bioTheranostics : its Breast Cancer IndexSM predicts risk for late recurrence in early stage ER-positive breast cancer patients

December 10, 2010 – bioTheranostics, a bioMérieux company that develops innovative oncology diagnostic tests to support targeted disease management, announced new findings from a clinical study evaluating the company’s Breast Cancer Index (BCI) molecular oncology test. Data from the study were presented at the 33rd Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS).

The company also announced that the Breast Cancer Index is now available to provide quantitative assessment of the risk of distant disease recurrence. The BCI risk assessment is based on data from a recently completed large, randomized, retrospective trial.

“The results presented in San Antonio today become part of a substantial and growing body of data supporting the clinical value of the Breast Cancer Index,” said Richard Ding, chief executive officer of bioTheranostics. “We are pleased to make this valuable test available to oncologists and pathologists in an enhanced format with clinical data specific for late breast cancer recurrence.”...

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...About bioTheranostics

Advancing Molecular Diagnostics in Oncology

bioTheranostics discovers, develops and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests for cancer patients. Leveraging its unique expertise in expression profiling and algorithm development, bioTheranostics provides innovative tests to the oncology community to support targeted disease management. The company operates a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited diagnostic service laboratory in San Diego, CA to perform its proprietary molecular diagnostic tests: Breast Cancer Index, which provides risk stratification in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, lymph-node negative breast cancer; and the CancerTYPE IDâ test, a cancer classification assay that provides molecular classification of cancers with indeterminate, uncertain, or differential diagnoses to aid in the determination of the tumor site of origin... bioTheranostics' Press Release -

NovAliX acquires a majority interest in Graffinity

Strasbourg, France -- November 16th, 2010 - GRAFFINITY'S PROPRIETARY FRAGMENT-BASED SPR DRUG DISCOVERY TECHNOLOGY WILL BE ADDED TO NOVALIX'S INTEGRATED CHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICAL CAPABILITIES - NovAliX SAS (“NovAliX”) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in Graffinity Pharmaceuticals GmbH ("GRAFFINITY") of Heidelberg, Germany, a leading fragment based drug discovery services company. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

NovAliX’ President, Stephan Jenn stated: "The acquisition of Graffinity will be a significant step toward our goal of providing integrated drug discovery services. With a unique and diverse small molecule library and patented SPR-imaging technology, the Graffinity platform is fully complementary to NovAliX’ offerings in X-Ray crystallography, supramolecular mass spectrometry and liquid-/solid-state NMR. With this second technology-oriented acquisition in 2010, we are forming a group of more than 120 scientists developing and applying cutting edge research capabilities in discovery and development of innovative medicines. We are an external innovation partner for our pharmaceutical clients."...

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...About NovAliX SAS

Strasbourg, France based NovAliX Group is focusing on the development of enabling chemistry and biophysical technologies to support the pharmaceutical industry’s outsourcing needs from discovery to manufacturing. With X-ray protein crystallography, supramolecular mass spectrometry and organic chemistry NovAliX offers comprehensive integrated services in small molecule drug discovery. With advanced NMR technologies, NovAliX provides fine characterization of biologics, thorough analysis of APIs and polymorphism studies to support pharmaceutical development and manufacturing teams.
NovAliX Group, a team of 120 scientists, is located in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in the Strasbourg-Illkirch BioParc and throughout Europe... [PDF] NovAliX's Press Release -

Deinove : Deinobiotics' project labelled

March 22nd, 2010 - Deinobiotics, project led by Deinove in partnership with biotech company Nosopharm and two expert laboratories, CPBS (CNRS - University of Montpellier 1) and IGS (CNRS Marseille), was labelled by the Eurobiomed pole and has been selected for funding under the 9th call for projects of the French Competitiveness Clusters. Deinobiotics is aimed at screening the antibiotic and antifungal potential of Deinove's unique microbial library and at developing new molecules for treating resistant microbial infections, a high-priority medical need. The objective of this programme is to deliver at least one or two new compounds at the pre-IND stage... Deinove 's Press Release - communiqué de presse Deinove -

Deinove in brief

...Research of new antibiotics

Deinove discovered that several Deinococcus strains in its library produced antibiotics and antifungal agents. These preliminary results were encouraging enough to prompt the company to screen its whole collection. In fact, bacteria (and notably certain genera like the actinomycetes) are responsible for most of the currently marketed antibiotics. Infectious disease represents the world's leading cause of mortality. The dramatic increase in antibiotic resistance means that is is essential to rapidly discover and develop a new therapeutic arsenal... Deinove in brief -

About Nosopharm

Nosopharm is a young biotech company who develops a novel biotecnological platform for the optimal exploitation of the exceptional medicinal potential of the microbial biodiversity. This platform affords us to:

- Discover and develop novel antibacterial molecules to cure antibiotic-multiresistant nosocomial infections, especially respiratory infections due to Gram-negative pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, …)
- Make partnerships with companies willing to profit from their microbial bioresources for medicinal purpose, or willing to discover and characterize bioactive natural molecules that have never been described... About Nosopharm - à propos de Nosopharm -

Cytheris : ORVACS Phase II Clinical Study Combines Immunomodulatory Intervention with Interleukin-7 (CYT107) and Antiretroviral Intensification...

Paris – November 8, 2010 - ORVACS Phase II Clinical Study Combines Immunomodulatory Intervention with Interleukin-7 (CYT107) and Antiretroviral Intensification with Raltegravir and Maraviroc to Attack the Viral Reservoir of HIV Patients - Main hypothesis of this European study is that combination of the most potent and synergistic of antiretroviral drugs with immunomodulating agent may result in a decrease in HIV reservoirs and provide a means for the ultimate eradication of the virus – ORVACS (Objectif Recherche VACcin Sida) has launched a Phase II study designed to test the hypotheses that combination therapy with potent antiviral agents and immunomodulator can lead to a decrease in the HIV viral reservoirs and, ultimately, to eradication of the virus. The study is currently being conducted at clinical sites in France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Known as ERAMUNE 01, the Phase II clinical trial is scientifically coordinated by Christine Katlama as Principal Investigator, Brigitte Autran, Vincent Calvez and Dominique Costagliola from the University Pierre et Marie Curie and will use Cytheris’ investigative immunomodulatory agent, recombinant human interleukin-7 (CYT107), in combination with two potent antiretroviral drugs represented by the integrase inhibitor, raltegravir (ISENTRESS® - Merck & Co.) and the CCR5 inhibitor, maraviroc (SELZENTRY™ - ViiV Healthcare). The main hypothesis of this study is that by combining the most potent and synergistic antiretroviral drugs, coupled with an immunomodulating agent capable of targeting or inducing activation of latently infected cells, the reservoirs of HIV can be decreased and, in the best case scenario, eradication of the virus may be feasible.
ERAMUNE 01 is sponsored by ORVACS and has been designed by the members of its international scientific advisory board. ORVACS is a non-profit organization based in Paris, France, that is supported and funded by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation. The mission of ORVACS is to promote and conduct research on therapeutic vaccines and immunotherapeutic approaches in the field of AIDS. Created in 2001, ORVACS has a two-fold objective:
• The development of new therapeutic immunization strategies through clinical trials evaluating the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of new vaccines
• The pre-clinical development of new anti-HIV vaccine approaches
To optimize and further its mission, ORVACS has created a network of international academic research teams that are leaders in the field of immunology and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and on the development of innovative vaccine strategies against HIV. The objective of this vaccine therapy is to stimulate a weakened immune system and to amplify immune response.
The study is under the direction of Prof. Christine Katlama, MD (Principal Investigator), Head of the AIDS Clinical Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere, Paris, France.... [PDF] Cytheris' Press Release -

Medesis Pharma : Phase I Clinical Trial of NP01

2010-05-31 - Medesis Pharma, the French based pharmaceutical company, announces the successful completion of a phase I clinical trial of NP01, a first in class anti-diabetic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The objective of this randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study was to evaluate the tolerability of NP01 in healthy male volunteers following single and repeat administration of 180ug of the drug’s active ingredient, vanadium.

