Chiasma Inc., focused on oral delivery of macromolecule drugs,
has completed $6.2 million Series B financing round. Investors included F-2 Ventures, Ofer Hi-Tech Group, the InnoMed Fund
and Yissum Ltd.
The technology Chiasma is developing has the potential to eliminate
the need for drug injections. According to Dr Dalia Megiddo, managing partner of InnoMed Venture, "Hundreds of Biotechnology
drugs are in development. With current delivery systems, all these new drugs would have to be given by injection. Chiasma
has found the delivery system that will enable, for the first time, oral delivery of these drugs. These are exciting news
for the Biotechnology industry and for hundreds of millions of patients throughout the world. It is clear that Chiasma's potential
is huge."
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Alkermes, Inc. (NASDAQ:
ALKS) reported that a Phase 2 clinical study of inhaled insulin for those with type 1 diabetes indicated that blood sugar
levels for inhaled insulin were similar to those for injected insulin. According to the announcement, “Using the standard
measure of blood sugar, A1C, patients achieved an average level of 7.9 using the Lilly/Alkermes inhaled insulin system, compared
to 8.0 in the injected insulin group. A1C is an average measure of blood sugar (glucose) over a three-month period.”
The study revolved around the Lilly/Alkermes system. The results
of findings were presented at the 41st annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Athens, Greece.
Genaera Corporation (NASDAQ:GENR) has signed securities purchase
agreements valued at $24.5 million. Genaera Corporation is developing products for the treatment of eye, cancer and
respiratory problems. These include an eye treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration and a treatment related to the
genetic cause of asthma.
Accelrys Introduces Molecular Design Tool
Accelrys, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACCL) has introduced ONETEP, a nanodesign
tool developed in conjunction with the members of the Accelrys Nanotechnology Consortium. The consortium was formed to expedite
the development of nanomaterials and nanodevices. Mark J. Emkjer, CEO of Accelrys commented on ONETEP broad applicability,
"With the launch of the ONETEP software solution, the first deliverable against our target of increased accuracy, capabilities
and performance across a broad range of nanoscale applications, the Consortium is well on its way to fulfilling the promise
of furthering the rational design of nanomaterials and nanodevices. With the Consortium's membership continuing to grow, we
are well positioned to develop novel technologies that meet the needs of the scientists and engineers who are participating
in and building the nanotech industry."
Noting the value of molecular modeling was Bob Daniels, vice president
of research and development at Lyondell Chemical Company, "We recognize the potential value of molecular modeling as a means
of reducing the cost of new materials research. Accelrys has created a collaborative nanotechnology forum where Lyondell's
needs for specific modeling capabilities are being satisfied. We will deploy these tools to real-world problems to provide
solutions that create a strategic advantage in an increasingly complex and competitive market."
Specific applications
for the ONETEP nanosimulator include nanotubes, mixed bio-materials systems and oxide nanoparticles.
The consortium, which just added seven members, includes organizations
from industry, the academic world and government. The new members include Kyoto University, Millennium Chemicals (A Lyondell
Company), R.J. Mears, CSIC of Spain and PPG Industries. Other members include Corning Incorporated, Fujitsu, e2v Technologies,
Imperial College, Uppsala University, Johnson Matthey, Schenectady International, Fraunhofer IFAM, Fraunhofer IZM and the
Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
