Belgian diagnostics producer receives grant from Flemish government to develop microsatellite instability (MSI) test in collaboration with VIB-KULeuven. Not only will the test offer prognosis estimates for colorectal cancer patients, it will potentially be able to indicate whether certain immunotherapeutic approaches are advisable.

EU-LIFE, the alliance of European research centres in life sciences, urges politicians to unequivocally support the ERC by raising its budget in FP9 and endorsing its guiding principles. 

TiGenix, stem cell specialist focused on developing novel therapeutics from its two proprietary platforms of donor-derived expanded adipose derived stem cells (eASC) and donor-derived expanded cardiac stem cells (AlloCSCs), today announced top-line one-year results from the CAREMI clinical trial, an exploratory Phase I/II study of AlloCSCs in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Galapagos NV announced two new Phase 2 studies investigating filgotinib in small bowel Crohn's disease as well as in fistulizing Crohn's disease. These studies are being led by filgotinib collaboration partner Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Celyad announced that the U.S. FDA authorized the initiation of the THINK trial in the U.S. THINK evaluates NKR-2 CAR-T cells in seven indications, five solid cancers and two hematological malignancies.

TiGenix NV, an advanced biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapeutics from its proprietary platform of allogeneic stem cells, announced today that it has received positive feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an improved protocol for its global Phase III trial for the treatment of complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease patients. This might accelerate the commercialization in the US.

Data from a phase Ib study reveal the Ablynx-developed bi-specific nanobody targeted against IL-17A/F as a promising new therapy to treat psoriasis. Patients in the highest dose group achieved 90% skin clearance and skin biopsies showed complete reversal of disease pathology. A favorable safety and tolerability profile combined with rapid onset of clinical effect makes the nanobody a high-potential therapy.

Ghent-based antibody developer argenx has announced that Staten Biotech has exercised its exclusive option to license ARGX-116, an anti-ApoC3 SIMPLE AntibodyTM with therapeutic potential in dyslipidemia. This collaboration is the latest to stem from the argenx Innovative Access Program. 

In a press release stating strong annual results for the cancer diagnostic producer, Biocartis also announced a change in its top management position. Its current CEO, Rudi Pauwels, has expressed his preference to focus on the longer term strategy of Biocartis, including a pathway towards a Next-Generation Sequencing based product offering. Pauwels will act as chairman of a new strategy committee of the Board. Hilde Windels, currently Deputy CEO, will assume the role of CEO until a successor is on board.

argenx, the llama antibodies developer looking to treat severe autoimmune diseases and cancer, announced today that it has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form F-1 to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed registered public offering of its ordinary shares in the United States.