Johns Hopkins, the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund and BioCardia (NSDQ:BCDA) said today that the 1st patient has been treated in a pivotal Phase III trial of the CardiAmp cell-based therapy for the treatment of ischemic heart failure. The investigational therapy was designed to deliver a dose of a patient’s own bone marrow cells directly […]
Cardiovascular
Amgen wins marketing authorization for Repatha single-dose delivery option
Amgen (NSDQ:AMGN) said today that the European Commission granted a change to the marketing authorization of its Repatha device, approving a single-dose delivery option. The pre-filled cartridge mini-doser is a hands-free device that is designed to provide 420 mg of Repatha (evolocumab) in a single injection for patients with cardiovascular disease. The company touted its […]
Amgen tops Q4 earnings, touts Repatha cardiovascular outcomes
Shares in Amgen (NSDQ:AMGN) rose today after the pharmaceutical company met expectations on Wall Street with its 4th quarter results and touted data from a trial for its cholesterol drug, Repatha. The Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based company posted profits of $1.94 billion, or $2.59 per share, on sales of $5.97 billion for the 3 months ended Dec. 31, for bottom-line […]
J&J, Actelion still in talks despite Opsumit failure
Although Actelion (VTX:ATLN)’s Opsumit drug candidate missed its primary endpoint in a phase III trial for patients suffering from a deadly heart-lung condition, analysts reportedly concluded that the result is unlikely to have an impact on merger talks with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). The Swiss drugmaker’s trial involved 226 patients with Eisenmenger Syndrome, which causes untreated congenital heart […]
BioCardia launches pivotal trial for CardiAmp heart failure treatment
BioCardia (NSDQ:BCDA) initiated its CardiAmp pivotal trial this week to evaluate its cell therapy at 40 clinical sites across the U.S. The pivotal trial is a part of the company’s efforts for premarket approval, as regulated by the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research division. “We are honored to be working with the leading […]
Bayer, Versant close $225m Series A to launch stem cell company
Bayer (ETR:BAYN) and Versant Ventures said today that the 2 groups closed a $225 million Series A financing round to launch BlueRock Therapeutics, a regenerative medicine company focused on developing induced pluripotent stem cell therapies. The funds are estimated to support the company for 4 years as it advances cell therapy clinical programs for cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. “Accessing […]
AngioSoma taps new CEO
AngioSoma (OTCQB:SOAN) said today that it named Ken Stephenson to the Montgomery, Texas-based company’s corner office. Alexanderia Blankenship will now serve as chief operating officer and executive VP. Stephenson has worked with hospitals, health insurance organizations and physician’s offices throughout Texas, according to the company. He previously helped set up practices for interventional radiologists and […]
Micell begins MiStent clinical trial in Japan
Micell Technologies said today that it began its Dessolve J randomized, double-blind study comparing its MiStent SES sirolimus eluting absorbable polymer coronary stent to the Xience V everolimus eluting coronary stent in patients with coronary artery disease. The Durham, N.C.-based company touts its device as a bare-metal stent coated in crystalline drug, sirolimus, and an absorbable polymer, […]
OrbusNeich launches Combo Plus stent
OrbusNeich said today that it launched the latest version of its dual-therapy stent, the Combo Plus, featuring an antibody biological coating designed to promote vessel healing in patients with complex coronary artery disease. After the stent is implanted, the biological coating captures endothelial progenitor cells and kicks off formation of an endothelial layer. A coating of bioabsorbable polymer […]
Injectable Regeneron biologic therapy reduces triglycerides, cholesterol
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania presented preliminary data from a trial evaluating Regeneron Pharmaceutical‘s (NSDQ:REGN) injectable biologic drug therapy for reducing triglyceride levels. The team, led by Dr. Richard Dunbar, presented their work at the annual meeting of the American Heart Assn. The Phase I, placebo-controlled, double-blind study tested the safety and efficacy of Evinacumab, an […]