviral programmes if GSK elects to initiate these additional programmes in the collaboration.

In addition, if GSK exercises its option to further develop and commercialise SPC3649, it will make a further up front payment of $5m (£2.5m) and additional milestones of up to $122m (£60.5m) if the drug obtains regulatory approvals in Europe and the USA.

Overall, under the collaboration Santaris Pharma could be eligible to receive in excess of $700m (£347m) in upfront fees and development and regulatory milestones payments. If a product is successfully commercialised, Santaris Pharma will receive high single to double-digit royalties on worldwide sales of alliance products.

Pfizer to acquire CovX Research to extend biotherapeutics investment

December 18, 2007

The acquisition of CovX is a further step in Pfizer’s strategy to acquire and identify new product candidates that we can put into development, leveraging both Pfizer’s expertise and that of world-class scientists charged with discovering and bringing in new compounds.

Ambrx in FGF-21 type 2 diabetes discovery collaboration with Merck & Co

December 18, 2007

The collaboration utilizes Ambrx's proprietary protein technology, ReCODE(TM), to develop a chemically modified and optimized drug candidate designed to have improved therapeutic properties over the native FGF-21 protein.

The transaction includes an initial upfront payment in addition to committed R&D payments. Ambrx will also be eligible to receive future milestone payments associated with research, development and commercialization of a drug candidate resulting from the collaboration along with royalties on net sales. Ambrx also has the right to exercise an "end of Phase II" profit sharing option. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed. It is expected that this collaboration, in conjunction with three others announced this year, will preclude the necessity for Ambrx to raise additional equity capital for a number of years.

Eli Lilly and BioMS Medical in global multiple sclerosis compound licensing agreement

December 18, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Lilly and BioMS Medical will collaborate on the development of MBP8298 and will also share in certain development costs with Lilly being responsible for future R&D, manufacturing and marketing activities.

BioMS Medical will receive an upfront payment of $87 million, as well as potential development and sales milestones up to $410 million and escalating royalties on sales commensurate with the current stage of development of the product if MBP8298 is successfully commercialized. BioMS Medical will continue to oversee the current clinical trials.

Ambrx in drug discovery alliance with Eli Lilly

December 17, 2007

The collaboration will apply Ambrx's unique protein optimization technology, ReCODE(TM), with Lilly's expertise in biologics discovery, development and commercialization to pursue first-in-class or best-in-class drug candidates, including therapeutic antibodies and improved variants of native proteins.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ambrx will receive an initial upfront payment and ongoing research support payments. Ambrx may also receive potential research and development milestones and, if assets resulting from the collaboration are successfully commercialized, Ambrx would receive additional milestones and royalties. Other terms of the deal were not disclosed. This collaboration builds on an earlier agreement signed between the two companies in January 2007.

Alba and Shire enter agreement to develop and commercialize AT-1001

December 14, 2007

Under the terms of the collaboration, Alba will receive an initial, non- refundable licensing payment of US$ 25 million. Joint development costs toward global approval of AT-1001 will be shared 50/50 after the completion of two Phase 2 studies for Celiac disease. Alba is eligible to receive over US$ 80 million if certain clinical, regulatory and launch milestones are met for certain GI indications. Additional milestone payments totaling over US$ 40 million per indication will also be payable to Alba if the Collaboration is expanded beyond GI indications. Alba is also eligible to receive up to US$ 220 million in sales-based milestones, as well as tiered royalties. Not including royalties and cost sharing, the deal is valued at over US$ 325 million if all milestones are achieved.

GlaxoSmithKline teams up with Galapagos on anti-infectives

December 10, 2007

GlaxoSmithKline will participate in the alliance through its Infectious Diseases Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery (ID CEDD).

Under the terms of the agreement, Galapagos will grant GlaxoSmithKline options to license product candidates that are directed against up to six anti-infective discovery targets. Galapagos will be responsible for the discovery and development of natural product small molecule drug candidates through to clinical Proof of Concept, at which point GSK will have exclusive option to license each compound for further development and commercialisation on a worldwide basis.

The alliance will utilise the natural product compound collection and chemistry capabilities of BioFocus DPI, Galapagos' services division. Galapagos will have the right to further develop and commercialise compounds for which GSK does not exercise its option.

Galapagos will receive total upfront fees of up to EUR 3.5 million from GSK, depending on the total number of programmes within the collaboration. Galapagos could be eligible to receive up to EUR 95 million in upfront fees, development and regulatory milestones payments for each product candidate. If a product is commercialised, Galapagos may receive up to EUR 120 million for achievement of specific sales milestones. Galapagos is also eligible to receive up to double-digit royalties on worldwide sales of alliance products.

Eisai to buy MGI Pharma

December 10, 2007

The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by the MGI PHARMA Board of Directors. The acquisition is expected to occur by means of a tender offer followed by a cash merger, is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2008.

GlaxoSmithKline signs cancer drug deal with OncoMed

December 10, 2007

The alliance leverages OncoMed's expertise in the discovery and development of cancer stem cell antibody therapeutics and provides GSK with an option to license four product candidates directed at multiple cancer stem cell targets from OncoMed's broad library of monoclonal antibodies.

OncoMed will receive an undisclosed initial payment comprised of cash as well as an equity investment. In addition, OncoMed is eligible to earn milestone payments up to $1.4 billion from GSK based on the achievement of specified discovery, development, regulatory and commercial milestones.

OncoMed will also receive double-digit royalties on all collaboration product sales. Furthermore, GSK will have an option to invest in a future initial public offering by OncoMed.

Reckitt Benckiser to buy Adams Respiratory Therapeutics

December 10, 2007

A definitive agreement under which Reckitt Benckiser will tender for the acquisition of Adams for $60 per share in cash, representing a total consideration for Adams' fully diluted share capital of approximately $2.3bn (1.1bn pounds Sterling). This transaction will be financed by Reckitt Benckiser by cash on hand and existing credit facilities.

BioSeek in systems biology compound evaluation with UCB

December 5, 2007

Under the collaboration, BioSeek will apply its BioMAP Systems to evaluate a number of UCB compounds across several target classes, in support of target differentiation, lead development, and drug candidate selection activities at UCB.

Pfizer to develop pain drugs with Adolor

December 5, 2007

Exclusive worldwide collaboration to develop and commercialize novel compounds, ADL5859 and ADL5747, for the treatment of pain.

The companies will form a Joint Steering Committee to guide the development and commercialization of products resulting from the collaboration. Pfizer will be responsible for securing regulatory approvals and commercialization on a worldwide basis.

The terms of the agreement provide for Pfizer and Adolor to share revenues and expenses 60/40 percent in the United States. Outside the U.S., Pfizer will fund development activities and, on commercialization, Adolor will receive royalties on Pfizer net sales.

Adolor will receive an upfront, non-refundable payment of $30 million, plus $1.9 million reimbursement for prior Phase 2 development costs. Adolor may also receive payments of up to $232.5 million upon the achievement of development and regulatory milestones for its Delta compounds. More than 50 percent of these milestones may be earned prior to regulatory approval of the compounds, with the first milestone payment available to be earned on commencement of Phase 2b clinical studies.

