Vernalis Parkinson’s drug sinks on tox issues

Vernalis and partner Biogen Idec have halted development of the drug vipadenant (V2006/BIIB014), an A2A receptor antagonist program in development for the treatment of Parkinson's. Though the drug turned in positive results in a Phase II study, a review of findings in preclinical toxicology studies raised the possibility of side effects. Vernalis and Biogen say they will refocus on an earlier-stage A2A pathway candidate, and plan to move that drug into Phase I studies next...

Vernalis CEO insists he’s hunting for new drug deals

The CEO of the UK's Vernalis isn't letting a recent clinical trial setback distract him from growing the company's pipeline. Chief Executive Ian Garland was out this morning talking up new plans to in-license experimental drugs or acquire companies with interesting development programs underway in cancer and the central nervous system. "We look to further expand our pipeline through in-licensing and acquisition," Garland says. "Most likely these acquisitions will be in our...