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MS-T NR today 62M at 2.59
BioMS Medical has DSMB nod to continue MBP8298 trials
2006-02-07 09:09 ET - News Release
Mr. Tony Hesby reports
BIOMS MEDICAL'S PIVOTAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS TRIAL RECEIVES THIRD POSITIVE REVIEW FROM DATA SAFETY MONITORING BOARD
Following the third meeting of the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), BioMS Medical Corp. has received a recommendation to continue its pivotal phase II/III clinical trial for MBP8298 for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
"The DSMB reviewed safety data from our trial, including data from MRI scans conducted on the first 100 patients dosed in study, who are undergoing an extensive safety analysis as per the trial design," said Kevin Giese, president of BioMS Medical. "This third positive recommendation by the DSMB members highlights the steady progress being made in advancing our pivotal trial."
This was the third of several regularly scheduled reviews by the DSMB that will occur over the duration of the trial. The purpose of the DSMB is to provide objective, independent safety monitoring of the trial. The pivotal phase II/III study is now continuing at trial sites across Canada, the United Kingdom and Sweden.
We seek Safe Harbor.
VAS.T NR today 82M at 3.53
Vasogen to release 2005 results on Feb. 16
2006-02-07 09:23 ET - News Release
Mr. Glenn Neumann reports
VASOGEN TO CONDUCT YEAR-END CONFERENCE CALL
Vasogen Inc. will release its year-end results after the close of the North American financial markets on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006. A conference call will follow at 4:30 p.m. ET, during which management will provide a company update and discuss year-end results. Participants are invited to attend by connecting 10 minutes prior to the call.
Audio webcast: Available at the company's website
Direct dial: 416-695-5261
Toll-free: 1-877-461-2816
A rebroadcast of the conference call may be accessed at the following numbers:
Audio webcast: Available at the company's website
Direct dial: 1-877-605-9320, with pincode 9070
Windows Media Player is required for the webcasts.
We seek Safe Harbor.
PBP.T NR today 94M at .295
Procyon Biopharma reveals TVT-Dox preclinical results
2006-02-07 09:43 ET - News Release
Ms. Julie Thibodeau reports
PROCYON PRESENTS PRECLINICAL RESULTS WITH ITS NOVEL TUMOR VASCULATURE TARGETING DRUG, TVT-DOX, AT THE 2006 MIAMI NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM ON ANGIOGENESIS IN CANCER
Procyon Biopharma Inc.'s preclinical results with its novel tumor vasculature targeting drug, TVT-Dox (tumor vasculature targeting liposomal doxorubicin), were presented at the 2006 Miami Nature Biotechnology Winter Symposium Angiogenesis in Cancer and Vascular Disease being held in Miami Beach, from Feb. 4 to Feb. 7, 2006.
The TVT-Dox short report, entitled "A novel dual-targeting drug for solid tumors and their vasculature," was presented by Dr. Jinzi Wu, vice-president of preclinical and basic research of Procyon during the Feb. 6 session titled "Angiogenesis Inhibition."
The short report confirms the selective binding capability of TVT-Dox to endothelial cells in tumor blood vessels and its effective delivery of the cytotoxic agent (doxorubicin) to the tumor blood vessels and adjacent tumor cells. Upon its binding to the specific tumor receptor (CD13 isoform), TVT-Dox is internalized into tumor vascular endothelial cells and releases doxorubicin, which acts as a cytotoxic agent functionally disrupting tumor vasculature.
TVT-Dox short report summary
There are two major issues with conventional chemotherapies: (1) poor selectivity (low drug concentration at tumor sites and distribution in normal tissues); and (2) unfavourable pharmacokinetics (rapid disappearance in the systemic circulation). Doxil, a non-targeted PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin with a long half lifetime, has demonstrated certain clinical benefits over doxorubicin. However, lack of targeting mechanism has limited the use of doxil in the clinical setting. TVT-Dox is a PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin coated with a 19-amino-acid tumor vascular targeting peptide containing NGR motif. TVT-Dox has been shown to be capable of selective binding to the CD13 receptor on endothelial cells in tumor blood vessels, and effectively delivering the cytotoxic agent, doxorubicin, to the tumor blood vessels and adjacent tumor cells. Upon its binding to the specific CD13 isoform, TVT-Dox is internalized into tumor vascular endothelial cells and releases doxorubicin, which acts as a cytotoxic agent functionally disrupting tumor vasculature. Because of the expression of the NGR-specific isoform of CD13 on some tumor cells and leakiness of tumor vasculature, TVT-Dox also selectively delivers doxorubicin to the tumor cells adjacent to the tumor vasculature. This dual-targeting mechanism differentiates TVT-Dox from traditional tumor vasculature targeting agents. With its long half lifetime and dual-targeting mechanism, TVT-Dox is believed to be a novel anti-cancer drug for a wide variety of solid tumors including those resistant to conventional chemotherapies.
