Calithera Presents Preclinical Study Findings for CB-839 at the 56th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

-Potential Biomarkers of Response to CB-839 Identified in Myeloma Cells

-Synergy of CB-839 With Pomalidomide Demonstrated in Multiple Myeloma Models

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 8, 2014 -- Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (CALA), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel cancer therapeutics, today announced preclinical data for its lead anti-cancer therapeutic candidate, CB-839, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Francisco, California. CB-839 is a potent, selective, orally bioavailable glutaminase inhibitor in phase I clinical trials.

New Data from Luspatercept Phase 2 Clinical Trial in Beta-Thalassemia Presented at the 56th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition

Luspatercept increased hemoglobin levels, reduced transfusion burden and improved measures of iron overload in beta-thalassemia patients

SUMMIT, N.J. & CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celgene Corporation (CELG) and Acceleron Pharma Inc. (XLRN) today announced the presentation of preliminary data from the luspatercept phase 2 clinical trial in patients with beta-thalassemia at the 56^th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition. This presentation was one of four selected by ASH to be highlighted in this morning’s press briefing on emerging anemia treatments. Dr. Antonio Piga will present the full set of data in an oral session, showing that luspatercept increased hemoglobin levels, reduced transfusion burden, and improved measures of iron overload in beta-thalassemia patients. Celgene and Acceleron are jointly developing luspatercept.

Merck to Acquire Cubist Pharmaceuticals for $102 Per Share in Cash

Acquisition Augments Merck’s Strong Foundation and Opportunity for Growth in Hospital Acute Care Market

KENILWORTH, N.J. & LEXINGTON, Mass.-- Merck (MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CBST) today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck will acquire Cubist for $102 per share in cash, which represents a 35 percent premium to Cubist’s average stock price for the most recent five trading days.

Unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, the transaction has an equity valuation of $8.4 billion and will also include $1.1 billion in net debt (based on projected cash balances) and other considerations for a total transaction value of approximately $9.5 billion.

Ceapro Awarded Research Grant from Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions to Develop Novel Formulations for Energy Drink

- Grant supports collaboration with University of Alberta to advance Ceapro's proprietary high-purity dry form Beta Glucan into an active ingredient in functional food -

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Dec. 4, 2014) - Ceapro Inc. (TSX VENTURE:CZO) ("Ceapro" or the "Company"), a growth-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of active ingredients for health care and cosmetic industries, announced today that it has been awarded a non-reimbursable grant of $198,000 by Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions (AI Bio) to develop the Company's proprietary Beta Glucan formulation in combination with certain bioactives, for use in an energy drink. The AI Bio grant will support a collaborative research project being conducted with Professor Feral Temelli, Ph.D., at the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta.