> Genentech has introduced a new pre-filled, multi-dose injection device for the administration of Nutropin AQ, a recombinant growth hormone for patients with growth disorders. "NuSpin" is the first growth hormone injection device with a sliding dose activator and "spinning" dose knob that automatically delivers a full dose of Nutropin AQ, eliminating the need for patients to push a plunger to inject. The device comes with pre-filled 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg cartridges. Information
> ViroPharma has begun packaging Cinryze with West Pharmaceutical Services' "Mix2Vial" needle-less reconstitution system. Cinryze is used for routine prophylaxis against hereditary angioedema attacks in adolescents and adults. ViroPharma release
> The FDA has granted NexMed an IND for its NexACT-based alprostadil treatment for Raynaud's syndrome, ahead of a pre-IND meeting in mid-July 2010 to discuss its proposed Phase II/III protocol. Raynaud's syndrome refers to a disorder in which the fingers or toes (digits) suddenly experience decreased blood circulation, and is characterized by color changes of the skin of the digits upon exposure to cold or emotional stress. The company is currently in late stage development for "Vitaros," its topically-applied NexACT-based alprostadil treatment for erectile dysfunction. Says Bassam Damaj, Ph.D., NexMed President and CEO, "Our intention is to move our topical Raynaud's product candidate directly into Phase II/III clinical testing as soon as possible." NexMed release
> Lentigen has received an NIH small business technology transfer grant for a program on "Lentiviral Gene Therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis." Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type II, MPS II), is a rare X-linked recessive, inherited lysosomal storage disorder with an onset at 2-4 years of age. The goal of the program is to evaluate the feasibility of using lentiviral vectors to restore the missing gene in patient's cells and return the cells back to the patient. Release
> Sagent Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval of bacitracin for injection, USP (bacitracin), an anti-infective product used to treat pneumonia and empyema. The product will will be offered in a 50,000 MU, AP-rated, preservative-free, latex-free, single-dose vial packaged both individually and in packages of ten. The total 2009 U.S. market for injectable bacitracin approximated $32 million, according to IMS data. Sagent expects to launch bacitracin in the third quarter of 2010. It marks the seventh product approved from Sagent's partnership with Strides Arcolab. Sagent release