Xconomy: European Regulators Question Antigenics and Biogen Idec Drugs, BioAssets Bags $30M in Option Deal, & More Boston-Area Life Sciences News
Summary
—Ryan made a visit to the yeasty-smelling labs of Lebanon, NH-based Mascoma, where researchers are aiming to engineer microbes that can more efficiently produce ethanol from cellulose-rich materials such as wood chips, switch grass, and corn stalks.The field is currently riding a wave of interest tipped off in part its inclusion in the economic stimulus bill, he explained, and the event attracted a mix of physicians, entrepreneurs, hospital administrators, academics, and technology executives.—Natalizumab (Tysabri), the multiple sclerosis drug from Cambridge, MA-based Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB), has reportedly come under fresh scrutiny from European regulators now that a total of 23 patients on the treatment have been diagnosed with a rare, potentially fatal brain infection called PML.According to Reuters, the European Medicines Agency has initiated a review to discuss any additional measures necessary to ensure the safety of the drug, which is also approved for Crohn’s disease.—Luke gave a sneak peak of next week’s Xconomy Forum, which will explore how Big Pharma is seeking to boost its pace of innovation—and chances of success—in a notoriously risky industry.