About TVT-Dox
The TVT (tumor vasculature targeting) technology comprises liposome drug carriers containing doxorubicin, combined with a targeting device (NGR peptide). The targeting device specifically identifies a receptor (CD13 isoform) found only in the vascular endothelium (blood vessel lining) of tumors.
In cancer patients, new blood vessels grow (neovascularization) in response to the demand of tumors for nutrients and oxygen. In healthy adults, there is little neovascularization, with the exception of the uterus and placenta in women in the first part of their cycle and in pregnant women, respectively. Hence, in most cancer patients, new blood vessels are found only in tumors and metastases. As a consequence, targeted liposomes can be used to treat cancer patients by very selectively delivering a cytotoxic agent, and destroying blood vessels in the tumor and metastases but not in normal tissues.
Research to date has shown TVT-Dox to be a very potent anti-tumor agent with seven-out-of-seven positive results in animal models and six-out-of-six positive results with human tumor biopsies. TVT-Dox shows a broad spectrum of anti-tumor activity, destroys tumor vasculature and has a vast market potential. TVT-Dox is specific for tumor vasculature and has a high safety/efficacy profile. An investigational new drug application is anticipated within the next 12 months.
We seek Safe Harbor.
NCS.T NR today 14M at 11.50
Nucryst's Acticoat gets European approval
2006-02-06 09:23 ET - News Release
Mr. Scott Gillis reports
NUCRYST PHARMACEUTICALS ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN APPROVAL FOR ACTICOAT(TM) MOISTURE CONTROL
Nucryst Pharmaceuticals Corp.'s Acticoat moisture control with Silcryst nanocrystals has received European Design Examination Certificate regulatory approval. This product, which was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada in 2005, will be available in Europe commencing March 1, 2006.
Acticoat moisture control is a foam dressing that provides anti-microbial activity for up to seven days for wounds with light to moderate exudate. The product was developed in collaboration between Smith & Nephew and Nucryst Pharmaceuticals. It will be sold by Smith & Nephew as part of its Acticoat product line.
"We are pleased that doctors and patients in Europe can now get the benefit of the full line of Acticoat products," said Scott H. Gillis, president and chief executive officer of Nucryst. "As part of our long-term growth strategy, we will continue to look for further opportunities to develop innovative medical products to fight infection and inflammation using our proprietary nanocrystalline silver technology."
Advanced wound care products with Nucryst's Silcryst coatings are sold by Smith & Nephew in over 30 countries around the world under its Acticoat trademark. They are used for a wide variety of wound types by hospitals, clinics, burn centres, doctors' offices, home health care agencies and nursing homes. Nucryst manufactures the Acticoat family of dressings for Smith & Nephew at its facility in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.
In addition to Acticoat moisture control, Smith & Nephew's Acticoat product family with Silcryst nanocrystals includes:
Acticoat 3/Acticoat burn dressings -- wound care dressings that provide up to three days of sustained anti-microbial activity;
Acticoat 7 -- wound care dressings that provide up to seven days of sustained anti-microbial activity; and
Acticoat absorbent -- alginate dressings that provide up to three days of sustained anti-microbial activity for wounds with moderate to heavy excess fluid or exudate.
We seek Safe Harbor.
TTH-T NR today 137M at .69
Transition Therapeutics increases Ellipsis ownership
2006-02-06 09:37 ET - News Release
Dr. Tony Cruz reports
TRANSITION THERAPEUTICS INCREASES OWNERSHIP STAKE IN ELLIPSIS NEUROTHERAPEUTICS INC.
