Pharma Notes

Shire Pharma Canada ULC,

said the company’s Onivyde (irinotecan liposome for injection) has been approved for the treatment of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV), in adult patients who have disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy. About 60 per cent of pancreatic cancers are detected at a late stage, which significantly contributes to its poor prognosis. It is estimated that 5,500 Canadians will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017, but only 50 per cent of those are expected to survive beyond about four months after diagnosis. Onivyde is the first and only approved treatment option for this patient population which has no universally accepted standard of treatment until now. Based on the NAPOLI-1 trial, Onivyde has been shown to extend patients’ overall survival by two additional months. Onivyde’s active ingredient irinotecan is encapsulated in a longcirculating liposomal form. Through this unique delivery system, Onivyde prolongs drug circulation and may lead to increased accumulation of the drug and its active metabolite (SN-38) in the tumour. Studies have suggested that encapsulation helps to improve delivery of irinotecan to tumors, such as metastatic pancreatic cancer.

ImmunoPrecise Antobodies

of Victoria, B.C. announced that it has signed an agreement with U-Protein Express BV, which paves the way for ImmunoPrecies to acquire U-Protein. “Completing the acquisition of U-Protein will be an excellent strategic fit for ImmunoPrecise as it is complementary to our expertise in custom monoclonal antibody production as well as offering an exceptional opportunity to expand our business into the European marketplace,” said Tom D’Ozario, president and CEO. “The combined company will be able to offer an expanded portfolio of services, further diversifying our revenue base and achieve our strategic, long-term business objectives.” Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the ImmunoPrecise acquires all of the issued and outstanding shares of U-Protein for $10,108,400. Approximately $4,047,390 will be paid in cash on closing, approximately $3,030,498 will be satisfied by the issuance of approximately 3,030,498 common shares of the ImmunoPrecise, on closing, and approximately $3,030,498 in deferred payments over a three-year period.

Microbix Biosystems Inc., an innovator of biological products and technologies, announced the execution of an agreement to supply an existing long-term customer with an increasing quantity of Microbix’ viral antigen products over the next five years. Both parties have the option to extend that term. Sales from the agreement are expected to total $25 million, with approximately $10 million being new business. Microbix infectious disease antigens are incorporated into diagnostic tests used by laboratories and hospitals around the world. The customer is a major global diagnostics company with growing sales of infectious disease tests that require more antigen supply. The agreement also expedites the conversion to product derived from Microbix’ new bioreactor – replacing its roller-bottle processes. The bioreactor process is expected to provide enhanced manufacturing capacity and immediate economic benefits for both Microbix and its customers. The companies have also agreed to explore additional opportunities to collaborate. “Our customer is a leading global diagnostics producer and our long-term partnership with them has been rewarding for both companies. We’re delighted to expand this key relationship through this agreement, which also demonstrates the growing demand for Microbix’ products,” said Phil Casselli, senior vice-president of business development at Microbix.

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GREER 6 YEARS OLD

Greer’s remarkable recovery from a horseback riding accident was helped by community donations. Children’s Miracle Network® dollars provided a private PICU room and also purchased the pediatric CT scanner which analyzed her traumatic brain injury. Showing no fear of the animal that crushed the right side of her face, Greer is happy to be “back in the saddle” and now wears a special helmet for added safety during her weekly riding lessons.

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