The company reported that there were no serious adverse events and that the drug was well tolerated both after single and repeat administration...

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...About Medesis Pharma

Medesis Pharma is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company specialising in the development of a wide range of therapeutic agents based upon propriety Aonys® drug delivery technology. Aonys® is particularly applicable to metal and oligonucleotide active ingredients... Medesis Pharma's Press Release -

LFB Biomédicaments : New Liquid Intravenous Immunoglobulin CLAIRYG® Available in France as of August 30

09/09/2010 - CLAIRYG®, a new 5% concentrated, ready-to-use liquid intravenous immunoglobulin, is being launched in France in September 2010. CLAIRYG® is indicated for the treatment of primitive and secondary immunodeficiency and certain autoimmune and systemic deficiencies.
About CLAIRYG®
CLAIRYG® is an intravenous immunoglobulin produced through a purification process involving state-of-the-art technological innovations to ensure high levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) purity and biological safety.
LFB Biomédicaments obtained marketing authorisation from AFSSAPS for CLAIRYG® in December 2009.
Manufacturing stages particularly include caprylic acid fractionation, combined with ion exchange chromatography, accounting for CLAIRYG®’s great IgG purity and its very low anti-A and anti-B hemagglutinin content. The functional wholeness and physiological distribution of IgG sub-classes of CLAIRYG® are maintained in a unique, proprietary excipient formulation...

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...About LFB:
LFB is a biopharmaceutical group that develops, manufactures and markets medicinal products for the treatment of serious and often rare diseases in several major therapeutic fields, namely Immunology, Intensive Care and Hemostasis. The LFB Group is the leading manufacturer of plasma-derived medicinal products in France and 6th worldwide and is also among the leading European companies for the development of monoclonal antibodies and new-generation proteins based on biotechnologies. With its strong focus on research, the LFB Group is pursuing a growth strategy that seeks to extend its activities internationally and develop innovative therapies. In 2009, LFB invested €76 million in research & development, i.e. 20% of its €376 million turnover. LFB Group is chaired by Christian Béchon and employs 1,700 people... LFB's Press Release - communiqué de presse LFB -

Venn Life Sciences : Acquisition of DCI France

October 19th 2010 – Venn Life Sciences a multinational Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) announced that it has acquired French CRO, DCI.

DCI, a Paris based CRO, was founded by Dr. Frédérique Cabrières in 1989 and offers two types of specialised services to clients: clinical trial management services for Phase I-IV and contract placement solutions for clinical research projects. DCI bring quality and value to client’s clinical trial programs by offering flexibility of services coupled with extensive knowledge of the French clinical trial industry. With over 20 years experience DCI counts some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies among its clients... Venn Life Sciences' Press Release -

Nutriset : Malnutrition, The Plumpy’nut® patent now accessible on-line

Rouen/Marseille, October 13, 2010 – Just before World Food Day, the French Institute of Research for Development (IRD) and Nutriset intensify their action against malnutrition in developing countries.

They announce a simple and innovative system, online, to access their patents to promote the production of ready-to-use foods of the Plumpy’nut® type.

Henceforth, in developing countries where Nutriset and the IRD have registered a patent, local companies will be able to obtain a “Patent Usage Agreement” in just a few clicks. This agreement will enable them to use the patent to develop and market their own products with humanitarian aid organizations.

This simplified mechanism is consistent with the mutual objective of Nutriset and the IRD of strengthening the nutritional autonomy of countries and populations affected by malnutrition.

The original Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), Plumpy’nut, developed in 1996, is the result of joint research conducted by Michel Lescanne, founder of Nutriset, and André Briend, a doctor and nutritionist conducting research at the IRD. “Our aim was to make the management of severe acute malnutrition easier, more efficient and accessible to a greater number of children” recalls Michel Lescanne. “We also wanted it to be possible to produce our product in developing countries with initial local production experiments conducted as early as 1997.”

Derived from this innovation, Nutriset developed a range of products for the prevention or treatment of different forms of malnutrition: Supplementary’Plumpy®, Plumpy’doz®, Plumpy’soy®, Nutributter®, QBmix®, etc. The Plumpy® range products are currently massively used by humanitarian organisations and health ministries that aid populations affected by malnutrition. Since their development, it is estimated nearly 7 million children benefitted from the Plumpy® range products... Nutriset's Press Release - communiqué de presse Nutriset -

Nutriset, an overview

25 years of experience, research and innovation for the benefit of children; an operation 100% dedicated to humanitarian and welfare initiatives in developing countries.
An ambitious mandate for the company set by its founder, Michel Lescanne:
To invent, produce and make accessible solutions for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition and so contribute to the nutritional autonomy of developing countries.
A major innovation in 1996: Plumpy’nut®, the first ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), made possible a revolution in the management of malnutrition, increasing the number of children treated and improving the recovery rate.... Nutriset, an overview - Nutriset, en bref -

ICDD : Launching of Mitosafe® at ToxEXPO

March 2010 - Launching of Mitosafe® at ToxEXPO.

• The Mitosafe® platform is focused on a mechanistic analysis of mitochondrial functions
• The Mitostream® platform is a high content and phenotypic analysis of mitochondrial behavior. It aims at a better anticipation of the clinical tolerance of drugs early in the drug development process....ICDD's news release -

About ICDD
Founded in 2007, ICDD-sas is a science-based company, established as a contract research provider and with its activities focused on predictive toxicology. ICDD-sas uses its proprietary secondary screening platforms to select the safest drugs from the most active lead molecules developed and provided by our clients.

ICDD-sas is located close to Aix-en-Provence, France, in a state of the art Euro 2 million facility, covering 1600 square metres that acts as an incubator for emerging companies developing and commercializing innovative technologies.
The scientists at ICDD-sas boast a combined experience of 40 years in drug development, biochemistry, cell biology, neuroscience and immunology, having analyzed more than 100 new chemical entities at different stages of pre-clinical & clinical development.

The Drug Development Need
Drug development costs have increased 4-fold in the last 20 years, while the new treatments reaching the market each year have declined by almost 50%. Drug failure is usually due either to unexpected human toxicity or otherwise because of a lack of efficacy. Toxicity and lack of efficacy are often discovered only late in the costly clinical development program. ICDD-sas, using its proprietary know how, effectively addresses both of these challenges thereby enhancing the development of safer, more effective medicines, whilst reducing late stage development failures, development time and costs... About ICDD -

Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) : Research and Supply Partnership with the Institut Curie in Paris

July 1, 2010 - AAA has signed an agreement with the Institut Curie to build, install and operate a pharmaceutical laboratory for radiopharmaceuticals production at the Institut Curie's René Huguenin specialist cancer hospital in Saint-Cloud, Paris.

