WRAL Tech Wire

Durham drug firm Chimerix reports $9.1M quarterly loss

The company, which went public in April, reports a drop in revenue and an increase in expenses. But stock rallies 4 percent on the news.

Supreme Court unanimously backs Monsanto on crop patents

The justices unanimously upheld an $84,456 award Monsanto won in a lawsuit against an Indiana farmer who sought to circumvent the company's patents on herbicide-resistant soybean seeds.

Elan to pay $1B for a share of Theravance's royalties from GSK

Elan will receive 21 percent of the royalties earned by Theravance from GlaxoSmithKline on the four respiratory medicines, and 20 percent of that income stream will be paid to Elan shareholders as a dividend.

 Billionaire Murdock on nutrition research: 'Let's make some major discoveries'

Scientific research has revealed many things but science is still keeping some secrets from David Murdock. The billionaire businessman founded and funded the David H. Murdock Research Institute to search for answers. And now he's putting up $50 million more in his continuing quest.

WRALTechWire invites readers to submit news, analysis

WRALTechWire is expanding its content lineup, and we want you to participate. We are looking for news and analysis about all things tech and life science from people who know their business.

News in review: What made headlines in WRALTechWire

A look back at technology, life science and other related news as reported in WRAL Tech Wire for the week of April May 6-12.

Vaccine firm Medicago develops H7N9 bird flu vaccine candidate

Medicago developed its H7N9 flu vaccine candide using its proprietary technology that produces vaccines from the leaves of tobacco plants.

How Medicago process works

FDA approves new once-a-day inhaler from GSK

GSK and its partner Theravance receive approval of their once-daily Breo Ellipta for a lung disorder that is the third-leading cause of death in the nation.

Celebration day: Quintiles' founder rings open NYSE trading

Chairman and co-founder Dr. Dennis Gillings joins his company's executive management team for the ringing of the opening bell on the NYSE on Friday. Quintiles executed the biggest IPO in Triangle history on Thursday.

Market stumbles lead to LipoScience sales decline, CEO pledges response

LipoScience revises its revenue guidance for the year after troubles getting its test into the market lead to a first quarter sales decline.

 As Quintiles' Gillings rings opening bell, SciQuest CEO recalls the feeling

Dennis Gillings, who started Quintiles in a trailer more than 30 years ago, rings the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange today to celebrate the giant's return to public markets. Stephen Wiehe, who led SciQuest through a similar private-to-public Odyssey, recalls the "humbling" ringing bell honor.

Stphen Wiehe claps after opening Nasdaq

 With new deal, Cary drug firm expands cystic fibrosis market focus, plans new hires

Cornerstone Therapeutics acquires a drug to treat a consequence of cystic fibrosis and has a new drug coming to market. To boost sales, Cornerstone's CEO says the company will be hiring more sales people. WRALTechWire Insiders get the details.

Prescription growth lifts Salix's 1Q sales

First quarter sales of Salix Pharmaceuticals' top drug, Xifaxan, increased 18 percent year over year. Read more about the company's performance.

 FDA makes Salix wait on constipation drug; company says no new trials needed

The FDA said it needed more data to approve expanded use of Salix Pharmaceutical's constipation drug Relistor. Read why Salix thinks it has enough information.

Developer gives $150M boost to Wake Forest Innovation Quarter

"This is the tipping point for Innovation Quarter," says John McConnell, chief executive officer at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. "As a result of this unique public-partnership the city, county and region will all benefit significantly."

 After IPO, Quintiles ready for more scrutiny, COO says

Following Quintiles initial public stock offering, Chief Operating Officer John Ratliff gave WRAL Tech Wire an interview from the New York Stock Exchange. Read what he has to say about the now public company.

John Ratliff

 Another Triangle biotech firm files to go public; will JOBS act help?

A startup in Chapel Hill is hoping the JOBS Act bill passed in 2012 will help ease its way at lower costs into public markets. The firm recently raised $5 million as well. WRALInsiders can get the details.

GSK, Merck slash cost of cervical cancer vaccine 95% for use in poorest countries

Two drug giants with substantial operations in North Carolina are drastically cutting the costs of their cervical cancer vaccines as part of the first large-scale effort to get the shots to girls in the world's poorest areas.

 Quintiles prices its stock offering at $948M - Biggest IPO ever in Triangle

Shares in the world's largest life science services company are expected to begin trading Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange with an opening price of $40.

Quintiles, from trailer to global company

Billionaire Murdock gives $50M to support scientific research

David H. Murdock gives $50 million to the research institute that bears his name in Kannapolis. He says he wants to do "all I can to advance scientific research that will vastly improve the quality of life for mankind."