Transition Therapeutics Inc. has acquired of an additional 1.5 million common shares of Ellipsis Neurotherapeutics Inc. Transition now owns 33 per cent of ENI and has the potential to increase that holding to 39 per cent through the achievement milestones in its management services agreement with ENI.
At the time of its original investment in ENI, Transition issued four million exchange rights, which entitled certain ENI shareholders to convert one ENI common share into 0.8264 of a Transition common share. ENI shareholders have exercised 1.5 million exchange rights which has resulted in Transition issuing 1,239,600 Transition common shares in exchange for 1.5 million ENI common shares. The remaining 2.5 million exchange rights were not exercised and expired on Feb. 4, 2006.
About AZD-103
The lead compound AZD-103 is part of an emerging class of disease-modifying agents that have the potential to both reduce disease progression and improve symptoms such as cognitive function. AZD-103 breaks down neurotoxic fibrils, allowing amyloid peptides to clear from the brain rather than accumulate and total to form amyloid plaques, a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, AZD-103 is well positioned as an Alzheimer's therapy as it is taken orally, crosses the blood brain barrier and has an excellent safety profile.
About Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. The disease affects more than four million Americans, and with an aging population is expected to double over the next 20 years unless an effective therapy is developed. Currently approved Alzheimer's therapies primarily treat disease symptoms but do not reverse or slow down disease progression. These products have annual sales of $3.1-billion (U.S.); however, the Alzheimer's pharmaceutical market is expected to grow significantly with the arrival of products that alter disease progression.
We seek Safe Harbor.
CVQ.V NR today(Sedar)101M at 3.79
CV Technologies earns $4.4-million in 2006 Q1
2006-02-06 09:39 ET - News Release
Mr. Gordon Brown reports
CV TECHNOLOGIES-MAKER OF COLD-FX'R'-REPORTS SALES OF $18.9 MILLION FOR Q1 AND AN INCREASE IN CASH TO $17.4 MILLION
CV Technologies Inc. is releasing its financial and operating results for the first quarter of fiscal 2006, which includes the three months of October, November and December, 2005. The quarter was highlighted by record sales and earnings.
For the first three months ended Dec. 31, 2005 (first quarter of fiscal 2006), the company had net sales of $18.9-million compared with $11.3-million for the first quarter of last year, an increase of 68 per cent year over year. Pretax earnings for first quarter of 2006 increased to $7.4-million from $4.2-million last year, an increase of 76 per cent year over year. Net earnings after tax were $4.4-million.
The company continued to strengthen its financial position with cash on hand of more than $17-million compared with $1-million in the first quarter of last year and working capital of $22-million compared with $7-million for the same period.
This strong performance in sales and profitability is a result of increased product sales and awareness in Ontario and Quebec, continued momentum and support within the West, and increasing success with the company's other lead products Cell-fX and Remember-fX.
Of significance is the growth in sales of Cold-fX relative to other cold remedies during this period. While Cold-fX, Cell-fX and Remember-fX -- which fall into the broad category of cold remedies, supplements and vitamins -- grew by 68 per cent from October through to December, 2005, ACNielsen data indicate that overall sales in this category increased by only 9 per cent for the period. The strong sales growth posted by CV Technologies occurred even though Health Canada reports an unusually light flu season to date. Health Canada statistics show that so far this winter, labs have done 31,000 flu tests compared with 39,000 last year and 50,000 for the year previous.
CVT president and chief executive officer, Dr. Jacqueline Shan, said: "We are very pleased with our accomplishments over the past quarter. Our pace of growth is significantly better than competing products in the category of cough and colds. Cold-fX remains the top seller in that category. Our growth in sales demonstrates that people believe in disease prevention."
A complete set of interim financial reports will be made available on SEDAR.
We seek Safe Harbor.
News groups have been making money for years on the political and religious angles. This is one more attempt to ridicule people's beliefs. I think they have really stirred a hornets nest this time.
Whatever a person believes is a very personal thing and IMO not something to be ridiculed.
Unfortunately all the world does not believe that. Religious freedom is part of the American Way. Just like Political Freedom. The right to chose is not given to everyone in this world. It is my belief that peaceful methods for change are possible, and the results last longer. Violence begets more violence and there is enough of that without adding more.
Sorry to vent.
Should be interesting at the very least.