The cyclotron will guarantee the supply of high quality radiopharmaceuticals for the hospital's two PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners, which are increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, enabling clinicians to track the progress of treatments such as chemotherapy as well as the appearance of secondary tumors and metastases.

René Huguenin is AAA's fifth production center in France. It will allow AAA to supply other hospitals in western France. The new cyclotron is expected to be fully operational in 2013...

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...About Advanced Accelerator Applications:

Founded in 2002, Advanced Accelerator Applications is a European pharmaceutical group. It develops and commercializes innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications and products. AAA’s main research focus is on molecular imaging and personalized medicines for the treatment of diseases where there is a clear and not met medical need, including cancer. The Company is a European leader in the production and commercialization of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) radiopharmaceuticals. PET is the most sophisticated diagnostic technique currently available and is used mainly in clinical oncology, cardiology and neurology. The Company has an interdisciplinary team of 130 employees, working in 10 production and R&D facilities in France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and the USA. It has a particularly strong market position in France with its laboratories in Saint Genis Pouilly, also AAA’s headquarters, in Troyes and in Béthune...[PDF] Advanced Accelerator Applications' Press Release - PDF du communiqué de presse AAA -

AB Science and its partners : €10m from OSEO

Paris, 29 June 2010 - as part of the APAS‐IPK project for the development of a new generation of anti‐cancer drugs – AB Science SA (NYSE Euronext ‐ FR0010557264‐ AB), pharmaceutical company specialised in research, development and marketing of protein kinase inhibitors (PKI), Bull, specialist in information technologies and particularly high performance computing solutions, Genomic Vision SA, biotechnology company specialised in molecular diagnosis, and Skuld‐Tech, biotechnology company specialised in the discovery of biomarkers and the development of diagnostic tools and companion tests, established formed a partnership for the development of new targeted cancer treatments.

The partnership will carry‐out of the APAS‐IPK (Amélioration de la Prédictivité de l’Activité et de la Sélectivité des Inhibiteurs de Protéines Kinases en Oncologie [Improvement in Predictiveness of the Activity and Selectiveness of Protein Kinase Inhibitors in Oncology]) project, supported by OSEO’s Industrial Strategic Innovation (ISI) programme.

OSEO, through its programme supporting Industrial Strategic Innovation, will grant the project a total amount of €10m (including notably €6.2m to AB Science, €2m to Bull, €0.7m to Genomic Vision and €0.3m to Skult‐Tech) in the form of repayable advances and subsidies... [PDF] AB Science's Press Release -PDF du communiqué de presse d'AB Science -

HRA Pharma : FDA grants approval of ella® for emergency contraception

August 13, 2010 – HRA Pharma announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for ella® (ulipristal acetate) as a prescription-only emergency contraceptive indicated for use within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected intercourse or a known or suspected contraceptive failure. ella is not intended for routine use as a contraceptive.
The approval is based on two Phase 3 studies that showed that ella significantly reduced the risk of pregnancy in women who used it after unprotected intercourse. A progesterone agonist/antagonist that potently inhibits follicular rupture when taken just before ovulation is to occur, ella has been shown to be consistently effective when used up to five days after intercourse. Currently-marketed emergency contraceptives based on levonorgestrel are labeled for use within 72 hours or three days of intercourse.
“As a pioneer and a leader in the field of emergency contraception, HRA Pharma is committed to providing women and their health care providers highly effective contraceptive options...

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...The product will be launched and marketed in the US by HRA Pharma’s partner Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The two companies announced their license agreement earlier this year...

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...About HRA Pharma

HRA Pharma is a privately-held European pharmaceutical company that designs products, devices and supporting services in niche areas of health and makes them available to doctors and patients worldwide. The company targets therapeutic gaps in the areas of reproductive health and endocrinology, and uses innovative marketing solutions and socially-conscious programs, such as contraception education in developing countries, to promote healthy management of drugs and diseases. A pioneer in emergency contraception, its product ulipristal acetate can be taken for up to five days after unprotected sexual intercourse and is the only product licensed in the European Union (ellaOne®) and the U.S. (ella®) for this indication. Headquartered in Paris, France...[PDF] HRA Pharma's Press Release -

BioRéalités raises 1.3 M€

June-July 2010 - BioRéalités raises 1.3 M€ - The company just finalized a new fund raising round again with private investors and Business Angels. Another PhD has been hired in february 2010... BioRéalités' News - Actualités de BioRéalités -

About BioRéalités
BioRéalités develops novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools to improve the life of colorectal cancer patients.
The company was created as an SAS in february 2007, and has been furthering the work of its founders in the field of oncology, with a particular focus on the characterization of a novel target for colorectal cancer therapy.
BioRéalités currently employs 17 staff and recently moved in their own facility, which include a 200 m2 laboratory area.
The company has been granted an exclusive international license to exploit a PCT patent lodged by INSERM, CNRS, and the University of Montpellier 1 in 2007... About BioRéalités - Société BioRéalités -

Minvasys : CE mark approval for its Amazonia Pax® Coronary Drug Eluting Stent system

Gennevilliers, January 6th 2010 - Minvasys announced that the company has received CE Mark approval for its Amazonia Pax® Polymer Free Drug Eluting stent. The Amazonia Pax® is the third generation of coronary DES; abluminal polymer free elution applied on an ultra-thin chromium cobalt platform.

This CE approval was authorized by the LNE /G-MED (French Notified Body) and AFSSAPS (French Health Competent Authority) according to the new European Union directive 2007/47/EC.


The latest ultra-thin chromium cobalt stent Amazonia Croco®, recognised for its excellent deliverability, has been designed by Minvasys to optimize arterial wall coverage, offering an outstanding support as drug carrier. Polymer free abluminal Paclitaxel coating developed for Amazonia Pax® combines the proven safety and efficacy of the Paclitaxel to a non-polymeric microdropped spray process releasing the loaded drug within 45 days...

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...About Minvasys
Minvasys created in May 2003, is an international privately held company based in the Paris area, France. Minvasys focuses on bifurcation treatment with dedicated devices. Nile Croco/Pax® for coronary bifurcations and Twin-One® for carotid bifurcations. Next products generations are in progress with the Pax program (Paclitaxel Polymer Free Coating) and an integrated embolic protection system with a self-expendable stent for carotid applications... Minvasys' Press Release -

Trophos : Actelion obtains option to acquire privately-held Trophos

20 July 2010 - Late-stage Phase III compound in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to report data in late 2011 – Novel therapeutic approach to be further explored in drug discovery collaboration – Actelion Ltd (SIX: ATLN) and privately-held Trophos SA announced that they have entered into a binding agreement whereby Actelion has, for EUR 10 million, obtained an exclusive option to acquire privately-held Trophos SA, a clinical stage pharmaceutical company.