Maxygen licenses dengue vaccine technology to Sanofi-Pasteur

December 4, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Maxygen will transfer to sanofi pasteur a portfolio of preclinical dengue antigens for development and worldwide commercialization of a second generation vaccine. In addition to royalties, total event payments to Maxygen, including an upfront fee, could total $24.5 million.

Compendia in Oncomine licensing deal with AstraZeneca

December 4, 2007

The licensing agreement gives AstraZeneca access to Oncomine Concepts Edition (OCM), a value-added product extension of Oncomine that combines nearly 7,000 proprietary cancer gene signatures with 11,000 gene, protein, drug, and pathway signatures collected from the literature and other public sources.

Eisai buys rights to Alzheimer's antibody

December 4, 2007

Eisai has the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market the drug, known as BAN2401, under an agreement signed with BioArctic Neuroscience. No financial terms were disclosed.

AVEO and Eli Lilly collaborate for clinical drug response project

December 4, 2007

Under the agreement, the parties will use AVEO's Human Response Platform as part of a pilot project to identify patient populations likely to be responsive to an investigational cancer compound currently being developed by Lilly. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

ICx Technologies and Merck to develop cancer diagnostic technology

December 3, 2007

The purpose of the study is to test and refine a set of protocols for detecting and recovering circulating nucleic acids from blood -- a key early detector for cancer treatment - in order to support the development of an investigational cancer therapy. The study is being conducted by its La Jolla, Calif.-based Biosystems unit with participation by the Hutchinson Center.

Addex signs Parkinson's disease deal with Merck

December 3, 2007

Addex will receive $3 million upfront and is eligible for up to $106.5 million in research, development and regulatory milestones for the first product developed for multiple indications. Additional milestones of up to $61 million would be payable if a second and third product is developed. Addex is eligible to receive undisclosed royalties on sales of any products resulting from this collaboration.

Santarus licenses GERID immediate-release omeprazole rights to GlaxoSmithKline

December 3, 2007

Under the license agreement, GSK will be responsible for the development, manufacture and commercialization of Licensed Products in up to 114 countries, excluding the U.S., Europe, Australia, Japan and Canada. In addition, under a separate distribution agreement, GSK will distribute, market and sell ZEGERID brand prescription products in Puerto Rico and the USVI beginning in the first quarter of 2008. GSK will bear all costs for its activities under the license and distribution agreements.

GSK will pay Santarus an $11.5 million upfront fee and tiered double digit royalties, subject to reduction in certain circumstances, on net sales of any products sold under the license and distribution agreements. The term of the license agreement continues so long as GSK is obligated to pay royalties and the term of the distribution agreement continues as long as GSK sells the products, unless the agreements are terminated earlier by either GSK or Santarus under specified circumstances. GSK has an option to make a buy-out payment 20 years after the effective date of the agreements, after which time, GSK’s royalty obligations generally would end. To support GSK’s initial launch costs, Santarus will waive the first $2.5 million of aggregate royalties payable under the license and distribution agreements.

Novartis and MorphoSys in $600 million antibody deal

December 3, 2007

Novartis will pay a guaranteed $600 million in fees and research funding and could pay as much as $1 billion if drugs from the partnership hit the market. Novartis also would pay royalties to MorphoSys on sales of drugs.

November 2007

Axcan to be acquired by TPG Capital

November 29, 2007

An all-cash transaction with a total value of approximately US$1.3 billion.

Under the terms of the transaction, TPG Capital and its affiliates will acquire all of the common shares of Axcan for an offer price of US$23.35 per common share. The purchase price represents a 28 percent premium over the average trading price of Axcan's common shares on November 28, 2007, the last trading day on the NASDAQ prior to this announcement. Axcan anticipates that the transaction will be completed in the first calendar quarter of 2008.

Sanofi-Aventis and Regeneron strike antibody deal

November 29, 2007

A global, strategic collaboration agreement to discover, develop, and commercialize fully-human therapeutic antibodies utilizing Regeneron’s proprietary VelociSuite of technologies.

As part of the research agreement, sanofi-aventis will make an $85 million upfront payment to Regeneron and will fund up to $475 million of research over the next five years. Sanofi-aventis will have an option to extend the research agreement for up to an additional three years.

Sanofi-aventis will have the exclusive option to co-develop with Regeneron each drug candidate in the collaboration portfolio. Development costs will be shared between the two companies, with sanofi-aventis funding drug candidate development costs up front and Regeneron reimbursing half of the development costs from its share of future profits to the extent they are sufficient for this purpose.

Astellas to acquire Agensys

November 27, 2007

Astellas agreed to buy Agensys for as much as $537 million in cash, creating a US-based biotechnology unit with at least seven potential cancer treatments.

Fovea research collaboration in ophthalmology With Genzyme

November 27, 2007

The alliance is anchored around Fovea's proprietary high content technology platform that allows the identification of new targets involved in photoreceptor degeneration in retinal dystrophies. The companies will collaborate to develop gene related therapies using Foveaselected targets and Genzyme gene delivery technologies.

OncoMethylome to collaborate with GSK Biologicals for personalized cancer treatment

November 26, 2007

The goal of the collaboration is to develop DNA methylation biomarkers for use in the personalization of cancer treatment with certain immunotherapeutics in development by GSK Biologicals.

GSK buys Mevacor OTC rights from Merck

November 26, 2007

As part of the deal, Merck will receive royalty payments on over-the-counter sales of the product in the country, pending regulatory approval.

GSK to acquire Reliant Pharmaceuticals for $1.65 billion

November 20, 2007

Reliant will be acquired by GSK for $1.65 billion in cash.

Reliant, a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focused on cardiovascular therapies, recorded net sales of $341 million in the nine months ending September 30, 2007, an increase of 62% over the comparable time period a year earlier.

GSK expects the transaction will be slightly accretive to earnings in 2008, excluding integration costs, and will create additional value in following years.

Biogen Idec and Neurimmune to develop treatments for Alzheimer's diseases

November 20, 2007

The alliance will focus on the development of antibodies that bind to amyloid beta (Ab), a pathogenic molecule thought to cause neurodegeneration and loss of cognitive function in AD patients. Currently there are no therapies for AD approved to slow or stop the progression of the disease.

Neurimmune will conduct research to identify potential therapeutic antibodies using the company’s Reverse Translational Medicine (RTM) platform. Biogen Idec will be responsible for the development and commercialization of all products. Neurimmune could receive an aggregate of $380M in upfront and success-based milestone payments, as well as a royalty on net sales of any products.

Celgene to buy Pharmion for $2.9 billion

November 19, 2007

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Celgene will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Pharmion common stock for $72.00 per share payable in a combination of cash and shares of Celgene common stock.

The transaction is expected to be slightly dilutive to earnings in 2008 and accretive in 2009 and beyond.

Novo Nordisk in exclusive agreement with Sciele to market Prandin

November 19, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Sciele will exclusively market Prandin and, upon approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, PrandiMet (the name submitted to FDA for a repaglinide/metformin fixed dose combination tablet) to physicians in the US, and will have a right of first refusal to obtain marketing rights in the US to other Novo Nordisk products containing repaglinide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in both Prandin(R) and PrandiMet.