Interesting Junior Oils website:
http://www.largeinvestor.com/
Interesting Junior Oils website:
http://www.largeinvestor.com/
Maybe thats it ??
I use SW Data feed not TD. Java based like chief's chat. I don't seem to have a problem, but it does start getting jinky if there are too many cookies on board. I have over a gig of Ram & I think that helps.
In the TD notice it says "$9.99 will be charged for Canadian orders up to 1,000 shares and 1 cent per share thereafter." I wonder if they meant percent? That's what other companies do.
What do you think??
CWPC.OB anyone know much about this company? They are in Sask. Oilsands Quest.
Here is the latest NR that I could find:
CanWest Petroleum Corporation: Firebag East Athabasca Oil Sands Project-Drilling Progress Report
2006-01-13 14:52 ET - News Release
CALGARY, Alberta -- (Business Wire) -- Jan. 13, 2006
CanWest Petroleum Corporation (OTCBB:CWPC) is pleased
to report the initial core hole known as # 6 - 11 - 095 - 25W3 has been drilled to total depth and intersected 18 meters (59 feet) of bitumen bearing sands within the McMurrary formation. The core recovery was greater than 90% and will be sent for analysis.
Hole #6 - 11 is located approximately 400 meters to the west of a previously drilled hole known as #07 - 11 - 095 - 25W3 which also cored bitumen from the Mc Murray formation.
The next several core holes will be drilled in the immediate area which is located in the western central portion of the Company's overall land position of 846,000 acres.
Weather permitting, the balance of the Phase One 25 hole program may be completed on schedule. The company will report on the Phase One Program from time to time as results are received. Also, the company has completed its application to drill a further 125 core holes, that will be submitted for government approval at this time.
CanWest Petroleum Corporation has the right to own a 71.3%
interest in Oilsands Quest, a private Alberta operating company that has 100% of extensive acreage in the Canadian Athabasca Oil Sands Region covering some 846,000 acres known as the Firebag East, which is highly prospective for Athabasca bitumen. The Company also owns 100% of the 23,000 acre Eagle Nest Project with a known bitumen resource of 3.4 billion barrels in place. In addition, the Company owns 98% of the Pasquia Hills oil shale project with a fully risked resource of 2.4 billion barrels shale oil that grades 7.5% kerogen by weight of which 59% are aromatics including benzenes and naphtha's suitable for petro chemical feed stocks.
CanWest Petroleum Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board:CWPC)
Would that be the worm???
There are members on chief chat that do nothing but complain about the platform of IB, their slow response times etc.
Might be interesting to set up a question during chat to find out the overall workings of IB.
Personally, I will stay with TD for now and see what happens.
DJE.V NR yesterday 31M shares at 1.47
Dejour Merit Partners No. 1 well achieves total depth
2006-02-02 15:14 ET - News Release
Mr. Robert Hodgkinson reports
DEJOUR EXPLORATION UPDATE - TINSLEY PROSPECT DRILLING PROGRAM
Dejour Enterprises Ltd. confirms that the Merit Partners No. 1 well, Tinsley prospect, in Yazoo county, Mississippi, has been successfully drilled to total depth. With several zones of commercial interest, this well is now in the process of completion.
The company will pay 34.9375 per cent of the completion costs to earn a 34.9375-per-cent working interest in this well location. Dejour is now heads up on all further development of the 5,100 acres of primary leases covering this project, including any additional lands to be subsequently purchased.
The company awaits release of further information from the operator, including detailed completion data and further drilling/development plans.
R. Marc Bustin, PhD, PGeol, FRSC, is the qualified person for Dejour's oil and gas projects.
We seek Safe Harbor.
Out VAS.T nice ride. In DJE.v
ASV.T NR from 02/01 32.9M at 22.80
Aspreva Pharmaceuticals to release 2005 results Feb. 8
2006-02-01 20:04 ET - News Release
Mr. Sage Baker reports
ASPREVA ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY REVENUES FOR FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2005
Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corp. has recorded preliminary and unaudited net revenues of approximately $45-million (U.S.) for the fourth quarter, and $76-million (U.S.) for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005.
As previously announced, Aspreva will release its full financial results on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The company will hold a conference call and webcast beginning at 2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET) to discuss results and to provide a general corporate update.
