Company Notes

Amgen has agreed to acquire the biotechnology company Micromet for approximately $1.16 billion ($11 per share in cash). The transaction was unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors and includes blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) antibody in Phase II clinical development for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as proprietary BiTE antibody technology. Read More

Catalent Pharma Solutions has expanded its controlled-release drug-development and supply capabilities at its Schorndorf, Germany, facility. The expansion includes the addition of R&D and commercial-scale fluid–bed technology, OptiMelt hot-melt extrusion capabilities, and additional cGMP compliance for handling OEB Class III customer products. Read More

Celgene, a biopharmaceutical company, has agreed to acquire the clinical-stage biotechnology company Avila Therapeutics for up to $925 million. The acquisition provides Celgene with Avila’s AVL-292, a highly selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitor for treating hematologic cancers, currently in Phase I clinical development. In addition, Avila’s proprietary Avilomics platform, which is used to produce covalent drugs that achieve protein silencing. Read More

Kerry Ingredients & Flavors, a provider of functional ingredients, is investing $10 million in expanding its Beloit, Wisconsin, facility to include a cell-science laboratory. The expansion will feature a consumer nutrition center, flavor laboratories, and product ideation and customer collaboration suites. The project is expected to be complete by August 2012, and will add an additional 30,000 ft² to the existing 260,000-ft² facility. Read More

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’s subsidiary Cephalon has issued a voluntary recall of Treanda (bendamustine hydrochloride) for injection (25mg/8mL), lot TB30111), for treating indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, after glass fragments were discovered in a single vial. The affected Treanda lot is packaged in 8-mL vials and was distributed to wholesalers and distributors nationwide between Mar. 22, 2011, and Oct. 5, 2011. Read More

Industry Briefs:

A roundup of other company and people news from pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, their suppliers, and contract-service providers. Read More