DSM Biologics and Crucell in PER.C6 licensing agreement with Daiichi Sankyo

November 16, 2007

This license agreement allows Daiichi Sankyo to use the PER.C6 cell line in their early stage research to identify new antibodies and for the production of preclinical grade material.

Pfizer to acquire Coley Pharmaceutical for $164 million

November 16, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will make a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding common stock of Coley for $8.00 per share, representing an enterprise value of $164 million.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the acquisition by Pfizer of a majority of Coley's shares.

Shareholders holding approximately 27% of the Coley shares have entered into agreements to tender their shares in the offer.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Eli Lilly partner to identify beta cell biomarkers

November 15, 2007

The companies are joining together to create a $3 million research effort to accelerate the pace of research into drugs and therapies to cure diabetes and its complications by developing biomarkers.

Merck Serono exercises option to Rigel's R763/AS703569 and aurora kinase inhibitors in Japanese territory

November 14, 2007

Merck has exercised its option to add the Japanese territory to its current Aurora kinase collaboration that includes the lead product, R763/AS703569.

In exchange for these extended development and marketing rights, Rigel will receive a $3 million payment.

Pfizer to pay Nektar $135 million to settle dispute

November 13, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Nektar will receive a one-time payment of $135 million from Pfizer in satisfaction of all remaining obligations under existing agreements relating to Exubera and NGI.

In addition, in the event that a new partner is selected, Pfizer has agreed to transfer its remaining rights and all economic benefits for Exubera and NGI.

This transfer of Pfizer’s interests would include the transfer of the Exubera New Drug Application and Investigational New Drug Applications and all ex-U.S. regulatory filings and applications, continuation of ongoing Exubera clinical trials and certain supply chain transition activities.

Acambis joins forces with Sanofi Pasteur to develop West Nile Virus vaccine

November 13, 2007

Acambis will receive an upfront payment of $10m in 2007 from Sanofi Pasteur, and would be eligible for pre- and post-marketing milestone payments of up to $70m based on product approval and sales in the US market. It would also be entitled to receive development funding and royalties on net sales of the vaccine.

In addition, if the vaccine were registered in other countries, Acambis would be entitled to further post-marketing milestone payments and royalties.

Direvo Biotech and Pfizer collaborate on therapeutic proteases

November 12, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Direvo will use its protein engineering expertise to discover and optimize preclinical candidates. Pfizer will then be responsible for the development and marketing of the respective compounds.

Direvo will receive payments upon reaching certain research and development milestones as well as royalties for any resulting product that reaches the market.

Infinity Pharmaceuticals in Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor agreement with AstraZeneca

November 12, 2007

Infinity has regained from MedImmune, which is wholly owned by AstraZeneca PLC, all development and worldwide commercialization rights for Infinity's Hedgehog cell-signaling pathway inhibitor program, including its lead candidate IPI-926.

Additionally, Infinity will have the right to opt-in to certain Hedgehog programs being developed by AstraZeneca, including worldwide profit sharing and U.S. co-promotion rights.

In exchange for these rights, Infinity will waive the non-competition clause contained in its August 2006 collaboration agreement with MedImmune applicable to AstraZeneca's independent work in the Hedgehog pathway.

Amicus Therapeutics and Shire Pharmaceuticals enter ex-US licensing agreement for chaperone compounds for lysosomal storage disorders

November 8, 2007

Under the terms of the deal, Amicus will receive an initial, non- refundable licensing payment of US$ 50 million. Joint development costs toward global approval of the three compounds will be shared 50/50 going forward, and Amicus is eligible to receive an additional US$ 150 million if certain clinical and regulatory milestones are met for the three programs through approvals.

Amicus is also eligible to receive up to US$ 240 million in sales-based milestones, as well as tiered double-digit royalties. Not including royalties and cost sharing, the deal is valued at up to US$ 440 million.

Gilead and LG Life Sciences in global deal for fibrotic diseases

November 7, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Gilead will pay LGLS a USD 20 million upfront license payment and royalties on net sales. LGLS also could earn up to USD 182 million in payments based upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones. Gilead’s license is worldwide, with the exception of Korea, China and India where LGLS has retained rights. LGLS also has the worldwide right to develop and commercialize caspase inhibitors for ophthalmic and topical uses.

As a result of the USD 20 million up front licensing fee, Gilead is increasing its guidance (previously updated on October 18, 2007) for Research and Development expenses for the full year 2007 from a range of USD 490 million to USD 500 million to a range of USD 510 million to USD 520 million to reflect this payment.

GTx and Merck in venture to treat age-related muscle loss

November 6, 2007

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement and related stock purchase agreement, GTx and Merck will combine their respective SARM research programs. GTx will receive an upfront payment of $40 million plus $15 million in research reimbursements to be paid over the initial three years of the collaboration.

In addition, Merck will make an equity investment of $30 million in GTx common stock at a 40 percent premium to the 30 day average closing price. GTx will also be eligible to receive up to $422 million in future milestone payments associated with the development and approval of a drug candidate if multiple indications receive regulatory approval. Additional milestones may be received for the development and approval of other collaboration drug candidates. GTx will receive royalties on any resulting worldwide product revenue.

Targacept in option deal with AstraZeneca for lead candidate in alpha7 NNR program

November 5, 2007

AstraZeneca has secured an option for an exclusive license to Targacept’s product candidate TC-5619 under the terms of the parties’ collaboration agreement. As a result, AstraZeneca will make a $2.0 million payment to Targacept.

Merck and Dynavax in hepatitis B vaccine deal

November 1, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck receives worldwide exclusive rights to HEPLISAV, will fund future vaccine development, and be responsible for commercialization. Dynavax will receive an initial payment of $31.5 million, and will be eligible to receive up to $105 million in development and sales milestone payments, and double-digit tiered royalties on global sales of HEPLISAV.

Neurocrine and Dainippon Sumitomo to develop and commercialize Indiplon in Japan

November 1, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Neurocrine will receive an initial payment of $20 million and an additional $10 million payment upon FDA approval of indiplon. Neurocrine is eligible to receive additional milestone payments associated with the successful development and commercialization of the indiplon immediate release formulation in Japan.

Upon commercialization of indiplon, Neurocrine will receive royalties from DSP based on sales in Japan. DSP also has a right to develop and commercialize the modified release formulation of indiplon in Japan which would result in additional milestone payments and royalties to Neurocrine.

October 2007

King and Acura in pact to develop painkillers

October 31, 2007

The companies have initially targeted development and commercialization of four immediate release opioid analgesic products, including ACUROX Tablets (oxycodone HCl, niacin, and a unique combination of other ingredients), formerly known as OxyADF, for treating moderate to severe acute pain.

The Agreement provides King with an exclusive license in the Territory for ACUROX Tablets and another undisclosed opioid product utilizing Acura's Aversion Technology. In addition, the Agreement provides King with an option to license in the Territory all future opioid analgesic products developed utilizing Acura's Aversion Technology.

Summit signs Zebrafish deal with a top five bigpharma company

October 31, 2007

The undisclosed company will use Summit’s zebrafish platform to asses a significant number of its proprietary compounds for safety and toxicity effects in a range of organs that are conserved between the zebrafish and humans including the heart, liver, brain and gut. This extended pilot deal follows the conclusion of an earlier successful validation study conducted between the two companies.