The webcast and conference call will be available to all interested parties. To access the live call or the archive via the Internet, please visit the investors section of the company's website. Alternatively, please dial 1-866-831-6224 (North America) or 1-617-213-8853 (international) and enter the pass code 67864252 to participate in the call. The call will be available for replay until Wednesday, Feb. 15, by calling 1-888-286-8010 (North America) or 1-617-801-6888 (international) and entering the pass code 32850113. The webcast replay will be available until Aspreva's first quarter 2006 conference call.
We seek Safe Harbor.
ASV.T NR today 32.9M at 28.78
Van Sun says Aspreva shares soar on improved outlook
2006-02-03 09:24 ET - In the News
The Vancouver Sun reports in its Friday edition shares in Aspreva Pharmaceuticals shot up Thursday after preliminary results that showed the Victoria company chalked up revenues of $76-million last year (all figures U.S.). The Sun's Gillian Shaw writes that is well up from the $65-million to $70-million it had previously forecast. Estimated sales for the fourth quarter were $45-million. The figures were issued ahead of the company's full financial results, slated for release Feb. 8. The company said it made public the unaudited numbers after its partner, Hoffmann-La Roche, released its year-end results earlier this week. Investors clearly liked what they saw, driving up shares to a high of $29 (Canadian) in trading Thursday, up from Wednesday's close of $22.80 (Canadian). Aspreva's innovative business model is to take an existing drug and find new applications for it among diseases that are underserved in treatments and cures. It partnered with Roche, getting rights to develop and commercialize Roche's CellCept for use in autoimmune-disease applications. The strategy enabled it to leapfrog the long and costly process of developing a drug from scratch. Aspreva launched in 2001.
DJE.V NR today 31M at 1.47
(They have NG/OIL/Uranium)
Dejour Merit Partners No. 1 well achieves total depth
2006-02-02 15:14 ET - News Release
Mr. Robert Hodgkinson reports
DEJOUR EXPLORATION UPDATE - TINSLEY PROSPECT DRILLING PROGRAM
Dejour Enterprises Ltd. confirms that the Merit Partners No. 1 well, Tinsley prospect, in Yazoo county, Mississippi, has been successfully drilled to total depth. With several zones of commercial interest, this well is now in the process of completion.
The company will pay 34.9375 per cent of the completion costs to earn a 34.9375-per-cent working interest in this well location. Dejour is now heads up on all further development of the 5,100 acres of primary leases covering this project, including any additional lands to be subsequently purchased.
The company awaits release of further information from the operator, including detailed completion data and further drilling/development plans.
R. Marc Bustin, PhD, PGeol, FRSC, is the qualified person for Dejour's oil and gas projects.
We seek Safe Harbor.
Saw that, Thanks. Still holding NT, VAS, and ASX.
also uraniums DJE and URE.
I hold ERF.UN
Got the rest that I ordered. Roll on tomorrow.
In ASX.V for partial load. Casey pick. Nice chart.
Thanks for the charts.
'm in for a few - Partial fill and then it took off - Waaah
That is what I think. May hold for a while
LOR.T NR today 173M at .40
Globe/CP say Virulizin news adds vigour to Lorus trading
2006-02-02 07:30 ET - In the News
The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Feb. 2, edition that stock in Lorus Therapeutics rose sharply on strong trading volume Wednesday. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Lorus posted positive results Wednesday from tests of its Virulizin treatment for pancreatic cancer. More than 3.4 million shares changed hands after an early morning announcement. Lorus said data from its phase III clinical trial "showed significant survival benefit for a subgroup of patients who continued to receive Virulizin after entering optional Stage 3 second-line therapy," said chief executive officer Jim Wright. Lorus stock climbed six cents to close in Toronto Wednesday at 40 cents. The stock has a 52-week trading range of 92 cents to 21.5 cents.
TTH.T NR today 137M at .70
Transition underwriters exercise greenshoe
2006-02-02 09:23 ET - News Release
Dr. Tony Cruz reports
TRANSITION THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES EXERCISE OF OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION
The syndicate of underwriters of Transition Therapeutics Inc.'s recent bought deal financing, co-led by Versant Partners Inc. and GMP Securities LP and including Dundee Securities Corp. and National Bank Financial Inc., have exercised a portion of their overallotment option and have purchased an additional 575,000 common shares at the price of 69 cents per share, bringing the gross proceeds under the financing to $10.75-million.