Trophos’ lead compound olesoxime has completed enrollment into a Phase III study in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), an orphan disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This study is expected to report data by the end of 2011; at this time Actelion may exercise the option for an acquisition price between EUR 125 and 195 million in cash, contingent on different regulatory approvals and other clinical progress of Trophos’ pipeline...

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...About Trophos SA

Trophos SA is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company developing innovative therapeutics for indications with under-served needs in neurology and cardiology. The company has a novel and proprietary cholesterol-oxime based chemistry platform generating a pipeline of drug candidates with the lead product, olesoxime, fully enrolled in a Phase III study in ALS patients and a second product in the cardiovascular field entering Phase I clinical development. Trophos' mitochondrial pore modulator compounds enhance the function and survival of stressed cells via modulation of dysfunctional mitochondria through interactions at the permeability transition pore (mPTP). Recently published clinical studies support the therapeutic rationale for mitochondria-targeted drugs in neurology (Alzheimer's disease) and cardiology (ischemia-reperfusion injury), which Trophos is uniquely placed to exploit... Trophos' Press Release - Communiqué de Presse de Trophos - Actelion's Press Release -

BT Pharma changes its name to Genticel and secures EUR 13.1M (USD 17.7M) in capital funding

Toulouse, France, March 9th 2010 -- BT Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative immunotherapies to prevent cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), announces that it has raised 13.1 million Euro in additional funding and changed its name to Genticel. AGF Private Equity led the round, which brought in three new investors, IRDI (Institut Régional de Développement Industriel), Amundi Private Equity Funds and InnoBio fund, managed by CDC Entreprises, within FSI France Investment program. Previous investors, including Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners (EdRIP), also took part.
To best leverage its unique and broadly applicable therapeutic vaccine platform, Adenylate Cyclase (CyaA), Genticel will focus its efforts on the prevention of cervical cancer in HPV infected women. A phase I clinical trial of Genticel’s lead therapeutic HPV vaccine, ProCervix, is scheduled for the second quarter of 2010. This bivalent product, which carries antigens originating from both HPV16 and HPV18, should offer a curative vaccine solution that will complement current prophylactic vaccines...

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...About Genticel S.A.

Genticel is a bio-pharmaceutical company that started as a spin out of the Institut Pasteur and was called BT Pharma until the 26th of February 2010. The company is currently based in Labège, on the outskirts of Toulouse, France. The company, which employs 21 people, focuses exclusively on the development of immunotherapeutic products aimed at preventing cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV)... [PDF] Genticel's Press Release - PDF du communiqué de presse de Genticel -

Ethypharm : launch of a new product on the US market

July 12th 2010 – Ethypharm announces the commercial launch in the US of a new product using its Flashtab® technology. Tramadol Flashtab® is available since end of May, 2010. This new commercial launch confirms Ethypharm’s strong commitment to increase its presence on the North American market.
Ethypharm pursues its development in North America
After Antara® 130mg – an innovative form of Fenofibrate – Ethypharm’s introduction of Tramadol Flashtab®, its second specialty product in the United States, demonstrates its determination to grow in North America. Ethypharm’s mid terms objective is to double its US sales and bring them from actual 12% to 25% of its total sales by 2014. Five products developed specifically for the American market are under active regulatory review at the agency and are scheduled for commercial launch from 2011 thru 2014...

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...Ethypharm is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies dedicated to the development of innovative medicines. Its patented technologies offer multiple benefits for patients by improving efficacy, administration, compliance, and reducing side-effects.
Ethypharm provides its clients with solutions for the life cycle management of their drugs. The company has one of the broadest portfolios of technologies to become the worldwide privileged partner of pharmaceutical companies. Ethypharm offers customized solutions for the development of the medicines of the future... Ethypharm's Press Release - communiqué de presse d'Ethypharm -

VIVALIS EXPANDS R&D CAPACITIES AND MOVES INTO A NEW FACILITY

Nantes, France, June 23th, 2010 - VIVALIS (NYSE Euronext: VLS), a biopharmaceutical company, announced that its research and development teams have moved into its new facility in Saint-Herblain Nantes, France.This new 3,300 m² (35,520 ft2) facility is dedicated to R&D activities and support functions. The project was initiated at the end of 2008 and integrates all research teams onto the same site, which is adjacent to Vivalis’ existing 1,500 m² (16,150 ft2) cGMP bioproduction facility, completed in 2005... [PDF] Vivalis' Press Release - PDF du communiqué de presse de Vivalis -

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...Vivalis at a glance

Vivalis was founded in 1999 with the aim to better understand the extraordinary biological properties of embryonic stem (ES) cells and to use this knowledge for practical applications in human and animal health. ES cells are very unique in that they can self-renew indefinitely in vitro while maintaining a table chromosomal content, and have unlimited regenerative capacity in vivo. Today, the huge therapeutic and industrial potential of ES cells is widely acknowledged but still mostly untapped. Several years of research investments have made of Vivalis a world leader in ES cells. In particular, the company’s distinctive expertise in the field of avian ES cells has led to the development and successful commercialization of its proprietary EB66® platform, a series of documented cells lines derived from chicken and duck ES cells... [PDF] Vivalis at a glance - PDF "l'activité de Vivalis" -

Poxel : €16 million in a Series A Financing to Accelerate Pipeline Development

Lyon, France, July 8, 2010 - Poxel Raises €16 million in a Series A Financing to Accelerate Pipeline Development - Poxel SA, a diabetes drug development specialist, announces that it has raised €16 million (USD 19.7 million) in a Series A round. Poxel is a spin off from Merck Serono. The financing round was led by Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners (EdRIP); other investors in the financing are InnoBio fund, managed by CDC Entreprises within FSI France Investment program and Crédit Agricole Private Equity. A significant part of the funds will be used to rapidly advance the company’s Iead program, Imeglimin, an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Imeglimin is a first-in-class oral anti-diabetic that has demonstrated efficacy and safety in diabetic patients in two Phase IIa trials. Imeglimin is being developed in monotherapy and in combination with key treatments. Imeglimin has an innovative mode of action that targets the three key defects of Type 2 diabetes, inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis, increasing muscle glucose uptake and restoring normal insulin secretion. Poxel has five further promising anti-diabetic programs in early development. These also include a new class of direct AMPK activators close to preclinical development stage...

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...About Poxel SA

Poxel, founded in 2009 is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative first-in-class drugs with a primary focus on Type 2 diabetes. The company will develop drug candidates to clinical proof of concept before partnering with pharmaceutical partners. Poxel was spun out from Merck Serono a division of Merck KGaA, Germany. Poxel now operates completely independently as a lean organization with strong in-house drug development expertise.

Imeglimin, an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, is a first in a new class or oral anti-diabetic treatments, the Glimins. Imeglimin is delivering promising clinical results and has the potential to become the leading second line treatment for Type 2 diabetes either as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments. Imeglimin acts on three main target organs involved in glucose homeostasis: the liver, muscle, and the pancreas... Poxel's Press Release -

SpineGuard : over 1,000 PediGuard® units sold in 2Q 2010, a 125% increase compared to 2Q 2009

SAN FRANCISCO and PARIS, July 6, 2010 - SpineGuard reports over 1,000 PediGuard® units sold in 2Q 2010, a 125% increase compared to 2Q 2009 — SpineGuard, a privately held company based in San Francisco and Paris, announced that PediGuard units sold in the second quarter of 2010 increased by 125% compared to the same period in 2009.
The boost in sales was due primarily to the broad company focus and extensive market expansion of the CE-marked and FDA-cleared PediGuard device, which is designed for safer pedicle screw placement in spine surgery. Nearly one million1 spine procedures using pedicle screws were performed in 2009. According to published studies, pedicle screws show high rates of misplacements that can lead to a number of serious complications for patients, including paralysis...

