Local Tech Briefs: Cisco reports tandberg is finally a done deal; Novartis shows positive trial data for MS treatment; New chief for Novozymes' Va. unit
Local Tech Wire
A roundup of the latest high-tech and life science news from regional firms:
- Cisco gets final Euro blessing for Tandberg deal
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Cisco Systems says it has received final European Commission approval for its acquisition of Tandberg, The Wall Street Journal reported. The deal now must close in two weeks, the report stated.
The European Commission last month had approved the deal provided that Cisco make some concessions, and the U.S. Justice Department said it would not challenge the acquisition in view of Cisco's commitments to the EC.
Cisco, which employs more than 4,000 people at its campus in Research Triangle park, N.C., said it had agreed to enhance interoperability between its multi-screen video conferencing products and competitive products. It also agreed to appoint an independent monitor, who must be approved by the EC, to oversee the implementation of these commitments.
Novartis posts positive trial data for its MS drug
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Novartis said Tuesday that newly disclosed trial data shows its Gilenia multiple-sclerosis treatment is effective for relapsing forms of the disease.
Data from the two-year FREEDOMS study showed that Gilenia 0.5 mg reduced annual relapse rates by 62 percent for treatment-naïve patients compared with placebo. For patients previously receiving other treatments, the annual relapse rates were reduced by 44 percent, Novartis said.
Novartis reported the results at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Toronto.
New chief named for Novozymes' unit in Va.
ROANOKE, Va. — Denmark-based Novozymes has named a new chief for Novozymes Biologicals subsidiary in Roanoke County and Salem, the Roanoke Times reported Tuesday.
Patrick Patterson, 45, replaces Ted Melnik, 52, who has been Novozymes Biologicals president since its incorporation in July 2001.
The company and Melnik said his decision to leave was voluntary. He will stay with the company until the end of April. Patterson became president Monday. Melnik said he plans to "take a good sabbatical and then start to look for some other opportunities."
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