Biotech & Life Science
The latest biotechnology and life science news.
Report: NC manufacturing jobs on upswing
Manufacturing accounts for 440,000 North Carolina jobs today; in rural parts of North Carolina, manufacturing accounts for 14 percent of total employment and $9.3 billion in annual wages
GSK launches inhaler recycling program; RTP among initial sites
GlaxoSmithKline is launching a recycling program for respiratory inhalers for the first time, The Raleigh-Durham area is among 31 metro areas where the program is being launched.
GSK using Nobel Prize winner's stem cells in drug research
The breakthrough in stem cell research by a Nobel Prize winner has enabled GSK to create heart-muscle stem cells that may be used to test compounds for cardiovascular safety, says Jason Gardner, head of Glaxo's early-stage regenerative medicine research.
Study: GSK melanoma combination slows cancer progress
Patients taking Glaxo's dabrafenib and trametinib together delayed tumors from progressing for 9.4 months, compared with 5.8 months for patients taking dabrafenib alone, according to the study of 162 patients. The trial was part of the second of three phases of human testing usually required by regulators.
Obama plans cuts in global AIDS program; activists upset
As a global AIDS conference opens in Washington, activists say the U.S. is seeking to shift burden of AIDS fight at exactly the wrong time with big progress being made against the deadly disease.
GSK ups offer, buys Human Genome Sciences for $3.6B
GlaxoSmithKline increased its offer to buy Human Genome Sciences in a hostile takeover bid to $14.25 from $13 per share.
Raleigh firm seeking 'female Viagra' raises $20 million
Nearly 60 individual investors flock to support Sprout Pharmaceuticals, which is working toward FDA approval for a compound developed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder. It's a form of female sexual dysfunction that essentially means low sexual desire.
GSK pleads guilty, to pay $3 billion in drug case
GlaxoSmithKline Plc agreed to plead guilty and pay a $3 billion settlement to resolve criminal and civil charges linked to the company's illegal promotion of prescription drugs and its failure to report safety data.
Trial results boost potential GSK blockbuster respiratory drug
The drug to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under development could mean $3.5 billion or more a year in sales for Glaxo and replace its best-selling Advair, analysts say.
Supreme Court: GSK doesn't owe sales reps overtime
The justices, voting 5-4 in a case involving a GlaxoSmithKline unit, said pharmaceutical salespeople are exempt from a federal wage-and-hour law.
GSK to advance potential blockbuster melanoma drugs
The two gene-blocking drugs top chemotherapy results in clinical trials. If approved, they could produce more than $2 billion in revenue by 2020.
UNC researchers identify gene linked to male infertility
Researchers at the UNC-CH Nutrition Research Institute have linked a gene that could be a genetic cause for some cases of male infertility.
Raleigh lab testing firm being sold; 140 people to lose jobs
Millennium Laboratory, which is based in North Raleigh, is being acquired by another company. The deal is expected to close this week. As a result 140 people are being let go, the company says.
Dennis Gillings stepping aside as CEO at Quintiles
The founder of the world's largest life science services firm says time was right for a change. However, he will remain chairman of the board. Gillings will be replaced as CEO by Accenture executive Tom Pike as of April 30.
Blue Cross forms venture for claims, other services
The Chapel Hill-based health insurer and BCBS of Kansas City have formed a company called Topaz Shared Services. Both firms are recruiting current employees to fill 40 jobs. It's "too soon to tell" if the move will create job cuts, a BCBSNC spokesperson says.