Pfizer signs deal for Taisho's schizophrenia drug

October 30, 2007

The letter of intent relates to a proposed license agreement regarding rights for development and commercialization of the substance outside Japan.

Through the proposed license agreement, Taisho would grant exclusive development and commercialization rights outside Japan for TS-032 to Pfizer. If the license agreement is signed, Taisho will receive from Pfizer an initial payment of U.S. $22 million. Taisho will also receive milestone payments tied to progress of development, as well as royalties and milestone payments tied to sales if TS-032 is approved by regulatory authorities and launched.

Bradley acquired by Nycomed for $20/share

October 30, 2007

Definitive merger agreement with Nycomed US Inc., a subsidiary of Nycomed S.C.A., SICAR, pursuant to which all outstanding shares of the Company will be converted into $20.00 per share in cash, which represents a premium of 25% over the closing price of $16.00 on October 29, 2007. The transaction implies a fully diluted equity value for Bradley of approximately $346 million.

Organon and Endotis sign advanced antithrombotic alliance

October 30, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Endotis has acquired exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Org 42675, Org 217609 (a neutralizable follow-up of Org 42675) and Org 224283, three antithrombotic compounds with an innovative dual mechanism of action.

Novo Nordisk and Sapphire in ghrelin antagonist for obesity deal

October 30, 2007

Licensed a discovery-stage ghrelin antagonist program from Novo Nordisk. Ghrelin receptor antagonists are a new therapeutic target for the continuing unmet need for improved obesity treatments.

These potent potential drug "hits" were identified using Novo's proprietary computer model of the ghrelin receptor and already have shown good in vivo proof-of-concept data.

Genzyme and Sunway collaborate on gene therapy program in China

October 25, 2007

Under the collaboration with Sunway, Genzyme will transfer its process for manufacturing Ad2/HIF-1a to Sunway, who will produce the product at its Shanghai facility for clinical trials. Sunway will design, fund and conduct Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies in China, focusing on patients with critical limb ischemia, a more severe form of peripheral arterial disease that often leads to the need for limb amputation.

Nycomed and Ceremed in licensing and distribution agreement

October 24, 2007

Ostene is the only available product designed to stop bone bleeding in surgery that does not interfere with bone healing or increase the risk of surgical infections, including MRSA.

Galapagos and Janssen in arthritis deal

October 24, 2007

Under the alliance agreement, Janssen may select up to 12 programs from Galapagos' internally identified RA targets into the alliance. Janssen receives future option rights to exclusively license these programs. In addition, Janssen obtained an option to the future development and commercialization of product candidates from Galapagos' other internal RA programs, including its most advanced program based on the kinase target GT418. A compound from this proprietary drug discovery program is expected to enter Phase I clinical trials in 2008.

GSK and Tolerx in alliance to develop and commercialize otelixizumab

October 23, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Tolerx will have responsibility for the Phase III clinical program for type 1 diabetes in the US up to and including regulatory submission of the biologics license application (BLA). Tolerx has the option to co-promote otelixizumab in type 1 diabetes in the US with GSK, while GSK will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize otelixizumab in all other indications in the rest of the world. GSK also has the exclusive right to develop the pediatric indication for type 1 diabetes in the US.

Merck and Asuragen in oncology pharmacogenomic test deal

October 23, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Asuragen will apply the information gained from an expression signature identified by Merck’s oncology research program to the development of a diagnostic assay for use in Merck’s cancer clinical trials and to potentially form the basis for commercial companion diagnostic tests for oncology therapies.

Asuragen will receive an undisclosed payment for the development of the test, which is expected to be completed in 2008. Upon completion of assay development and validation, Asuragen will be eligible for additional payments associated with successful transfer of the diagnostic assays to clinical reference laboratories.

AstraZeneca merges its biotech subsidiaries

October 21, 2007

In an effort to consolidate its biotech research efforts, AstraZeneca has merged Cambridge Antibody Technology into MedImmune to create one larger biotech powerhouse.

BioWa and GSK in Potelligent research deal

October 19, 2007

Research agreement provides GlaxoSmithkline with access to BioWa's Potelligent technology platform for development of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity enhanced antibodies.

The agreement grants GSK non-exclusive rights to research and develop antibodies based on Potelligent technology for an undisclosed number of targets. In return, BioWa will receive an upfront payment, and license fees.

Licensing Executive Society launches credentialing program

October 18, 2007

The LES has launched its LES Certified Licensing Professional Program (CLP), to provide public recognition of the licensing professional's experience and qualifications. Further information available here.

Eli Lilly and Macrogenics in teplizumab alliance

October 18, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, MacroGenics will receive an initial payment of $41 million, as well as $3 million in other committed funds. MacroGenics may also receive up to $200 million in potential development milestones for the type 1 diabetes indication.

If teplizumab is successfully commercialized, MacroGenics may receive up to $250 million in potential sales milestones and would receive escalating royalties on sales commensurate with the current stage of development of the product.

In addition, MacroGenics would have the option to co-promote teplizumab for certain indications in the U.S. Lilly may make an equity investment in MacroGenics of up to $10 million in the company's next private financing round or initial public offering. Lilly may also decide to pursue several additional indications for teplizumab or other next generation anti-CD3 molecules developed with MacroGenics. If Lilly pursues each one of those indications and they all ultimately gain approval, additional milestone payments to MacroGenics could exceed $600 million.

Vivalis and Sanofi-Aventis in research license agreement

October 17, 2007

Granted rights to Sanofi to evaluate EBx cell lines, cell substrates derived from avian embryonic stem cells, for the production of monoclonal antibodies.

Dara and Bayer in licensing deal for metabolic diseases

October 17, 2007

License agreement granting DARA BioSciences exclusive worldwide rights to a series of patents and compounds for the treatment of metabolic diseases, in particular type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia. Lead compounds are in later preclinical development.

Under the terms of the agreement DARA BioSciences will develop and commercialize products while Bayer will receive an upfront payment, milestone payments and royalties during the development and commercialization.

In addition, Bayer has certain rights to commercialize products emanating from this development program.

ImClone and BMS announce joint agreement with Merck KGaA co-develop Erbitux Japan

October 17, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, ImClone Systems, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA will collaborate on a joint effort to develop and, following regulatory approval, market Erbitux in Japan for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor expressing metastatic colorectal cancer, as well as for the treatment of any other cancers the parties agree to pursue.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA will utilize their respective sales forces in Japan, and the three companies will share profits/losses realized as a result of the agreement. Merck Serono Japan will distribute the product and record the sales for the collaboration.

Merck licenses SNALP technology from Protiva

October 16, 2007

A non-exclusive license to Protiva's SNALP technology for ongoing research and development of therapeutics in the emerging field of RNA interference.

Under the terms of the broader agreement Protiva will receive a one-time payment from Merck with the potential for milestone and royalty payments based upon the developmental progress of future RNAi-based product candidates.

Biogen Idec puts itself up for sale

October 15, 2007

Biogen Idec has announced its intention to seek an acquirer. Numerous companies including Pfizer, J&J and Sanofi Aventis have been mentioned as potential suitors.