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...Co-founded by Pierre Jérôme and Stéphane Bette, former executives at Medtronic Sofamor-Danek and SpineVision, SpineGuard’s mission is to make spine surgery safer and its primary objective to establish its FDA-cleared and CE Marked PediGuard® device as the global standard of care for safer pedicle screw placement in spine surgery... [PDF] SpineGuard's Press Release -

DBV Technologies : IND Clearance From FDA to Begin Clinical Trial in Peanut Allergy

Paris, France – 6 July, 2010 – DBV Technologies (DBV), a biotech company specializing in food allergy with innovative products for diagnosis and treatment, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted its Investigational New Drug (IND) application. DBV Technologies will begin clinical investigation of its lead food allergy desensitization candidate, VIASKIN® PEANUT, for the desensitization to peanut allergy. The Company expects to commence recruitment of peanut allergy patients at several medical centers in the U.S. this month.

The objectives of the clinical study are to demonstrate DBV Technologies’ EPicutaneous ImmunoTherapy (EPIT) using VIASKIN® PEANUT is safe and well tolerated in both adult and pediatric peanut allergy patients, and to determine an appropriate dosing regimen for further efficacy trials... DBV Technologies' Press Release -

About DBV Technologies,
DBV Technologies is a private French company focused on the development of innovative products for the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies.

DBV Technologies was founded in 2002 by leading French pediatricians, Professor Christophe Dupont (Head of the Neonatology Department in Paris at Saint Vincent Hospital), Doctor Pierre-Henri Benhamou and engineer Bertrand Dupont (Arts et Métiers Institute), with funding from ANVAR. Leading investors in DBV Technologies include Sofinnova, Apax Partners, Cap Decisif, Creagro and ALK-ABELLO.

DBV Technologies’ novel approach to food allergy diagnosis and treatment is focused on eliciting an immune response by targeting antigen presenting the skin epidermis. The antigens (allergens) are delivered to the skin using DBV Technologies’ unique worldwide patented delivery system, VIASKIN®... About DBV Technologies -

Metabrain Research : A Partnering Research Organization (PRO) connecting Diabetes & Alzheimer’s

Chilly-Mazarin, March 26th 2010 - Metabrain Research is a Partnering Research Organisation (PRO) expert in metabolic diseases orchestrating private & public research ventures. The launch of their website www.metabrainresearch.com this April is the opportunity to present an innovative business model based on a scientific concept connecting metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
The PRO concept bears the hallmarks of biotechs, CROs and basic research centers. Like a biotech, Metabrain Research proposes innovative drug discovery programs that it aims to partner at early stages with companies able to carry-out clinical developments. Like a CRO, Metabrain has state-of-the art drug discovery capacities covering medicinal chemistry, biology and pharmacology. This aspect is particularly relevant to companies in the metabolic disease area, as many experimental models present at Metabrain are unique. Finally, Metabrain coordinates private/public research ventures and contributes to the valorization of academic research...

[...]

...About Metabrain Research
Metabrain Research was created in March 2009, upon the closure of a preclinical R&D centre belonging to Merck Serono, to provide an innovative & sustainable model of early stage drug discovery research.
Based near Paris, in France, Metabrain Research is a PRO of 31 employees, expert in metabolic disorders. It functions as a stand-alone drug discovery unit disposing of chemistry, biology and pharmacology capacities and interacting with biotech, pharma and academia.
Metabrain proposes collaborative exploratory research programs linking metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Its expertise in diabetes and obesity is also available for contract research... [PDF] Metabrain Research's Press Release -

EyeTechCare raises EUR 7.5 million in a second funding round and speeds up its development

Rillieux-la-Pape (France) – These funds will enable the company to complete the clinical trial of EyeOP1, a novel, ultrasound-based medical device for the treatment of glaucoma - July 5, 2010 – EyeTechCare SA, which is developing non invasive therapeutic medical devices using ultrasound technology, announces the completion of a EUR 7.5-million funding round. The funds were provided by Lyon-based insurance company SHAM, a first time investor, and Crédit Agricole Private Equity (CAPE), one of EyeTechCare’s existing shareholders. Aelios Finance and MAGS acted as advisers to the company, while Morgan Lewis acted for the investors.

“We were favourably impressed by the EyeTechCare team, whose innovative medical device should fill a major therapeutic void in the treatment of glaucoma and could prove a real technological breakthrough in overcoming this disease...

[...]

...About EyeTechCare

EyeTechCare SA is developing non-invasive therapeutic medical devices for the ophthalmology market based on High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU technology allows ambulatory and rapid treatment to be performed, thereby limiting the cost and the risk for the patient.

The company’s first device, EyeOP1, is for the treatment of glaucoma, a disease that affects about 2% of the world population and can lead to blindness. None of the therapies currently on the market provide a satisfactory cure for glaucoma. The treatments offered up to now have been constructed around eye drops, lasers and surgery, but they have limitations (low compliance, dependence on the operator, patient relapse, technical difficulties, and so on). EyeOP1 has been undergoing clinical trials in Lyon since March this year and is due to be launched onto the market in 2011. The device utilizes the UC3 (ultrasound circular cyclocoagulation) procedure, which makes it possible to reduce intraocular pressure by partially and accurately destroying the ciliary bodies that produce aqueous humour.

Based in Rillieux-la-Pape, near Lyon, EyeTechCare was founded in 2008 by three experienced managers with complementary expertise in the medical, industrial and regulatory fields. The company has submitted five patent applications in conjunction with a Lyon-based laboratory (Unit 556) of Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. Since 2008, the founders have secured EUR 500,000 in aid and subsidies from OSEO (the French innovation promotion agency), as well as official recognition from a number of state technology authorities. The company raised a total of EUR 8.7 million since inception... [PDF] EyeTechCare's Press Release - PDF du communiqué de presse EyeTechCare -

CYTOO : Nature Methods article describes results from Institut Curie

Grenoble, France, June 15, 2010 - Top European scientists demonstrate CYTOO’s technology increases sensitivity and speed in cell analysis – CYTOO SA, a developer and marketer of innovative enabling technologies and products for high content cell analysis (HCA), announced the first results from the Institut Curie confirming a major advance in cell analysis made possible by adhesive micropatterns, a technology for which Cytoo holds an exclusive worldwide license.

The Institut Curie team demonstrated that a rigorous quantification of the cell-wide internal organization could be obtained using adhesive micropatterns. Adhesive micropatterns control internal cell organization. In addition, they could decipher a protein re-distribution upon a drug treatment that was previously undetectable in conventional cell culture conditions... CYTOO's Press Release -

CYTOO's vocation

CYTOO focuses on innovative products for the life science research market with an emphasis in cell based assays, high content analysis and cell screening... CYTOO's vocation -

Protea Biosciences and Mayoly-Spindler : Human Clinical Trial for New Biopharmaceutical

June 22, 2010 - Protea Biosciences, Inc., a leading developer of new technology for pharmaceutical research, announced that the company, in partnership with Mayoly-Spindler, a European pharmaceutical company, has commenced a Phase I/IIA human clinical trial for a new recombinant Lipase.