The common shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.
We seek Safe Harbor.
APH.T NR today 15M at .105
Alda predicts product launches in next two months
2006-02-02 10:44 ET - News Release
Dr. Terrance Owen reports
ALDA PHARMACEUTICALS ESTABLISHES PRODUCT TIMING
Alda Pharmaceuticals Corp. has made significant progress on its new infection control products based on is T36(r) technology. The company is now anticipating the following product launches in 2006.
T36(r) Hand Sanitizer is queued for production and the market launch is expected in February through Alda's existing distributors.
T36(r) "Ready to Use" Disinfectant Cleaner is targeted to be introduced to Alda's existing distributors and new retail markets in March.
Personal T36(r) Disinfectant is a unique retail product with no equivalent competitors. It is intended for use by travelers, homeowners, and other individuals seeking protection from infectious organisms. The market launch is expected in March.
T36(r) Disinfectant Wipes are designed for commercial customers served by Alda's existing distributors. Test marketing is expected to begin in March.
T36(r) Disinfectant Cleaner CONCENTRATE is a price-competitive and safe formulation for janitorial and sanitation markets. Approval from Health Canada is pending. Once the registration is accepted, the market launch is expected within two months.
T36(r) Hand Sanitizer Plus will provide efficacy against fungi and viruses, in addition to bacteria, and will enter the registration process in February. Approval through Alda's therapeutic subsidiary, Sirona Therapeutics Corp., is expected within 8 to 12 months.
Dr. Terrance Owen, president and chief executive officer of Alda, comments: "In the last year, we made significant progress with the T36(r) technology and are pleased that we are able to introduce so many new products this year. In addition to manufacturing and marketing these new products, we will continue to develop the therapeutic applications of the T36(r) technology through Sirona and pursue licensing rights to additional infection control technologies."
ANP.T NR today 84M at 15.90
Globe says Angiotech soars on American Medical news
2006-02-02 07:32 ET - In the News
The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Feb. 2, edition that Angiotech Pharmaceuticals is a hit with investors. The Globe's Leonard Zehr writes that Angiotech stock jumped 11 per cent after it revealed plans to buy American Medical Instruments Holdings. Shares climbed $1.42 (U.S.) to $14 (U.S.) on the Nasdaq Stock Market on Feb. 1. This is the best one-day gain in two years. Chief executive officer Dr. William Hunter said American Medical is the "last piece of the puzzle." The deal gives Angiotech potential new medical products as well as the sales and marketing infrastructure to sell them. American Medical has 60 direct sales representatives and another 60 distributors. National Bank Financial analyst Andre Uddin suggests Angiotech will outperform, and gives it a 12-month target of $17.50. Canaccord Adams analyst Prakash Gowd is upgrading the stock from a hold to a buy. Angiotech expects to close the $785-million transaction early in the second quarter of 2006. The company will use $200-million in cash and $600-million in senior term loans. Chief financial officer Tom Bailey says the company will still have very reasonable levels of debt.
Any thoughts on NT.t or VAS.t ? They look good to me.
Way to go Swami. I'll hold til tomorrow or Friday.
Inventories up
In NT couldn't resist
NT.t going up. I'm not in.
In VAS.t instead
ANP.T NR today 84M at 14.20
Globe says Angiotech to buy U.S. medical devices firm
2006-02-01 07:19 ET - In the News
The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Feb. 1, edition that Angiotech Pharmaceuticals is preparing to pay $785-million (U.S.) to buy a top medical devices company based in Illinois. The Globe's Leonard Zehr writes that Angiotech is on the brink of becoming a global manufacturer. The friendly deal will transfer all the assets of American Medical Instruments Holdings to Angiotech. This will include 12 plants and 1,400 employees, giving Angiotech its first commercial platform. American Medical has assets in Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, Puerto Rico, Denmark and the United Kingdom. American Medical expects to unveil revenue of $174-million for 2005, with earnings of $50-million before interest, taxes and other items. Chief executive officer Dr. William Hunter said he has been working on the deal for almost a year. He is enthusiastic about combining Angiotech's biomaterials and drugs with the devices of American Medical. He expects to finance the deal with $200-million in cash on hand and borrowings. The majority shareholders of American Medical are RoundTable Healthcare Partners and Marmon Group.