Sanofi Pasteur and Institut Pasteur team up against malaria

October 15, 2007

Under this collaboration agreement, Sanofi Pasteur will have access to antigens identified by Institut Pasteur derived from Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most deadly malaria infections. Sanofi Pasteur intends to use these antigens with the goal of developing a safe and efficacious candidate vaccine against malaria.

Boehringer Ingelheim and Vitae in metabolic diseases collaboration

October 15, 2007

The companies will combine their respective 11beta HSD1 programs and work together to identify and advance candidates for clinical development.

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, Vitae will receive $36.5 million in upfront and near-term payments from Boehringer Ingelheim, comprising upfront cash, an equity investment in Vitae and research funding. In addition, Vitae will be eligible to receive up to $300 million milestone payments based on the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial program goals.

Further milestone payments may be achieved with additional compounds and/or additional approved indications. Vitae will receive royalty payments from Boehringer Ingelheim on all potential future product sales. Further financial details were not disclosed.

Boehringer Ingelheim will lead development and commercialization of products. In addition, Vitae will have the right to develop products independently for certain indications.

Daiichi Sankyo and Forest sign Azor co-promotion deal

October 12, 2007

The companies have signed a contract for a co-promotion agreement in the United States for Daiichi Sankyo's AZOR, a fixed combination of two antihypertensives, the calcium channel blocker, amlodipine and the angiotensin receptor blocker, olmesartan medoxomil.

The companies announced a signed letter of intent for the co-promotion agreement on August 21, 2007.

GSK inks up to $1 dillion deal for Synta cancer drug

October 10, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will share responsibility for development and commercialization of STA-4783 in the U.S. and GSK will have exclusive responsibility for development and commercialization of STA-4783 outside the U.S.

Synta will receive an upfront cash payment of $80 million. Synta will also be eligible to receive potential milestone payments of up to $135 million for events leading to approval of STA-4783 in metastatic melanoma, further development and regulatory milestones of up to $450 million across various indications and up to $300 million in potential commercial milestone payments based on achieving certain net sales thresholds.

Synta will continue to fund all development for metastatic melanoma in the U.S. and the companies will share responsibility and costs for development of STA-4783 in other indications. Synta and GSK will jointly commercialize STA-4783 in the U.S. with Synta receiving a tiered profit share based on levels of annual net sales.

The parties will share development costs outside of the U.S. and Synta will receive double-digit tiered royalties on net sales. In addition, GSK may, subject to Synta's agreement, purchase, up to $45 million of Synta's common stock upon the future achievement of specified development and regulatory milestones.

Biomax licenses BioRS Integration and Retrieval System to Boehringer Ingelheim

October 9, 2007

Boehringer Ingelheim plans to use the BioRS system as a data integration platform providing unified access to public and proprietary data sources in its global pharmaceutical R&D environment.

Anacor and GSK in anti-infectives alliance

October 8, 2007

The collaboration provides GlaxoSmithKline access to Anacor's proprietary boron-based chemistry for use against selected targets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Anacor will grant GlaxoSmithKline options to select product candidates developed under the collaboration that are directed to up to four discovery targets and with the potential for at least eight product options.

Anacor will primarily be responsible for the discovery and development of boron-containing small molecule drug candidates through clinical proof of concept, at which point GlaxoSmithKline will have an exclusive option to license each compound for further development and commercialization on a worldwide basis.

Anacor will have the right to further develop and commercialize compounds for which GlaxoSmithKline does not exercise its option. Anacor will receive a $12 million upfront payment and a $10 million equity financing commitment from GlaxoSmithKline.

Contingent on achieving certain milestones, Anacor is eligible to receive discovery, development, regulatory and commercial milestones ranging up to $252 million and $331 million for each product candidate. If GlaxoSmithKline exercises its option at the proof of concept stage, Anacor will receive tiered double digit royalties, which are dependent on sales achieved.

Martek and Abbott Labs sign supply agreement

October 8, 2007

In the new supply agreement, Abbott has committed to purchase all of its worldwide DHA and ARA requirements from Martek.

Wyeth acquires Haptogen

October 5, 2007

This acquisition significantly increases Wyeth's already robust biotechnology drug discovery capabilities.

GSK, AstraZeneca and Roche collaborate on stem cells for drug tests

October 3, 2007

Stem Cells for Safer Medicines Ltd, a non-profit British company launched on Wednesday, will focus initially on developing better ways of testing for liver toxicity -- the biggest single cause of drug failures and withdrawals.

GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Roche have each paid 100,000 pounds ($200,000) to help fund the first year's work, while the British government is contributing 750,000 pounds.

AEterna Zentaris seeks partner for BPH treatment

October 2, 2007

The company will seek a commercialization partner for Cetrorelix, its treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

AEterna Zentaris expects to launch Cetrorelix, which is currently in Phase 3 trials, as a BPH treatment by 2011.

Organon extends MetaCore license and adds MetaLink

October 2, 2007

Organon have extended their GeneGo software and database licenses. In addition to extending their MetaCore license, Organon has also added MetaLink so that they can upload their own interaction data and visualize it in the context of MetaCore's manually curated content.

PDL BioPharma seeks a buyer

October 1, 2007

The decision is the result of PDL's ongoing evaluation of strategic alternatives. The company will continue the previously announced process for the potential sale of its commercial products as part of the overall process.

A final decision regarding the specific deal structures or transactions the company may enter into will be driven by the goal of maximizing stockholder value.

Chemizon expands discovery research collaboration with Takeda

October 1, 2007

As part of the agreement, Chemizon will commit a majority of its current Korean site to the Takeda partnership. In addition, Chemizon will expand its Korean operations to accommodate future growth.

GE and Lilly to develop cancer tests

October 1, 2007

The partnership aims to identify signs on the genetic level to predict whether a drug will be effective.

September 2007

Kissei and Eisai sign agreement to develop and commercialize Glufast

September 28, 2007

Glufast is a rapid-acting insulin secretagogue originally created by Kissei. In the agreement, Eisai gained exclusive development and commercialization rights of Glufast in China.

Quidel and Roche in marketing deal for QuickVue Influenza A+B rapid diagnostic test

September 27, 2007

The agreement will leverage the strength and speed of the QuickVue rapid test to help characterize influenza infection (the flu) along with the Tamiflu treatment to improve patient recovery time.

Nycomed and NPS in Gattex partnership

September 26, 2007

Licensing agreement for Gattex in territories outside North America.

Under the terms of the agreement, NPS has the potential to earn up to $185 million plus royalties. As an upfront payment, NPS will receive from Nycomed $35 million: a $10 million nonrefundable commitment fee upon signing the agreement and $25 million within two weeks following the announcement of topline results from the recently completed Phase 3 study of Gattex in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), which is expected early in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Nycomed has the right to end the collaboration within two weeks of the announcement of these results and forego the $25 million payment.

GeneGo in multi-year biotools deal with BMS

September 25, 2007

BMS has licensed access to all major GeneGo products.

Using the licensed GeneGo technology, research and development sites within BMS will have the ability to start with chemical compound structures and/or genomics data to address questions from both chemistry and biology domains.

