Boston-area life sciences firms were awfully busy last week, particularly the public ones—and it wasn’t even all bad news.
—New York-based Antigenics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AGEN]]), whose operations are based mainly in Lexington, MA, announced that it’s seeking European approval for its vaccine-based treatment for kidney cancer, vitespen (Oncophage). The treatment is so far only approved in Russia.
—Wade posted the video of his fascinating chat with legendary biotech startup partners Robert Langer, an MIT Institute Professor and Xconomist, and Terry McGuire, managing partner at Polaris Venture Partners. Conducted at our September 23 forum, “How to Build a Life Sciences Company,” the conversation offered a uniquely personal take on life sciences company creation from one of the best teams in the business.
—Cambridge, MA-based Targanta Therapeutics (NASDAQ:[[ticker:TARG]]) released data showing that fewer doses of its antibiotic oritavancin—which is awaiting FDA approval as a treatment for skin infections—are as safe and effective as a three-to-seven day course of therapy.
—Neuroptix raised $18.5 million in a Series B financing round led by Inventages. The Acton, MA-based startup is developing a non-invasive test that uses an eye drop and a laser scanner to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest stages.
—Ryan did some reporting (and a little eavesdropping) at the Boston Biotech R&D Conference, where he found the mood among local life sciences luminaries to be surprisingly optimistic. Christoph Westphal, one of the event’s organizers and the CEO of Cambridge, MA-based Sirtris, revealed