The clinical trial will be conducted at the Hospital "la Timone" in Marseilles, France. The goal of the clinical trial is to demonstrate safety and proof-of-concept data for the recombinant lipase as treatment for chronic pancreatitis.


Lipase is an enzyme that is produced by the pancreas to digest fat. Chronic pancreatitis is defined as long term inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible changes in pancreatic cells. This chronic inflammation can lead to chronic abdominal pain and/or impairment of hormone and digestive enzyme functions of the pancreas, and can produce serious weight loss. A lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas, results in the inability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients, resulting in malnutrition. Vitamin absorption (A, D, E, and K) is impaired.The main clinical symptoms are fat malabsorption known as steatorrhea, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal discomfort and abdominal swelling...

[...]

...Laboratoires Mayoly-Spindler is a privately-owned French pharmaceutical company, founded in 1929, essentially focused on gastroenterology... [PDF] Protea Biosciences' Press Release -

Rhenovia's Epilepsy Program for the Optimization of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery & Development of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

2 June 2010 - Official Launch of Rhenovia's Epilepsy Program for the Optimization of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery & Development of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies...

...official launch of a collaborative project - cluster RHENEPI "Platform of neuronal modeling for the discovery and validation of drug treatments for Epilepsy"

This three-year project, of a total budget of 2.5 million euros, labeled cluster of Drug Innovation Alsace Bio Valley and competitiveness cluster Lyon Biopôle was obtained under the 9th call for projects launched by the Directorate General Competitiveness of Industry and Services of the French Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment for funding from the Single Interministerial Fund (FUI).
The project RHENEPI lead by Rhenovia Pharma brings together four partners: two industrial partners, Rhenovia, a biotechnology company located in Mulhouse and SynapCell, a biotech company from Grenoble, and two academic partners: the research team of Dr. Antoine Depaulis Grenoble Neurosciences Institute (GIN) and Dr. Laurent Fagni, Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) in Montpellier... Rhenovia Pharma's News -

Rhenovia Pharma's General Presentation

Rhenovia Pharma is a new R&D pharmaceutical and biotechnology company created on May 3, 2007.
It is headquartered at Mulhouse, 20c rue de chemnitz, France.
It has been founded by an international team highly committed to find new solutions to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other diseases of the nervous system (NS).
Rhenovia has the legal form of an SAS. At present, it is funded by the founders, the team and business angels.
Core Activity: Biosimulation for brain diseases
Biosimulation consists in the use of computational models that provide a dynamic and quantitative description of a number of biological, pathological, and pharmacokinetic processes in order to understand complex biological processes. Biosimulation is particularly appropriate for use in CNS disease research. Unmet medical needs in this field, especially for Alzheimer's disease, are mostly due to the fact that all brain pathologies are extremely complex, multifactorial and dynamic... Rhenovia Pharma's General Presentation -


About SynapCell

SynapCell is a preclinical Contract Research Organization which provides translational solutions to evaluate the therapeutic potential of CNS drug candidates in epilepsy. SynapCell provides customized solutions which cover the entire range of customers needs, from early steps to the final answer... SynapCell company -

Transgene : exclusive option agreement for the development and commercialisation of its immunotherapy product TG4010 (presentation)

Parc d’Innovation d’Illkirch, France, March 10, 2010 – Transgene S.A. (Euronext Paris: FR0005175080) announced the signing of an exclusive option agreement with Novartis for the development and commercialisation of Transgene’s targeted immunotherapy product, TG4010 (MVA-MUC1-IL2), for the first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other potential cancer indications.
Pursuant to the agreement, Transgene has granted Novartis an option to acquire an exclusive worldwide license for TG4010 and Novartis will pay Transgene a $10 million non-refundable option fee. Contingent upon the exercise of the option by Novartis and the achievement of successful development, regulatory and commercial milestones in various indications, Transgene is eligible to receive up to a total of approximately €700 million.
According to the agreement, Transgene will initially fund and retain control over the next clinical development phase of TG4010, which is a pivotal, global phase IIb/III clinical trial that Transgene currently anticipates starting by the end of 2010. This study will involve approximately 1,000 patients with MUC1-positive NSCLC who have normal levels of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells at time of trial entry1. The final results are expected to become available by the end of 2013...

[...]

...About Transgene
Transgene is a France-based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of
therapeutic vaccines and immunotherapeutic products in oncology and infectious diseases.
The company has three compounds in phase II trials (TG4001/R3484, TG4010 and TG1042)
and two compounds in phase I studies (TG4040 and TG4023)... [PDF] Transgene's Press Release - PDF du communiqué de presse de Transgene -

Stentys' drug-eluting self-expanding stent : CE Marking

PRINCETON, N.J., and PARIS, May 24, 2010 — Stentys announced that it has received CE Marking for its drug-eluting self-expanding stent.
The unique self-expanding Stentys stent is designed to ensure optimal apposition of a stent in the critical initial hours and days after an AMI (acute myocardial infarction) procedure, by being continuously applied to the vessel‟s internal wall even during thrombus resolution and vessel spasm relief—thereby avoiding malapposition, a major predictor of stent thrombosis...

...About Stentys
Based in Princeton, N.J., and Paris, Stentys intends to make treatment of complex blocked coronary arteries as simple and effective as a conventional stenting procedure. The Company announced in December 2009 that it has started enrolling patients in the randomized APPOSITION II clinical trial to compare the Stentys self expanding stent against conventional stents in treating AMI patients, looking specifically at stent apposition and adaptation to vessel growth... [PDF] Stentys' Press Release -

IntegraGen : publication of the Results of a Study Assessing the Impact of a Combined Analysis of Four Genetic Variants on Autism Risk

Evry, France, April 13, 2010 - IntegraGen SA, a French biotechnology company dedicated to gene discovery, announced the publication of the results of a collaborative study reporting the use of a combined analysis of multiple genetic variants in a genetic score to help identify individuals at high risk of developing autism.
The study, entitled “Assessing the Impact of a Combined Analysis of Four Common Low-risk Genetic Variants on Autism Risk” appears in Molecular Autism, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on the molecular basis of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
Based on an analysis of samples from two separate genetic sample collections which included over 450 families and nearly 1,000 children affected by autism, the authors report that the accumulation of multiple risk alleles in a genetic score is a useful strategy for assessing the risk of autism in children who have older siblings affected by autism. The authors suggest that this approach may be better than studying single polymorphisms for identifying subgroups of individuals with significantly greater risk of autism...

[...]