TorreyPines and Eisai extend genetics giscovery collaboration for Alzheimer's

September 25, 2007

TorreyPines will receive an upfront payment and continued research funding in support of the program for an additional year. In return, Eisai will continue to have exclusive rights of first negotiation and refusal for gene targets discovered and validated through the research.

BMS to acquire Adnexus for $430 million

September 24, 2007

The acquisition of Adnexus will help advance Bristol-Myers Squibb's biologics strategy across multiple therapeutic areas and includes a Phase I oncology biologic, Angiocept(TM). Adnexus Therapeutics will become a subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb and remain based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

AstraZeneca to pay up to $310 Million for Verus asthma programs

September 24, 2007

Included in the transaction are the North American rights to a Captisol enabled budesonide solution, a proprietary short-acting beta agonist solution, a customized version of eFlow for use with both medications, and other intellectual property and related assets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Verus is to receive an upfront payment of $30 million, development expense reimbursements, and a potential earn-out payment of $280 million.

Exelixis and BMS extend liver X receptor research pact

September 21, 2007

Under the terms of the collaboration, the two companies jointly identify drug candidates that are ready for Investigational New Drug Application-enabling studies. Bristol-Myers Squibb then undertakes further preclinical development and has responsibility for clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing and sales/marketing activities for such compounds.

The collaboration, originally established in January of 2005 for a period of two years, has been extended at Bristol-Myers Squibb's request through January 12, 2009.

Biotech deal costs soar

September 20, 2007

The price of acquiring promising medicines from biotech firms is soaring, reflecting big drugmakers' growing hunger for assets to fill their thinning pipelines, according to new research - see full article

Merck KgaA CEO sees acquisitions as route for growth

September 19, 2007

Karl Ludwig Kley, the company's chairman says a series of acquisitions over the next three years will grow its consumer health and life sciences businesses, all while expanding its pharma and liquid crystal divisions from within. The aim is to achieve $13.9 billion in sales by 2010.

LigoCyte and Biogen Idec in inflammatory disease alliance

September 18, 2007

The strategic partnership is to develop therapies targeting CD103 for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases including potential respiratory, gastrointestinal, and autoimmune indications.

Under terms of the agreement, LigoCyte will receive milestone payments on the successful development of drug candidates. The collaboration includes an opportunity for co-development, co-promotion, and sharing of profits resulting from commercialized products.

Alnylam terminates RNAi collaboration with Merck

September 18, 2007

Alnylam has rescinded all grants of its intellectual property related to current and future Merck development programs, including the partnership's former co-development programs.

Evotec to acquire Renovis in $152 million stock deal

September 18, 2007

Evotec agreed to buy U.S.-based Renovis for about $151.8 million in stock to expand its research into treatments for inflammatory diseases.

Allergan to acquire Esprit in a $370 million cash transaction

September 18, 2007

Allergan will acquire privately held Esprit Pharma for approximately $370 million in an all-cash transaction.

Allergan's planned acquisition of Esprit is aligned with Allergan's strategic interest in the genitourinary market.

Microbia and Forest in US co-development and co-marketing deal for linaclotide

September 17, 2007

Forest will initially pay Microbia $70 million in licensing fees. Microbia and Forest will jointly and equally fund development and commercialization of linaclotide in the United States, sharing profits equally.

Additionally, Forest will have exclusive rights in Canada and Mexico and will pay Microbia a royalty on sales in these countries. Microbia retains all rights to the product outside of North America.

Total licensing and milestone payments to Microbia if linaclotide is successfully developed and commercialized in the United States could total $330 million over the term of the collaboration.

Ipsen grants Novartis bone anabolic candidate licensing option

September 17, 2007

Novartis would assume the global (except Japan) clinical development, manufacturing, and marketing of BA058 and all associated costs. Radius (Ipsen) would receive payments upon the exercise of the option and on successful completion of certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.

These payments together could total more than $500 million. In addition, Radius would be eligible to receive royalties on product sales and has retained the option to co-commercialize BA058 in the United States. Of this amount, Radius would in turn pay to Ipsen development, regulatory and commercial milestones that could total up to $125 million, as well as royalties calculated on a pro rata sales basis.

Celera and Merck & Co in cancer test R&D pact

September 17, 2007

Celera will receive an undisclosed payment for this collaboration, Celera would be eligible for an additional payment should Merck decide to transfer a Celera validated gene expression assay to a clinical reference laboratory upon completion.

Isis and Ortho McNeil (J&J) ink antisense deal

September 14, 2007

Ortho-McNeil will pay Isis a $45 million upfront licensing fee, and will provide Isis with research and development funding over the period of the collaboration. In addition to the licensing fee, Isis could receive over $230 million in milestone payments upon successful development and regulatory approvals, as well as royalties on sales.

Isis could also receive milestones and royalties on the successful development and regulatory approvals of additional drugs discovered as part of the collaboration.

Novartis and Bayer Schering in Betaseron multiple scerosis deal

September 14, 2007

Novartis will receive a one-time payment of about $200 million. Novartis transferred manufacturing responsibility to Bayer for Betaseron and received a one-off payment for the transfer of production equipment, inventory and leasing of buildings at a site in Emeryville.

Flamel and Wyeth in Medussa technology alliance

September 12, 2007

Flamel will receive an upfront payment and potential development fees, milestones and royalty payments, the terms of which are not disclosed.

Sepracor in Sleep Drug Partnership with GlaxoSmithKline

September 11, 2007

Under the agreement, Sepracor is entitled to receive an initial payment of $20 million plus subsequent payments upon accomplishment of various milestones. If all milestones are met, GSK will be obligated to pay Sepracor $155 million in aggregate license and milestone payments. In addition, Sepracor will receive double-digit royalties that escalate upon increased product sales and compensation for supplying the product to GSK.

US Patent Reform Act Voted In

September 10, 2007

If made into law, the legislation will make patents harder to obtain and easier to challenge. It would also try to cut down on the amount of litigation by limiting where patent owners can file suit and how much they can collect in damages if they win.

Ablynx and Boehringer Ingelheim Announce Major Global Strategic Nanobody's Alliance

September 7, 2007

Ablynx expects to receive payments of EUR 75 million during the research term of the collaboration which includes EUR 15 million in a proposed equity investment by Boehringer Ingelheim in Ablynx. In addition, Ablynx will receive development milestone payments for each Nanobody which is developed, of up to EUR 125 million as well as undisclosed royalties.

Isis and Alnylam Launch Regulus Therapeutics

September 7, 2007

A joint venture to discover, develop, and commercialize microRNA therapeutics.

Both Isis and Alnylam will grant Regulus exclusive licenses to their IP for miRNA therapeutic applications, as well as certain early fundamental patents in the miRNA field including the "Tuschl III" patent. Alnylam will make an initial investment of $10 million to balance venture ownership; thereafter Isis and Alnylam will share funding of Regulus.

Penwest and Otsuka enter drug delivery deal

September 7, 2007

Partners to develop formulation of an undisclosed Otsuka compound utilizing Penwest's TIMERx drug delivery technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Penwest will receive fees and payments.

Eisai and Salix in Balsalazide Co-Promotion Pact

September 6, 2007

Eisai receives exclusive rights to copromote COLAZAL(balsalazide disodium) Capsules 750 mg, and balsalazide tablets, if and when approved by the US FDA.