TMC.T NR today 47M at 1.80
Tm Bioscience's Hawkins resigns
2006-02-01 10:24 ET - News Release
Mr. Greg Hines reports
TM BIOSCIENCE ANNOUNCES BOARD CHANGE
Dr. Trevor L. Hawkins has resigned from Tm Bioscience Corp.'s board of directors, effective immediately.
"By sharing his deep understanding of the molecular diagnostics industry with us, Dr. Hawkins has significantly enhanced this company. Unfortunately, a change in employment and relocation to Europe has made it necessary for him to resign from our board," said Greg Hines, president and chief executive officer of Tm Biosciences. "On behalf of the board of directors and management team at Tm Bioscience, we thank Trevor and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."
We seek Safe Harbor.
LOR.T NR today 173M at .34
Lorus's Virulizin data show subgroup survival benefit
2006-02-01 09:16 ET - News Release
Dr. Jim Wright reports
LORUS ANNOUNCES THE PRESENTATION OF VIRULIZIN(R) PHASE III CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS IN PANCREATIC CANCER INCLUDING NEW DATA FROM AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS
Lorus Therapeutics Inc. has provided the results of further exploratory analysis of data from its phase III clinical trial of Virulizin for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This analysis showed significant survival benefit for a subgroup of patients who continued to receive Virulizin after entering optional stage 3(*) second-line therapy.
Results of the phase III clinical trial, including data from further exploratory analysis, were presented orally today by Dr. Bruce Silver, FACP, vice-president, oncology, global product development services at the 17th International Congress on Anti-Cancer Treatment (ICACT(xx)) in Paris, France. Dr. Silver is a medical oncologist with PRA International, which has provided the medical overview of this trial for the past four years.
The randomized, double-blind, multicentre phase III clinical trial compared Virulizin plus gemcitabine with placebo plus gemcitabine for the treatment of chemonaive patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer as first-line therapy. Optional stage 3 second-line therapy included continuation of Virulizin or placebo alone or in combination with 5-flurouracil.
Top-line results from the trial were made public in October, 2005. Virulizin did not demonstrate statistical significance in overall median survival in first-line treatment analysis, but promising median survival differences were observed in patient subgroups, including patients with metastasis and patients with low Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG(xxx)) performance status. Virulizin treatment was well tolerated with no major differences observed between the Virulizin plus gemcitabine arm and the control group.
Exploratory analysis of the clinical trial data, presented today, indicates a significant survival benefit for patients who entered optional second-line therapy after disease progression (stage 3 in the clinical protocol) and who continued to receive Virulizin. Stage 3 patients who remained on Virulizin demonstrated a median survival of 10.9 months, compared with 7.4 months for both intent to treat (ITT) and efficacy evaluable (EE) patients on placebo. Differences in survival times were found to be statistically significant, with P values of 0.0178 and 0.0190 in the ITT (N equals 167) and EE (N equals 157) populations, respectively. Notably, the majority of stage 3 patients from the Virulizin plus gemcitabine group chose to remain on Virulizin, comprising about 35 per cent to 40 per cent of the overall ITT or EE patient population in the trial.
"Virulizin significantly improved survival in pancreatic cancer patients who remained on the treatment arm even when treatment with the standard-of-care chemotherapy gemcitabine was no longer effective," said Dr. Jim Wright, chief executive officer of Lorus. "Lorus is committed to developing innovative, well-tolerated therapies for the management of cancer and we are encouraged by this new data. Although this finding is from exploratory analysis and in our view, will not be sufficient for regulatory approval without additional clinical investigation, it provides important new information for further clinical development strategies."
Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in North America. It is usually diagnosed at a late stage and the survival rate is very poor. Approximately 35,000 North Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually.
(*) Stage 3 patients are those who entered optional second-line therapy, and were offered Virulizin/placebo plus 5-flurouracil, or Virulizin/Placebo alone, or best supportive care
(xx) ICACT is an international meeting for the discussion and presentation of state-of-the=art developments in the management of cancer.