...About IntegraGen
IntegraGen is a biotechnology company dedicated to gene discovery with the goal of developing molecular diagnostic products and services that provide clinicians with new tools to personalize diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. IntegraGen, and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary IntegraGen, Inc., are focused on the prevention and proactive management of complex debilitating diseases, and dedicated to addressing the needs of patients, clinicians, and advocacy groups. IntegraGen’s Genetic Services Business, based in Evry, France, also provides state of the art Genotyping Services to the research community. With discovery and intellectual property focused on Autism, Oncology, IntegraGen’s Core Strategy is to deliver a portfolio of high-value molecular diagnostic products and services that drive personalized healthcare solutions for complex diseases... [PDF] IntegraGen's Press Release -

Vaxon Biotech successfully completes its Phase I/II trial of Vx-001 cancer vaccine,Phase III ready to start in NSCLC

Paris, May 19, 2010—Vaxon Biotech, a specialist in tumor immunotherapy, announces the successful conclusion of the Phase I/II trial of its Vx-001 therapeutic cancer vaccine. As a result, Vaxon is pursuing the clinical development of Vx-001 by launching a pivotal phase III trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2010, and in hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer in 2012-2013.

The phase I/II trial was conducted among 116 patients with different types of cancer including 33 patients with NSCLC. The primary objective was to evaluate safety of Vx-001, with a secondary objective to evaluate immune response and clinical response. Results showed that Vx-001 is safe (only grade I vaccine related toxicity was observed) and well tolerated by the patients, that it induces a long lasting vaccine specific immune response in 70 percent of patients, and that it has a significant clinical activity: four patients experienced objective response and 33 patients stabilized their disease for more than six months. Survival of vaccinated patients was related to the immune response; patients who developed immune response had a longer survival than patients who failed to do so. Analysis focused on the thirty-three NSCLC showed that Vx-001 induces long lasting disease control, including objective responses, in more than 42% of patients. Survival of NSCLC vaccinated with Vx-001 was close to 19 months, at least 50 per cent longer than normal in this patient population...

[...]

...About Vaxon Biotech

Vaxon Biotech is specialized in tumor immunotherapy, a therapeutic approach that consists in stimulating the immune system to target and destroy tumor cells, thus preventing the tumor from progressing. Vaxon Biotech’s innovative and unique vaccine technology (“Optimised Cryptic Peptides”) significantly improves immune response and hence makes vaccines more effective. Vaccines using this technology target cryptic peptides/antigens present on the tumor cell surface. Cryptic peptides do not induce tolerance of the immune system, unlike dominant peptides, which are tolerated by the immune system and therefore generate a weak immune response.
Vaxon Biotech’s most advanced product, Vx-001, is slated to enter a pivotal Phase III clinical trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2010 with the aim of a marketing authorization in 2014-2015... [PDF] Vaxon Biotech's Press Release -

Arterial Remodeling Technologies : data from in vivo study that its stent’s biodegradability is quantifiable while preserving its mechanical...

PARIS, May 20, 2010 — Arterial Remodeling Technologies (“ART”) disclosed the results of an in vivo study of 48 porcine arteries implanted with its biodegradable stent. The study demonstrated that (1) the ART stent’s biodegradation is measurable and begins at the first day of implant; (2) that the ART stent retains high radial strength, thus maintaining its structural integrity during biodegradation; and, (3) that the ART stent causes virtually no inflammation of the blood vessel wall.
Previous validating data regarding ART’s next-generation bioresorbable stent approach has been published in the January 2010 special supplement of EuroIntervention, a peerreviewed journal. The paper was authored by Antoine Lafont, M.D., Ph.D., Head, Interventional Cardiology Department, Georges Pompidou Hospital (Paris); Past Chairman, Interventional Cardiology Group, European Society of Cardiology (ESC)...

[...]

...About Arterial Remodeling Technologies (“ART”)
Arterial Remodeling Technologies (“ART”) is developing bioresorbable coronary
polymer stents that promote the natural remodeling of an injured artery after angioplasty.
The Company’s technology is based on intellectual property originating from three
esteemed institutions: the Cleveland Clinic; the French national research institute,
CNRS (Centre National de Recherche Scientifique), Montpellier, France; and, Descartes
University, Paris... [PDF] Arterial Remodeling Technologies' Press Release -

Eveon stands by its commitments

February 01 2010 - Eveon has taken a key step towards the implementation of its development plan in raising more than €2 million... Eveon's news - Actualités Eveon -

The company

Eveon is the greek transcription of ενεση which means 'injection'.

Welcome to Eveon

This is the story of a mosquito that stings at the right depth, injects its anti-coagulant, and pumps few drops of blood thanks to its 5 sensors and its 2 pumps. How to mimic the surprising performance of the mosquito in an automatic drug injection system ? So was born the idea of the device Eveon. In 2007 the idea becomes a project of a company, incubated in GRAIN and receives the 'Emergence' price at the 9th national competition to support the creation of company of innovative technologies from the Ministry for Education and Research.

Created in December, 2008, Eveon dedicates itself to the design of injection medical devices totally innovatives from the specifications of its clients, the pharmaceutical and biotech laboratories... Eveon Company presentation - Présentation de la société Eveon -

Biomedical Diagnostics (BMD) : CE mark for its LISA TRACKER Premium kits

Paris, May 6, 2010 - Biomedical Diagnostics (BMD), an in vitro diagnostics company specializing in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, today announced that its LISA TRACKER Premium kits had obtained CE mark approval.
The LISA TRACKER Premium kits are innovative monitoring tools for the simultaneous assay of TNFα (a cytokine involved in disease progression), anti-TNF therapeutics (Infliximab, Etanercept and Adalimumab) and neutralizing, anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). The correlation of these three parameters is essential for defining and predicting a patient's treatment response. It known that the development of ADAs reduces a treatment's efficacy and induces the long-term resurgence of disease symptoms. In combination with clinical data, the assay results enable physicians to establish the patient's resistance profile and thus optimize the management of certain autoimmune diseases (such as chronic rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in rheumatology, Crohn's disease and hemorrhagic colitis in gastroenterology and psoriatic arthritis in dermatology)...

...

...About Biomedical Diagnostics (BMD):
With more than twenty years’ experience in the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market, BMD has acknowledged expertise in the development, production and marketing of high quality, innovative products. The company develops and supplies effective high throughput solutions, based notably on Luminex® technology for the diagnosis of auto immune diseases. BMD is now aiming to become France's leading distributor of innovative IVD products. By building on its strength in the autoimmune disease testing market, the company is building a reputation as a major European player in the development of "companion" diagnostics as part of a pro-active strategy for partnering with biotech and pharma companies... Biomedical Diagnostics' Press Release - communiqué de presse Biomedical Diagnostics en français -

PhysioStim : 10 years in 2010!

02/11/2010 — PhysioStim celebrates 10 years in 2010! - PhysioStim set up un 2000, counts 11 employees in 2010 and a 10 years expertise in cardiac safety pharmacology...

Physiostim was created in 2000, on a sun-kissed ground where grows the pink garlic. There were only two at that time, now we are more than 10 people working together.

First and foremost, Physiostim is a human adventure. More and more clients all over the world rely on our recognized expertise and know-how.

For the next decade, we wish to keep on getting bigger and of course keeping the values that we have been leaning upon for 10 years. - PhysioStim Homepage - (french version - version française)-

Overview

PhysioStim has the relevant expertise to help you.

Since 2000, PhysioStim – one of the European’s most reliable French CRO (Contract Research Organisation) –has never ceased to improve its expertise in cardiac safety pharmacology.

