Xconomy: ZymoGenetics Gets Upstaged, Calistoga Cancer Drug Matures, Cramer Replaces Kraemer, & More Seattle-Area Life Sciences News
Summary
The company (NASDAQ: ZGEN) presented some promising data on a new treatment for melanoma that has spread through the body, although it was upstaged by a rival drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb.—Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, one of the relative whippersnappers of Seattle biotech, presented some important data that shows its lead drug candidate is standing up to more rigorous clinical testing.It presented some preliminary data that suggests its lead candidate might work when used in re-treatment cycles, which is an important thing for doctors who want to know they have options when a patient relapses.—One of the interesting stories in medical devices this year has been the emergence of a Northwest angel investing network, supported by the Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association, called Wings.—Bothell, WA-based Alder Biopharmaceuticals presented data at the ASCO meeting on its novel idea of treating cancer patients not by fighting the tumors, but by tamping down the excess inflammation that makes them feel so miserable.