Imclone’s (IMCL) stock is being devastated on rumors that the firm’s clinical trials of Erbitux fell short of expectations?! An analyst said he had heard the speculation, but was unable to substantiate it. (Nevertheless he perpetrated it.) The rumors were sufficient to push shareholders to sell the stock. Imclone was unable to confirm the source of information or its validity.
All we personally know about Erbitux’ clinical trial results until now has come from the firm itself. Imclone and its partner stated that data from a phase 3 study of Erbitux and chemotherapy in first-line colon cancer patients is positive. Read More….

Antigen-specific memory T-cell responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV), which may be important in protecting against CMV disease, were detected six months after DNA vaccination in a majority of CMV-seronegative subjects in a previously completed Phase 1 study. Memory T-cells are known to respond quickly upon subsequent infection with virus, transforming into active, effector T-cells that can control disease. Read More….

The approved merger will be submitted to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for final court approval on or about February 27, 2007. If court approval is obtained and other customary conditions to closing are satisfied the transaction is expected to close on or about February 28, 2007, at which time all Tm Bioscience shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.06 Luminex common shares in exchange for each Tm Bioscience common share. Read More….

Chemists are currently able to synthetically produce almost any compound, but they must typically resort to expensive, complex processes that can require dozens of individual steps. Such natural product syntheses have traditionally relied on the ubiquitous use of “protecting groups,” which are extra compounds chemists use to shield reactive portions of a molecule during specific stages of a synthesis scheme. Read More….

The publication of the molecular structure of the insulin receptor last September, led by Australia’s Colin Ward, was a milestone in the life sciences. Fiona Wylie profiles the man behind the receptor.The publication of the molecular structure of the insulin receptor last September, led by Australia’s Colin Ward, was a milestone in the life sciences. Fiona Wylie profiles the man behind the receptor.

Four years ago Matthew Freeman discovered the first of a new family of membrane-active protease enzymes, rhomboids. They disturbed the sleep of biophysicists, but are now inspiring drug researchers to dream.

The enormous advancement in the biological sciences that is taking place has begun to change the traditional way of practicing medicine. Far-reaching biological products are being approved and news about breakthroughs are occupying the headlines. However, selecting the biotechnology firms in which to invest requires not only an understanding of the company’s finances, but also a knowledge of the company’s potential and the potential and scientific validity of it’s products and technologies.