Indeed, PhysioStim’s experts offer electrophysiological studies, preclinical resources as well as their dedicated expertise in answering ICHS7A and S7B guidelines in accordance with GLPs (Good Laboratory Practices).

PhysioStim therefore offers a wide range of services and consequently improves the quality of work... - PhysioStim Overview -

Launching of the Medex website

22-02-2010 - Launching of the Medex website - Medex is determined to strengthen its presence on the Internet... Medex's News - Actualités de Medex -

About Medex

Medex is a biomedical laboratory established in 1988. Its operations are based in Saint Priest near Lyon (France).

Its products are sold in more than 10 countries.

Medex is specialised in contrast media injectors and medical disposables. The company offers injectors for CT and angiography examinations. It also has a large and comprehensive offering of disposables for CT and angiography examinations in addition to a selected range for MRI.

Medex is known on the market for its innovations :

- Soft Bag Injector, the only bag injector available on the market;
- Secufill in the safety patient line with its patented double threshold valve.
In 2004, Guerbet a pharmaceutical group specialised in medical imaging, acquired Medex in order to develop a global offering that now includes Soft Bag Injector and a new packaging for contrast media, Xenetix® in ScanBag®... About Medex - version française Medex by Guerbet -

GenoSplice technology : A new publication is available in PubMed

2010/04/20 - A new publication from GenoSplice is available in PubMed - We applied our EASANA® platform to analyze the effect of estrogen treatments on the gene expression regulation at the exon level on a breast cancer cell line (collaboration with INSERM and the Curie Institute)... GenoSplice technology's news -

GenoSplice - Corporate Profile

GenoSplice technology is a privately held biotech company leader in transcriptomic data analysis.

The company provides bioinformatics services for international academic laboratories, biotechs and pharmas (e.g., Curie Institute, Pasteur Institute, University of Cambridge, University of Kentucky, Howard Hugues Medical Institute…) and is the Official Service Provider of EURASNET, the European Network of Excellence on Alternative Splicing (gathering 41 research teams from 11 European countries, as well as the USA, Israel and Argentina).

GenoSplice is involved in several international partnerships with industries and academics institutes.

GenoSplice technical developments are focused on development of innovative useful and powerful solutions to take full advantage of new technologies such as high-throughput sequencing. Finally, the company develops R&D projects in collaboration with clinicians in order to identify molecular biomarkers from alternative splicing in cancer... GenoSplice technology : Corporate Profile -

INNOPSYS : Mapix Version 5.0.0

Feb 24, 2010 : Mapix Version 5.0.0 - Mapix® is a microarray image analysis software application that is both intuitive and easy to use, combining imaging and analysis tools for superior performance. Mapix® offers all the very latest features for rapid microarray analysis with a high degree of reliability and optimum productivity... Innopsys' news - version française -

Overview
INNOPSYS supplies instruments for the biotechnology research, healthcare, agri-food, environment and defence markets.
Our products include a range of microarray scanners InnoScan® developped to combine performance with cost-effectiveness and microarray image analysis software Mapix® intuitive and easy-to-use.
The products we have recently brought to market are already attracting most of the major French research institutes (CNRS, INSERM, Toulouse Genopole, ...)... INNOPSYS overview -

Imaxio : installation of the new Illumina Ultra High Throughput genotyping platform in its enlarged Clermont-Ferrand facilities Lyons

Lyons and Clermont-Ferrand (France), February 1st, 2010 - The biopharmaceutical company Imaxio has announced the installation of the new Illumina Ultra High Throughput genotyping platform in its enlarged and refurbished laboratories in Clermont-Ferrand. This technology will allow Imaxio’s customers and partners to access a new platform for ultra high throughput genotyping studies which will perfectly fit with the genomic DNA chips platform from Agilent Technologies and quantitative PCR apparatus from Applied Biosystems, which are already in place. A new Illumina Next Generation Sequence module for very high throughput DNA sequencing will be installed later this year in the second quarter.
Since 2006, Imaxio offers its partners and customers a wide range of genomic services from sample preparation to bioinformatic analysis for use in genomic diagnostics and drug discovery and development. At this stage, Imaxio is proud to collaborate closely with top tier pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agro-food companies. In order to house this new platform, Imaxio has doubled its Genomics laboratory space in its Auvergne (Central France) site located in the Biopôle Clermont- Limagne, near Clermont-Ferrand. This investment has been supported by the Department of the Puy-de-Dôme and FEDER.

About Imaxio:
Imaxio is based in Lyons and Saint-Beauzire (near Clermont-Ferrand) in France and has 21 highly qualified employees. The company has programmes in the areas of oncology and infectious diseases, and aims to create new recombinant vaccines and new medicines (derived from its oncology screening platform) as well as new diagnostic and prognostic tools for common cancers.Imaxio was formed by the merger in 2006 of Diagnogene and Avidis, which was created in 2000 as a spin-off from the UK Medical Research Council and the University of Cambridge. Imaxio has several awarded and pending patents for the technologies aXent™, OverExpress™, Diagnogene™ and PepAptamer™. Imaxio has recently acquired the company Axcell Biotechnologies which markets the vaccine Spirolept™ to prevent human leptospirosis... [PDF] Imaxio's Press Release (French + English) -

Indicia Biotechnology : Gliadys project with IDD Biotech

September 2009 : Gliadys project - In collaboration with IDD Biotech, Indicia launches a new project, based on therapeutic antibodies against different glioma forms...Indicia Biotechnology's News - (french version) -



Mission
Indicia Biotechnology is committed to offering the bio-industries solutions in R & D and manufacturing by providing a complete range of comprehensive services in the areas of :
- immuno-diagnostics,
- microbiology,
- and sterile reagents... Indicia Biotechnology's Company profile -

The VECtoBrain project coordinated by VECT-HORUS

June 2009, VECT-HORUS is a laureate of the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) BiotecS 2009 call for proposals. The VECtoBrain project coordinated by VECT-HORUS (Dr. Patrick Vlieghe) will receive over €1 million and will involve research partners from the CNRS (UMR 6184, Dr. Michel Khrestchatisky), INSERM (U705, Pr. Jean-Michel Scherrmann) and CEA (SIMOPRO, Dr. Vincent Dive). Project title: Peptide vector-based drug targeting to the central nervous system. This project also received support (label) from the EUROBIOMED Biocluster. VECT-HORUS' News -

Overview
VECT-HORUS is a French biotechnology company focused on developing vector molecules and vectorized drug-candidates that will open new avenues for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord) and treatment of CNS diseases.

VECT-HORUS’ breakthrough vector technology is dedicated to enhance drug targeting and delivery to the diseased CNS for the treatment of pathologies which represent the second therapeutic area on the pharmaceutical market in terms of sales turnover. VECT-HORUS develops vector molecules for conjugation with drugs or drug-candidates that normally cannot enter the brain.

VECT-HORUS’ strategy is to leverage its CNS drug targeting platform to create patentable New Chemical Entities (NCEs) that cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Such compounds will be out-licensed to (bio)pharmaceutical companies once proof-of-therapeutic efficacy or preclinical proof-of-principle is established... VECT-HORUS - Overview -