AEterna in race to treat cancer

Article Abstract:

AEterna Laboratories Inc. (Quebec City) is aiming to treat cancer, using a shark cartilage-based angiogenesis blocker. The firm is one of the front-runners in an international race to win marketing approval for the angiogenesis blocker. According to a report by Financial Times Business Ltd. (London), the angiogenesis market is expected to grow from its current level of zero dollars to US$3.77-billion by 2005. AEterna is now enrolling patients in two pivotal Phase III trials that will determine whether its drug, Neovastat, can effectively extend the life span of patients with lung and kidney cancers. In addition, the firm will be meeting with US Food and Drug Administration officials to discuss starting a third Phase III clinical trial in oncology with Neovastat. AEterna claims that Neovastat is the only compound in Phase III trials that blocks the two main chemical processes of angiogeneis: matirx metalloproteinases (MMPs), which open the walls of blood vessels; and proteins such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which enable blood vessel cells to move to the site of disease. The firm's Phase III trial in lung cancer, which is sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute, has been designed to determine whether Neovastat can extend patients' median survival by a minimum of 25%.

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AEterna to spin off cosmetics and nutrition arm

Article Abstract:

Sainte-Foy, Que.-based Aeterna Laboratories Inc. has announced that it will spin off its cosmetics and nutrition division. Aeterna, which will make the unit a separate company called Atrium Biotechnologies Inc., will focus on its medical and pharmaceutical operations.

Organizational history, Management

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Biotech sector heating up

Article Abstract:

In the wake of several mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. biotechnology industry, Canadian companies in the sector, including QLT Inc. and Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc., are seen as prime candidates for future deals.

Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing, Fluid meters and counting devices, Fluids Meters & Counters, Instrument industry (Equipment), Forecasts and trends, Acquisitions and mergers, Testing and measuring equipment industry, QLT Inc., Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc., QLTI

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