IDEA Signs Major Licensing Agreement with Alpharma

September 6, 2007

IDEA has licensed the US rights to its lead product, Diractin for the treatment of deep pain.

Under the terms of the licence agreement, Alpharma is paying IDEA $60m upfront and three additional near-term payments totaling $77m upon the achievement of certain regulatory and patent-related milestones. Upon US regulatory approval of Diractin, Alpharma will make a final milestone payment of either $45m or $65m, depending on the results of one of the clinical trials for the product. Alpharma will also pay IDEA royalties based on the annual level of sales achieved in the US market.

Takeda and Lundbeck in mood and anxiety disorders deal

September 5, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, Lundbeck will receive an initial payment of USD 40 million and potentially a maximum of USD 345 million in additional development milestone payments.

Takeda and Lundbeck will jointly complete the development programmes, with Takeda booking the total sales and funding the majority of the remaining development activities.

Lundbeck will receive a share of the revenue generated in the US and Japan as well as royalty payments on Takeda's share of revenues.

Dyax and Bayer Schering Pharma in therapeutic antibodies alliance

September 5, 2007

Under the terms of this agreement, Dyax will identify therapeutic antibodies for two targets provided by Bayer Schering Pharma.

Furthermore, these research activities may be expanded to allow Dyax to work on additional targets and/or allow Bayer Schering Pharma to exercise an option for an antibody library license.

Dyax will receive clinical milestone payments and royalties on net sales that may result from Bayer Schering Pharma’s development and commercialization of any antibodies discovered through the collaboration. The agreement also provides Bayer Schering Pharma with sublicenses to relevant third-party antibody phage display patents that may be used with Dyax’s technology.

Draxis and J&J ink manufacturiing deal

September 5, 2007

The new multi-year contract runs to the end of 2013.

It includes approximately two years of manufacturing site transfer and process validation activities followed by five years of commercial production, which is scheduled to begin in 2009.

Commercial production is expected to generate incremental revenues in excess of US$120 million over the five year period of 2009 through 2013. The transfer of equipment and production technologies, which is in progress, is expected to generate additional cumulative revenues during 2007 and 2008 of approximately US$6 to US$8 million.

The contract also contemplates optional extensions beyond 2013.

EMD Serono and ViaCell in clinical development deal for Viacyte

September 4, 2007

EMD Serono will provide support related to the clinical development of ViaCyte, ViaCell’s investigational product for the cryopreservation and thawing of human oocytes for use during assisted reproductive technology.

In addition, EMD Serono has agreed to provide certain quantities of two of its products, Gonal-f RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) and Ovidrel Prefilled Syringe (choriogonadotropin alfa injection), for the treatment of patients participating in the ViaCyte study.

Bigpharma Dealmaking and Agreements Handbooks published

September 1, 2007

CurrentPartnering has just published its latest reports providing dealmakers with critical information for intitiating, negotiating and securing bigpharma partners more

Corporate investments total $1.3B in first half of year

September 1, 2007

One in five VC investments in the first half of 2007 came from corporate venture capital funds, a study has found. This demonstrates the growing and healthy involvment of corporates in funding and supporting emerging technology companies.

August 2007

Pfizer and Xoma in antibody pact

August 28, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, XOMA will receive an upfront, non-dilutive cash payment of $30 million and milestone, royalty and other fees on future sales of all products subject to this license, including products currently in late-stage clinical development.

Merck Serono and Kinemed to explore new uses for drug candidates

August 28, 2007

KineMed will identify new therapeutic utility in in vivo preclinical models by applying its proprietary translational medicine technologies. Once a disease target is established for a selected drug candidate, KineMed and Merck will jointly determine the best development and commercialization path for the development candidates being studied.

Under the terms of the agreement, KineMed will receive from Merck an upfront payment, milestones and royalty payments on products advanced with KineMed's technology.

Drug Royalty acquires royalty interest

August 27, 2007

Drug Royalty LP 2 (DRC) announced the purchase of 25% of Enzon Pharmaceuticals worldwide royalty interest in PEG-INTRON for $92.5M. DRC will also provide a $15M milestone payment in 2012 should certain royalty recognition levels be met.

Pfizer and BMS in metabolic disorders collaboration

August 27, 2007

Under terms of the agreement, Pfizer will be responsible for all research and early-stage development activities for the metabolic disorders program, and the companies will jointly conduct Phase III development and commercialization activities.

Solvay and Gene Logic in drug repositioning and development alliance

August 27, 2007

The agreement provides for milestones and royalties similar to those paid for development-stage in-licensing deals, discounted to account for Solvay’s contribution as the originator of the compound.

The agreement also provides Gene Logic the option to receive an exclusive license to any drug candidate for which Gene Logic identifies a potential new therapeutic use that Solvay chooses not to develop. If Gene Logic elects to obtain such a license, Solvay would be entitled to success-based milestone and royalty payments.

MedImmune and Novartis use reverse genetics for influenza vaccine

August 23, 2007

MedImmune will receive an upfront payment and has the potential to receive royalties on certain vaccine stockpiles or sales of other influenza products developed using the reverse genetics technology.

Novartis to Move Drugs R&D From India to China

August 22, 2007

Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical group, is likely to switch hundreds of millions of dollars in planned investments from India to other locations in the next few years in response to an Indian court ruling that weakens intellectual property rights on new medicines.

In his first detailed comments on the rejection earlier this month of his attempt to protect the patent on the company's cancer medicine Glivec, Daniel Vasella, chief executive of Novartis, told reporters his "concrete plans" for investments in research in India stalled during the trial and would now go elsewhere.

The reason: Under Indian law drug makers can't get patents for new incremental versions of old medicines, and the Indian Patent Office had ruled that Glivec was just that.

Daiichi Sankyo and Forest to enter a co-promotion agreement AZOR in the US

August 21, 2007

Forest will pay Daiichi Sankyo an upfront payment of $20 million. The amount of Forest's payment will be determined by annual sales levels of AZOR, with Forest eligible to receive higher levels of payment based upon the product achieving pre-specified sales targets in the US. The term of the agreement is six years.

Eli Lilly signs drug R&D deal with Chi-Med

August 20, 2007

Lilly and Hutchison MediPharma will collaborate on discovery and development of pharmaceutical agents focused on targets in oncology and inflammation. Lilly will pay an upfront payment and annual R&D support fees, as well as potential discovery and development milestone payments depending on the candidate of up to a range of US$20 million to US$29 million per candidate, and potential royalties on worldwide sales of any commercialised products resulting from the collaboration.

Pfizer's Lipitor patent request rejected

August 17,2007

Pfizer's request for a reissued Lipitor patent was stamped "Rejected" by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office--but the decision is only preliminary, so the drug maker can still hope for extended exclusivity on the blockbuster.

Rumours abound that Novartis may bid for Bayer

August 16, 2007

Shares of Bayer AG rose as much as 7% in Frankfurt trading on Wednesday on speculation that Swiss rival Novartis will buy the German pharmaceuticals maker at a hefty premium. Numerous wire services were suggesting a bid offer of Euro70/share was in the offing.

