Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (NasdaqGM: SPPI) today announced that the second of two Phase 3 pivotal clinical trials of apaziquone has achieved its enrollment target. The two trials enrolled more than 1600 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. As per the collaboration agreement with Allergan, a $1.5 million milestone payment will be paid to Spectrum Pharmaceuticals.

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) reported data from two phase Ib clinical trials of dacetuzumab, one in combination with Rituxan® (rituximab) and Gemzar® (gemcitabine) for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and the other in combination with Revlimid® (lenalidomide) for multiple myeloma. In addition, data were reported describing a diagnostic gene signature that may identify lymphoma patients [...]

The Swedish biotech company Karo Bio (Reuters: KARO.ST) announced that Merck & Co., Inc., through an affiliate, plans to enter a clinical phase IIa trial with the collaboration’s lead investigational drug candidate, MK-6913, identified as part of their joint research collaboration. No milestone payment to Karo Bio is associated with the initiation of phase II [...]

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT) announced that it is scheduled to meet with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 20, 2010 to discuss the Complete Response Letter regarding the New Drug Application (NDA) for Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet). As previously announced, the Complete Response Letter, received by Transcept on October 28, [...]

ZymoGenetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZGEN) announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical trial of PEG-Interferon lambda (IL-29) and ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (the “EMERGE” study). The first patient has been dosed in the study, triggering a $70 million milestone payment to ZymoGenetics from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY), pursuant [...]