Spark Therapeutics Announces Positive Top-line Results From Pivotal Phase 3 Trial of SPK-RPE65 for Genetic Blinding Conditions

Meets Primary and First Two Secondary Endpoints with High Statistical Significance and No Serious Adverse Events Related to SPK-RPE65
Demonstrates Restoration of Functional Vision and Improvement in Light Sensitivity in Subjects Previously Progressing toward Complete Blindness
First Randomized, Controlled Phase 3 Trial of a Gene Therapy for a Genetic Disease

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 05, 2015 -- Spark Therapeutics ( ONCE ) today announced positive top-line results from the Phase 3 pivotal trial of its lead gene therapy product candidate, SPK-RPE65, for the treatment of RPE65-mediated inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs).

Published: 05 October 2015

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ContraVir Reports New Data demonstrating CMX157 to be 60-Fold More Potent Against Hepatitis B Virus than Gilead's Viread®

EDISON, N.J., Oct. 5, 2015 -- ContraVir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CTRV), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of targeted antiviral therapies, today announced preliminary data dramatizing the unique properties of CMX157, the Company's highly potent lipid prodrug of the successful antiviral drug tenofovir (TFV). CMX157 was shown to be 60-fold more active than tenofovir against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) based on in vitro studies. This significant potency difference has considerable potential in increasing the safety profile and reducing the side effects compared to tenofovir DF (Viread^®).

The Company believes CMX157's lipid-conjugate design clearly differentiates it from tenofovir DF. ContraVir plans to file an investigational new drug (IND) application for CMX157 to treat HBV before year-end 2015. CMX157 benefits from earlier human studies in volunteers under an IND for HIV. ContraVir is focused on a quick evaluation of CMX157 in a Phase 2 clinical study in patients with hepatitis B which it plans to begin in 2016.

Published: 05 October 2015

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BioAmber Sarnia Producing High Quality Bio-Succinic Acid at Commercial Scale - Company Now Shipping Bio-Succinic Acid to Customers

MONTREAL, Oct. 2, 2015 - BioAmber Inc. (NYSE:BIOA ) announced today that its Sarnia joint venture with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. has begun shipping bio-succinic acid to customers and is operating its manufacturing process at commercial scale, meeting a significant company milestone.

Yeast biotechnology exceeds performance targets
BioAmber has confirmed the performance of its proprietary yeast in the production fermenters in Sarnia. The fermentation performance achieved is significantly above the initial targets set for 2015, and the yield and productivity levels already exceed the targets the plant was designed to hit longer term. The bio-succinic acid being produced is of higher quality than the product previously produced in the demonstration plant located in France.

Published: 02 October 2015

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Data at SITC Annual Meeting to Highlight Progress of Incyte’s Immuno-oncology Portfolio

Results of a proof-of-concept study of epacadostat, Incyte’s IDO1 inhibitor, in combination with pembrolizumab to be presented as a late-breaking abstract

WILMINGTON, Del.-- Incyte Corporation (Nasdaq:INCY) announces that new data from its investigational immuno-oncology portfolio will be presented at the upcoming Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 30th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Associated Programs, November 4–8, 2015 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. Safety and efficacy data from a Phase 1/2 study evaluating epacadostat, Incyte’s selective IDO1 inhibitor, in combination with pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 therapy, will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation. Additionally, data from INCB50465, Incyte’s selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, will be presented as a poster.

Published: 02 October 2015

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XenoPort Announces Plan to Focus on its Growing HORIZANT Business and Names Vincent J. Angotti Chief Executive Officer and Director

SANTA CLARA, Calif.-- XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq: XNPT) announced today a strategic shift to focus on and maximize the value of its commercial product, HORIZANT^® (gabapentin enacarbil) Extended Release Tablets. As part of this shift, XenoPort will discontinue development of XP23829 on its own and seek to partner this and other high potential development stage assets.

In connection with the decision to focus on commercializing HORIZANT, Ronald W. Barrett, Ph.D., has retired as Chief Executive Officer and as a Director of XenoPort, effective immediately. Vincent J. Angotti, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who has spearheaded the commercialization of HORIZANT, has been named Chief Executive Officer and has joined XenoPort’s Board of Directors. Dr. Barrett will continue to work with XenoPort in an advisory role, with a primary focus on ensuring a smooth transition and advising on potential partnering activities for the company’s development stage assets, including XP23829.

Published: 02 October 2015

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Spark Therapeutics ( ONCE )

Spark Therapeutics Announces Positive Top-line Results From Pivotal Phase 3 Trial of SPK-RPE65 for Genetic Blinding Conditions

ContraVir Pharmaceuticals Inc ( CTRV )

ContraVir Reports New Data demonstrating CMX157 to be 60-Fold More Potent Against Hepatitis B Virus than Gilead's Viread®

BioAmber Inc ( BIOA )

BioAmber Sarnia Producing High Quality Bio-Succinic Acid at Commercial Scale - Company Now Shipping Bio-Succinic Acid to Customers

Incyte Corporation ( INCY )

Data at SITC Annual Meeting to Highlight Progress of Incyte’s Immuno-oncology Portfolio

XenoPort Inc ( XNPT )

XenoPort Announces Plan to Focus on its Growing HORIZANT Business and Names Vincent J. Angotti Chief Executive Officer and Director