Biogen Idec to sell Zevalin to Cell Therapeutics for $30M

August 16, 2007

Cell Therapeutics is buying the US rights to Biogen Idec’s Zevalin , a radioimmunotherapy lymphoma treatment in a transaction valued at over $30 million in cash. Upon closing, Cell Therpaeutics agreed to pay $10 million in cash, up to an additional $20 million in milestone payments when the product receives approval for a first-line indication in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and royalties on sales.

Parion and Gilead sign $146M deal in pulmonary diseases

August 15, 2007

Gilead will provide an upfront payment of $5 million for worldwide commercialization rights to P-680 for the treatment of pulmonary diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and non-CF bronchiectasis. The company will also make a $5-million investment in Parion. Additionally, Gilead will pay Parion up to $136 million upon achievements of certain milestones. Parion will also be eligible to receive up to double-digit royalties based on potential future product sales.

Icagen and Pfizer enter collaboration and licensing agreement for new treatments for pain

August 14, 2007

Pfizer will provide $38.0 million in committed funding to Icagen over the first two years of the collaboration, including an initial upfront license fee of $12.0 million, up to $15.0 million through an equity commitment, and research and development funding. Additionally, Icagen is eligible to receive $359 million in research, development, regulatory and commercialization milestones for each product. Icagen is also eligible to receive tiered royalties, against which the commercialization milestones are creditable, depending upon sales achieved.

Investors look to partnerships for smaller biotechs

August 10, 2007

For smaller biotechs, the key to survival in the drug development journey often depends on who is sitting in the passenger seat. Many biotechs must rely on larger pharmaceutical partners for the cash and expertise needed to reach the most complex and expensive stages of clinical testing and, ultimately, the marketplace. Those partners can spread the risks and costs of formulating, testing and selling a new drug, helping keep the smaller company alive and worthy of Wall Street's notice. more in Washington Business Journal

Biovail enters license agreement for BVF-324

August 8, 2007

The agreement allows for the licensing of clinical data, intellectual property and the rights to develop, manufacture and market BVF-324. Biovail has paid an upfront fee, and is contingently obligated to make additional milestone payments. Biovail also to make tiered, single-digit royalty payments on sales of the product.

Archemix and Isis Pharmaceuticals form alliance for aptamer drug discovery and development

August 8, 2007

Isis will receive milestones and royalties on aptamer therapeutics developed by Archemix that incorporate proprietary Isis chemistries or which utilize proprietary Isis analytical or manufacturing methods. Additionally, Isis will receive a percentage of revenue generated by Archemix if Archemix sublicenses Isis' intellectual property to a third party for the development of aptamer therapeutics.

Merck and KineMed in atherosclerosis collaboration

August 7, 2007

Under the terms of the agreement, KineMed could receive from Merck in excess of $5.5 million in initial and research payments should the collaboration extend for the full term and up to $70 million in milestones for each of up to 10 investigational compounds developed using KineMed's RCT technology. Milestones would also be payable under certain other conditions which have not been disclosed.

Integra LifeSciences to buy IsoTis for $51 million

August 7, 2007

Integra is to acquire IsoTis in an all cash transaction. The strategic combination, unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of IsoTis, will create a global leader in regenerative medicine. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth calendar quarter of 2007.

Toyama tout promising bird flu drug candidate

August 7, 2007

Cash-strapped Japanese drug maker Toyama Chemical may sell development and marketing rights to a promising bird flu drug candidate during early trials, its president said. more from Reuters

Nektar and Bayer sign inhaled antibiotic agreement

August 6, 2007

Bayer HealthCare and Nektar Therapeutics have agreed to develop and commercialize NKTR-061 (inhaled amikacin). This potentially innovative therapy would utilize Nektar's proprietary pulmonary technology to deliver a specially-formulated amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, for inhalation deep into the lung. NKTR-061 is under development for adjunctive treatment of Gram-negative pneumonias that often lead to significant morbidity and mortality.

Nektar will receive milestone payments of up to $175 million associated with the successful development and commercialization of NKTR-061. This includes an upfront payment of $50 million. Subsequent to the successful clinical and regulatory development of the product, Bayer HealthCare and Nektar have agreed to a co-promotion of the product in the United States and to share profits. For sales outside the United States, Nektar will receive tiered performance royalties up to a maximum of 30%.

CeNeS licenses new intravenous anaesthetic to Ono in Japan

August 6, 2007

Under this agreement, Ono will pay to CeNeS upfront and milestone payments based on development stage as well as royalties on sales of CNS-7056.

New report sees no end in sight for biotech partnering

August 2, 2007

The number of partnerships in the biotechnology sector is continuing to grow and shows no sign of abating any time soon, according to analysts at Needham & Co.

"We expect this trend to continue, as big pharma and established biotechs seek to add new technology platforms and supplement their clinical pipelines," analysts Mark Monane and Alan Carr wrote in their annual partnership opportunities report, released Monday. Biotech-to-biotech partnerships are becoming more common, they noted, a development they attribute to the maturation of the industry overall.

Monane and Carr identified numerous drug candidates within the universe of their small-cap biotech coverage for which they believe the developing companies will seek partners, including Dendreon Corp.'s experimental prostate cancer treatment, Provenge. "We believe that Dendreon will seek an ex-U.S. partner for [the] development and commercialization of Provenge," they wrote.

Pfizer expands venture capital program

August 2, 2007

Pfizer is hoping that an expanded focus and a new investment group will give a booster shot to its venture capital program and eventually help the drug giant's ailing pipeline. Forbes

GSK, Targacept in $1.5B pain deal

August 2, 2007

GSK and Targacept have inked a discovery, development and commercialization deal for therapeutics that target specified neuronal nicotinic receptors.

Lilly enters biotech business from within, not acquisitions

August 1, 2007

Like almost every other old-line drug maker, Eli Lilly & Co. wants to get deeper into the lucrative game of selling expensive biotechnology medicines.

But unlike its competitors, Lilly isn't buying its way into biotechnology with large acquisitions. Instead, it has been trying to build a biotech-drug pipeline from within. The take-it-slow, in-house approach shows signs of paying off. But the company has yet to prove to many investors and others in the industry that it has become a major presence in biotech. Wall Street Journal subscription required

July 2007

BIO-Europe 2007 to tackle most urgent issues arising from convergence of biotech and pharma

July 16, 2007

The leaders of the biotechnology industry will once again gather for BIO-Europe, the world’s largest stand-alone partnering conference, in Hamburg, Germany (November 12-14).

This year’s edition promises to set a new standard for compelling and informative content necessary to discern opportunities in an era of significant biotech industry change. Join many of the most respected thought leaders and decision makers in the industry and examine the issues, new business approaches and policy trends most important to the emerging biotech future.

A central theme to BIO-Europe 2007 will be to understand the signs, symptoms and opportunities of the much-anticipated convergence of biotech and Big Pharma.

Fundamental questions, such as how can biotechnology companies help the pharmaceutical industry meet double digit growth expectations by contributing new products and processes, will be openly discussed and debated by some of the most notable names in the industry.

A session destined to shake up traditional wisdom and preconceived notions of the industry is entitled, “The Changing World Order of Biotech-Pharma – How Will Emerging Realities Affect Your Business Strategy?"