(xxx) ECOG performance status is an internationally accepted scale that provides a rating of the health status of a cancer patient, using a scale of zero to five. A lower number indicates better health than a higher number.
We seek Safe Harbor.
VAS.T NR today 82M at 2.63
Vasogen to present Simpadico information at ACC meeting
2006-02-01 07:21 ET - News Release
Dr. Jay Kleiman reports
VASOGEN'S PHASE III SIMPADICO RESULTS TO BE PRESENTED AT LATE-BREAKING SESSION OF THE 55TH ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC SESSION OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
Vasogen Inc.'s pivotal phase III Simpadico trial in peripheral arterial disease has been accepted for presentation at a late-breaking clinical trial session of the 55th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology. The ACC meeting, which is being held in Atlanta from March 11 to 14, 2006, attracts approximately 20,000 cardiovascular professionals from the United States, Canada and the rest of the world.
The initial results of the Simpadico trial of the company's Celacade technology in PAD will be presented by Dr. Jeffrey Olin, on Sunday, March 12, at 2:45 p.m. ET, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The company will issue a press release providing details on the trial results at the time of Dr. Olin's presentation. Dr. Olin is professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, director of vascular medicine at the Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute in New York, and principal investigator and chairman of the steering committee for the Simpadico trial.
"The opportunity to present the Simpadico trial results at a late-breaking clinical trial session of the American College of Cardiology recognizes both the quality of this pivotal study and the growing need for new approaches to treat patients with peripheral arterial disease," stated Dr. Jay H. Kleiman, chief medical officer and head of cardiovascular development of Vasogen. "We now look forward to the analysis and interpretation of the Simpadico data and to the presentation of the initial findings from this study at the ACC meeting."
The ACC selects presentations for late-breaking clinical trial sessions based on the potential of the study to affect clinical practice, the impact and novelty of the research, the rigour of the design/methods, the major clinical end points, and the quality of the statistical plan.
The Simpadico trial was designed to further investigate the use of Vasogen's Celacade technology to improve intermittent claudication, a debilitating symptom associated with PAD. Simpadico is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 550 patients at 50 sites in the United States and Canada. The primary end point of Simpadico is the change in maximum walking distance from baseline to 26 weeks assessed on a constant speed treadmill with increasing grade. The study was also designed to investigate the impact of Celacade on additional end points, including PAD and cardiovascular-related events, and quality of life.
Peripheral arterial disease is a serious condition due to impaired blood flow to the lower extremities resulting from atherosclerosis. The disease often leads to reduced mobility and a marked impairment in the ability to undertake basic activities of daily independent living. It is estimated that in the United States alone, PAD affects approximately nine million people, with related health care costs exceeding $10-billion annually. The condition is associated with a high level of morbidity, and an estimated 30 per cent of patients diagnosed with PAD will die within five years. Patients also have a six-fold increase in risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and often experience the symptom of intermittent claudication (leg pain on walking). Currently, there are limited effective pharmacological therapies available for the treatment of intermittent claudication, and there is a need for a more effective treatment option.
We seek Safe Harbor.
DDS.T - NR today 43M at 9.35
Globe says FDA review has Labopharm soaring
2006-01-31 07:27 ET - In the News
Also In the News (C-BVF) Biovail Corp (2)
The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Jan. 31, edition that Labopharm hit a 52-week high Monday. The Globe's Leonard Zehr writes the stock hit an intraday high of $9.75, before closing at $9.35 in Toronto. The stock was zooming after the United States Food and Drug Administration agreed to review Labopharm's filing to sell a once-daily version of the pain reliever tramadol. Separately, Labopharm said it signed a deal with Germany's Grunenthal to market its version in France with France's Sanofi-Aventis. The FDA is targeting a 10-month review of the drug. A decision is scheduled for Sept. 26, 2006. Purdue Pharma of Stamford, Conn., has agreed to give out the drug for moderate to severe pain in the United States. The FDA previously told Labopharm that a continuing, second late-stage clinical trial would not be required in its filing application. "We believe the likelihood of approval is very good, based on the recent positive response from the FDA for Biovail Corp.'s competing product," said National Bank Financial analyst Andre Uddin. Johnson & Johnson is gearing up to begin distribution in this quarter of Biovail's once-daily tramadol.