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  - Reimbursement potential influences clinical trials
The question of whether insurers and Medicare will pay for a drug increasingly shapes clinical trials, experts say. Some drugmakers have abandoned trials midstage over concerns that payers would not reimburse. The industry is moving toward a model that includes discussions with insurers well in advance of approval applications, Acorda Therapeutics CEO Ron Cohen says. Reuters (12/20)       - Genome institute to fund 7 phenotype data projects
The National Human Genome Research Institute will provide $900,000 and the NIH's Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research will provide $100,000 to fund seven projects on standards and tools for using phenotype data in genome-wide association and population studies. The goal is to fine-tune the Consensus Measures for Phenotype and Exposures (PhenX) Toolkit program to help researchers "pinpoint the genetic and environmental contributions to diseases faster and with greater accuracy," said Erin Ramos, an NHGRI epidemiologist and NIH project scientist. GenomeWeb Daily News (12/20) - Late-stage studies continue for Bristol's brivanib
A late-stage trial showed that Bristol-Myers Squibb's drug candidate brivanib did not improve overall survival of patients with liver cancer who couldn't tolerate or failed treatment with sorafenib. Secondary results of the trial will be presented at a scientific meeting. The completion of a study evaluating brivanib as a first-line therapy is expected next year, and two other late-stage studies of the drug are continuing. Google/The Associated Press (12/22) - Mutations may link FSGS and Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that INF2 mutations could be the cause of many cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy associated with the kidney disease focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. INF2 mutations were found in a high percentage of patients with both the nerve disease and FSGS. The findings may not apply to most Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy patients but could improve understanding of the nerve disease, said Dr. Amanda Peltier of Vanderbilt University. Medscape (free registration) (12/21)  | IT professionals need to find small Active Directory issues before they become large problems and to resolve the problem’s failure point. In this Quest tech brief, see how unattended monitors and Spotlight® on Active Directory complement one another – and how they can speed issue resolution time. Download the brief now! |
 - ViroPharma makes $7.5M initial payment for Meritage acquisition rights
ViroPharma has signed an exclusive option agreement to buy Meritage Pharma for an initial fee of $7.5 million and up to $12.5 million more in exchange for development rights to Meritage's esophagus drug. The deal gives ViroPharma the choice to buy Meritage for $69.9 million after reviewing midstage data. Reuters (12/22) - Poniard and Allozyne terminate merger deal
Biotech firm Allozyne and Poniard Pharmaceuticals agreed to cancel a merger agreement because the resulting entity would not qualify for listing on Nasdaq. Poniard said its board is exploring options for company assets. Xconomy/Seattle (12/22)  | Enterprise Asset Management: Cost Avoidance
Timothy Biernacki of Baker Energy speaks about asset management, and his approach in building an overall maintenance management strategy and philosophy. Proper usage of an asset management system can help maximize the utilization of both operating and IT assets and help reduce cost and ultimately provide solid return on asset. Learn more. |
- Europe clears Dow cotton variety and Syngenta corn
The European Commission approved three insect- and herbicide-tolerant biotech corn crops from Syngenta as well as an insect-resistant cotton variety from Dow Chemical for use in food and feed and for import and processing. Effective for 10 years, the approvals do not cover cultivation of the crops in the European Union. Bloomberg Businessweek (12/22)  | Beyond Turbidity: In Situ Monitoring and Control of Complex Particle and Droplet Systems — This whitepaper explains the options available for real-time in-process monitoring and control of suspensions and emulsions and provides guidelines for selecting the right technology for the work being performed. Download the whitepaper. |
 | Industrial & Environmental | | | | | News from BIO | | | | - Ship with FedEx
FedEx is now offering member companies discounts of up to 35% off select FedEx services, both U.S. and international services. The BIO program with FedEx is one of the many cost-savings programs offered by BIO through its Business Solutions program. There is no charge for BIO member companies to participate in any of the BIO Business Solutions programs -- it is a benefit of membership. Learn more about the BIO and FedEx program.
| Editor's Note | | | | - SmartBrief will not publish Monday
In observance of Christmas, SmartBrief will not publish Monday. Publication will resume Tuesday. Enjoy the holiday! | SmartQuote | | | |  | It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour."
--Charles Dickens,
British author  |
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