Switzerland bans GMOs for three more years

10.03.10 Berne – Switzerland’s House of Representatives has voted to extend the moratorium on use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in farming and animal breeding until 2013. The move had been expected, after a majority of the... more

Roche and Biogen Idec suspend Ocrelizumab in RA over side effects

09.03.10 Basel – Roche and Biogen Idec have suspended development of its humanised anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody Ocrelizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).The decision follows the recommendation of the independent Ocrelizumab RA & Lupus... more

Avastin slows down advanced ovarian cancer: Phase III study results

26.02.10 Basel – Roche’s blockbuster drug Avastin (bevacizumab) could add another billion to its $5.75 billion sales in 2009, analysts said after the company announced positive preliminary outcomes of a 3-arm phase III study (NCT00262847)... more

Basilea in EUR375 million deal with Astellas

25.02.10 Basel – Swiss Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd. has achieved a EUR51m upfront payment for the license, co-development and co-marketing deal of its antifungal drug isavuconazole with Astellas Pharma Inc. (Tokyo). Basilea's... more

CHMP rejects MAA of Basilea’s/J&J’s ceftobiprole

22.02.10 Basel – The EMA Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has rejected Basilea Pharmaceutica‘s Marketing Authorisation Application for ceftobiprole, intended for the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue... more